Automotive

Hymer CrossOver 4x4 camper vans escape the grid for up to 10 days

Hymer CrossOver 4x4 camper vans escape the grid for up to 10 days
The new Hymer CrossOver models stop for a photo at the top of the pass
The new Hymer CrossOver models stop for a photo at the top of the pass
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Hymer steps up its 4x4 game with the new CrossOver editions
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Hymer steps up its 4x4 game with the new CrossOver editions
Exterior upgrades include a suspension lift, all-terrain tires and bright two-tone graphics package
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Exterior upgrades include a suspension lift, all-terrain tires and bright two-tone graphics package
The smaller of the two CrossOvers, the Grand Canyon S is a sub-6-m camper van
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The smaller of the two CrossOvers, the Grand Canyon S is a sub-6-m camper van
The Grand Canyon S has a classic rear bed/front dinette layout
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The Grand Canyon S has a classic rear bed/front dinette layout
Hymer updates the CrossOver interiors with anthracite-colored cabinets and under-cabinet cargo nets
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Hymer updates the CrossOver interiors with anthracite-colored cabinets and under-cabinet cargo nets
Wraparound cabinetry over the fold-away transverse Grand Canyon S rear bed
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Wraparound cabinetry over the fold-away transverse Grand Canyon S rear bed
The compact Grand Canyon S bathroom saves space with a foldaway sink
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The compact Grand Canyon S bathroom saves space with a foldaway sink
Looking back at the dinette, kitchen block and bedroom of the Hymer Grand Canyon S CrossOver
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Looking back at the dinette, kitchen block and bedroom of the Hymer Grand Canyon S CrossOver
The larger ML-T CrossOver includes a rear ladder, roof rack and spare tire
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The larger ML-T CrossOver includes a rear ladder, roof rack and spare tire
The ML-T has a Sprinter face, compact Hymer motorhome body
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The ML-T has a Sprinter face, compact Hymer motorhome body
Like the Grand Canyon S CrossOver, the ML-T gets upgraded with raised ground clearance, all-terrain tires and 4x4
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Like the Grand Canyon S CrossOver, the ML-T gets upgraded with raised ground clearance, all-terrain tires and 4x4
Hymer offers the CrossOvers for all-season, all-terrain adventure
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Hymer offers the CrossOvers for all-season, all-terrain adventure
Both the CrossOver models have off-road auxiliary LED lighting
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Both the CrossOver models have off-road auxiliary LED lighting
Inside the Hymer ML-T CrossOver
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Inside the Hymer ML-T CrossOver
The ML-T has a dinette with L-shaped bench
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The ML-T has a dinette with L-shaped bench
Enjoying the scenry from the Hymer ML-T Crossover
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Enjoying the scenery from the Hymer ML-T Crossover
The ML-T's two beds can turn into a double with cushions over top the central nightstand
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The ML-T's two beds can turn into a double with cushions over top the central nightstand
ML-T wet bathroom
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ML-T wet bathroom
Hymer toughens its Sprinter Class B and B+ motorhomes up for on/off-road off-grid expeditions
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Hymer toughens its Sprinter Class B and B+ motorhomes up for on/off-road off-grid expeditions
The CrossOver editions are available for order now
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The CrossOver editions are available for order now
The new Hymer CrossOver models stop for a photo at the top of the pass
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The new Hymer CrossOver models stop for a photo at the top of the pass
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Hymer already offers a 4x4 option on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based campers like its Grand Canyon S camper van and ML-T 570 compact motorhome, and now it's going deeper into off-road territory with a pair of new models. Citing high demand for full-fledged off-road camper capability, it's building out its 4x4 portfolio with the new "CrossOver" edition. Along with standard 4x4 and bright "CrossOver" graphics, the newest Grand Canyon S and ML-T 570 models carry upgraded off-road equipment, an off-grid power system with solar, and other enhancements aimed at disappearing on all-season, all-terrain adventures for over a week at a time.

Hymer stops short of upgrading Mercedes' stock AWD with an aftermarket 4x4 from the likes of Oberaigner, the way La Strada has done with its Regent S 4x4. Instead, it relies on Mercedes' own selectable 4ETS electronic all-wheel drive, which lacks the mechanically locked 4WD functionality of Oberaigner's aftermarket system but does include a reduction gear. This is the same 4x4 option available on Hymer's other Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 campers, and it brings a 9-cm (3.5-in) suspension lift for better ground clearance.

Where Hymer steps up the new CrossOver capability beyond traditional Grand Canyon S and ML-T 570 4x4 models is in upgrading the standard equipment package with more all-terrain/off-grid features. When it comes to driving, that includes 16-in all-terrain tires and front LED light bars. Vibrant CrossOver paint schemes enhance the look, and an "off-road survival kit" with folding spade and axe brings extra utility. The larger ML-T motorhome also carries a roof rack, ladder and spare tire holder.

The larger ML-T CrossOver includes a rear ladder, roof rack and spare tire
The larger ML-T CrossOver includes a rear ladder, roof rack and spare tire

When the CrossOvers leave the dirt for the pavement, drivers can rely on helpful tech like Distronic Plus active distance assist, lane keeping assist and traffic sign assistant. Power comes from a 188-hp diesel engine and 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. Inside, both CrossOver models include a 10.3-in MBUX infotainment system and an available passenger-side safe for locking up small valuables like wallets and jewelry.

Hymer upgrades the camper side of the Grand Canyon S standard equipment package with a focus on increased autonomy. The Hymer Smart Battery System combines two 135-Ah lithium batteries with a 95-Ah AGM battery to offer more electrical capacity than the average camper van. The diesel heater provides both cabin heat and hot water and includes an alpine upgrade kit that keeps it humming smoothly at elevations over 1,500 m (4,921 feet). The company estimates that the Grand Canyon S CrossOver can camp off-grid self sufficiently, spring through winter, for up to 10 days.

Looking back at the dinette, kitchen block and bedroom of the Hymer Grand Canyon S CrossOver
Looking back at the dinette, kitchen block and bedroom of the Hymer Grand Canyon S CrossOver

The CrossOver variant maintains the 593-cm (233-in) Grand Canyon S' standard floor plan, which is anchored by a transverse 195 x 135-cm (77 x 53-in) rear bed that lifts away during the day to clear room for bicycles, luggage and general cargo. A slide-out under the bed can be equipped with an optional Mobicool 25-L compressor cool box to supplement the 90-L fridge/freezer in the kitchen.

Moving forward, the Grand Canyon S CrossOver includes a driver-side wet bath compartment behind a dinette that comprises a two-seat bench, folding tabletop and swivel cab seats. The van has four belted seats for use during driving, and a pop-up sleeper roof can be added optionally to give all four passengers a place to sleep inside. The kitchen block packs in a dual-burner gas stove, sink, folding counter extension and the aforementioned fridge/freezer. Water is stored in a 100-L fresh and 85-L waste tanks.

Those looking for more space than the inside of a stock Sprinter van offers can size up to the 689-cm (271-in) ML-T CrossOver, which pairs a Sprinter cab with a compact, semi-integrated motorhome module. The ML-T CrossOver doubles up on solar for a total of 180 watts of panels sending charge to the Smart Battery System.

The ML-T has a dinette with L-shaped bench
The ML-T has a dinette with L-shaped bench

The ML-T's rooms are laid out the same way as in the Grand Canyon S but built larger in size. The rear bedroom includes two raised single beds that combine into a double via center cushions. The kitchen packs a triple-burner stove, sink and 152-L fridge/freezer, while the front dining lounge replaces the two-seat bench with a larger L-shaped bench around the adjustable tabletop. There's no pop-top option, but a mattress can be added across the front seats for a total of three sleeping berths.

The CrossOver editions are available for order in Europe now. The Grand Canyon S CrossOver starts at €106,990 (approx. US$129,900), and the ML-T CrossOver starts at €122,990 ($149,350).

Hymer steps up its 4x4 game with the new CrossOver editions
Hymer steps up its 4x4 game with the new CrossOver editions

While Americans will have to look overseas in envy once again, there is at least some hope that Hymer might bring these vans (or something like them) over to North America if and when it launches products here. Unlike the many European campers based on vans that aren't even available in the States, the CrossOver's Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 base has become a staple of the American camper market.

Watch Hymer put both CrossOvers through some torture testing in snow, dirt and mud in the minute-long video below.

HYMER CrossOver – Teaser

Source: Hymer

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1 comment
1 comment
ljaques
Pretty sweet little (20' long) package. But the 90/180w of solar panels is ridiculous, not to mention the price of $130k-150k! (thud) I hadn't seen a diesel heater which did water, too, so that's interesting. These wouldn't be good stealth vehicles for after whatever Crash comes.