It would seem that the tiny market for giant, world-traveling expedition vehicles is growing a little less tiny. Or maybe it's just wishful thinking on the part of industry businesses. At the Overland Expo, the United States' premier show for such vehicles, manufacturers like EarthRoamer and EarthCruiser reached out to new demographics with brand-new models. At least one manufacturer will be doing the same at this week's Abenteuer und Allrad (Adventure and All-Wheel) show in Germany. Just a few months after showing the near-seven-figure Global XRS 7200, Action Mobil is now going after a different (still well-heeled) buyer with its entry-level Pure series.
The Pure series encompasses several models with camper shells ranging between 3.8 and 5.6 meters (12.5 to 18.4 ft) in length. Those lengths are comparable to the lengths of some existing dual-axle Action Mobil model lines, but well shorter than the three- and four-axle lines that include the monstrous, eight-wheeled Desert Challenger. Action Mobil uses simpler equipment packages and configurations to keep costs down.
"In order to make the decision of investing in an all-wheel motorhome easier, the entry-level construction series Pure has been developed," the company explains in a newsletter sent out last month. "In terms of technology and quality, all Pure models meet the Action Mobil standards. Technology and interior furnishing provide everything that is necessary for a basic equipment that makes sense."
Upon first read, Action Mobil's description makes one expect a rather spartan interior with the bare essentials, but some of the comfort and style of its larger, more expensive motorhomes shines through. In addition to motorhome basics like a kitchen area with sink and cooktop and diesel heating system, the Pure series includes extras like an oven, towel driers and a rear electric motorcycle lift.
In order to fit that high level of comfort and convenience into a fairly compact motorhome (by Action Mobil standards), the company installs some innovative, space-savings features. For instance, the bathroom sink folds up, allowing it to be mounted directly over the toilet in the small, narrow bathroom. Action Mobil is also offering a hydraulic-lift single bed that can be raised up near the ceiling when not in use. It says that when added to its 4.5-m (14.8-ft) Pure model, the hydraulic-lift bed allows it to offer the same sleeping capacity within a motorhome that is 1.6 m (5.2 ft) shorter overall and 0.9 m (3 ft) shorter in wheelbase.
Action Mobil's website lists 4500 HB, 5000, 5300, 5440, 5600 and 5600 Family Pure models. The company does not yet list the specifications of each one, but it sent us equipment lists for the 4500 HB and 5300. Both models are based on a MAN TGM 18.340 4x4 chassis with 340-hp (250-kW) 6.9-liter inline-six turbo diesel. Both feature a ZF semi-automatic 12-speed transmission, two-speed transfer case, permanent all-wheel drive with center differential lock, front and rear differential locks, disc brakes, and front and rear leaf springs. Dual fuel tanks hold 190 US gal (700 L), and GPS navigation is available as an option.
The model names reference the camper shell lengths in millimeters, so the 4500 HB has a 4.5-m (14.8-ft) camper, and the 5300 has a 5.3-m (17.4-m) box. The 4500 HB has a wheelbase of 3.6 m (11.8 ft), and the 5300's wheelbase measures in at 4.2 m (13.8 ft). Overall vehicle lengths come in at 6.96 m (22.8 ft) and 7.76 m (25.5 ft), respectively.
The living modules are built from a sandwich construction of fiberglass composite and polyurethane foam insulation. The walls measure 61 mm (2.4 in) in thickness, and both cabins stretch just under 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in width and have interiors around 2 m (6.6 ft) high.
Both the 4500 HB and 5300 come equipped with a 122-US gal (460-L) fresh water tank and hot water system, while waste water is held in a 47-US gal (180-L) tank. The plumbing system includes a flushing 21-US gal (80-L) toilet, city water connector, exterior shower and water filtration system. The plumbing is insulated to resist freezing.
Onboard electricity is stored in a 540 Ah battery (AGM is standard in the 5300, lithium standard in the 4500 HB) charged via the alternator and a solar system with four 240-watt panels. The electrical system includes a 5,000-watt inverter and 12-, 24- and 230-volt outlets.
The Pure series starts at €265,000 (US$290,000) before VAT, which isn't exactly "entry level" to the average driver, but a considerable drop from the €850K (US$929K) price of the larger, more powerful 7200 XRS six-wheeler. Action Mobil will bring a 4500 HB model equipped with hydraulic-lift bed to the Abenteuer und Allrad 2015, which gets underway on Thursday in Bad Kissingen. It will have more information about the Pure lineup there.
Source: Action Mobil