Automotive

Most expensive RV of 2022: $5-million LaFerrari carrier with roof deck

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The most expensive motorhome at the 2022 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon is also the most expensive we covered this year
Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

The most expensive motorhome at the 2022 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon is also the most expensive we covered this year
Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

The Volkner Performance S includes a space-maximizing wall slide-out
Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

This year, Volkner chose a LaFerrari for dressing up its multi-million-dollar motorhome
Messe Düsseldorf, Constanze Tillmann

This particular Volkner Performance S combines an exterior sports car garage and roof deck with a unique custom interior
CC Weiss/New Atlas
Volkner Performance S at the 2022 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
CC Weiss/New Atlas
A better look at the LaFerrari and upper rear deck area
CC Weiss/New Atlas
One of 500 LaFerrari supercars ever built; the €5.3 million Performance S price tag with car might be considered a bargain since the last LaFerrari sold for $7 million on its own
CC Weiss/New Atlas
The Performance S roof deck is designed for up to eight people
CC Weiss/New Atlas
The custom floor plan includes a front daybed and a two-person bar
Volkner
You can't just keep your fine glassware anywhere while on the road ...
Volkner
We prefer more of a rounded bowl vessel sink, but this customer went with a sink block
Volkner
The Volvo helm looks slightly less complicated than an aircraft cockpit
Volkner
The bar area is ready for both coffee and wine
Volkner
The rear bedroom with 1.8 x 2-m bed and integrated speakers
Volkner
Volkner Performance S roof deck
Volkner
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Every year, one motorhome stands above the rest in terms of its truly outrageous, no-expense-spared build spec and price tag. It usually comes down to a battle between the two German Vs – Volkner and Variomobil. Volkner takes the prize again in 2022, and while this year's 39-foot (12-m) Performance S doesn't quite hit the US$7.7 million high the company reached last year, it's arguably a nicer overall package thanks to additions like a large rooftop deck, floor plan-wide surround sound system and coffee-and-cocktails bar. The LaFerrari that finds a cozy home between the front and rear axles isn't bad, either.

Volkner exhibited this particular Performance S earlier this year at the 2022 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, where it attracted hordes of visitors with its Halloween-like orange-and-black paint job and contrasting pure-white LaFerrari hanging out of its gut. Along with the Action Mobil Global XRS 7400, it was definitely the largest, most gawk-worthy spectacle of the show. But while the Action Mobil could be had for a mere €1.1 million, the Performance S required buyers to cough up nearly twice that – just over €2 million (approx. US$2.1 million). Add in the cost of that LaFerrari, and the price more than doubled to over €5.3 million (US$5.7 million).

Based on that breakdown, the LaFerrari costs roughly the same €3 million as last year's Bugatti Chiron, so the $2 million price difference ultimately comes down to the motorhome spec and a current exchange rate that's much kinder to the US dollar. We'd say that makes this year's Performance S a comparative bargain because it definitely isn't lacking in amenities. In fact, it has some interesting options previous Performance S show models did not, starting with its 135-sq-ft (12.5-sq-m) rooftop deck, admittedly a little awkward to get to via a ladder in the bathroom shower. The deck is designed to seat six to eight for stargazing, spectating, people watching and general fresh air relaxation.

Volkner Performance S roof deck
Volkner

The remainder of the roof is dedicated to practical equipment, including the 2,000-W solar panel array, satellite dish, 4G antenna and dual air conditioning system. Dedicated large and small air conditioners are installed for cooling the front living area and rear bedroom, respectively.

The custom Performance S interior features a unique layout we haven't seen before. In particular, the high L-shaped kitchen counter with barstools on the outside feels more like something you'd see in a (stationary) home or on a yacht, creating the perfect space for owners to enjoy coffee and a light breakfast in the morning and wine or cocktails in the evening. On the other side of that bar top, the kitchen area comes stocked with a three-burner induction cooktop, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator with separate 12-bottle wine cooler.

The custom floor plan includes a front daybed and a two-person bar
Volkner

Also unique is the use of a daybed instead of a basic sofa in the front living area. This bed makes use of the driver-side wall slide-out for proper spacing.

The main 71 x 79-in (180 x 200-cm) bed is located in the rear bedroom. It would appear the buyer behind this particular build spends a lot of time sitting up while reading, working or web surfing because the bed has a tall cushioned headrest, which replaces the window that would otherwise be visible there.

Instead of Volkner's usual Burmester audio system, the customer specced out their own custom sound system with speakers throughout, including 5.1 surround sound in the living area. LED smart TVs in the living room and bedroom supply the picture to go along with the audio. A 20-kWh lithium battery bank charged with the help of the aforementioned solar array powers those electronics and other interior electrical equipment.

Volkner Performance S at the 2022 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
CC Weiss/New Atlas

This Performance S is built atop a Volvo bus chassis with 503-hp rear engine and air suspension system. Its €5,311,000 final price, including taxes, made it the most expensive motorhome at the 2022 Caravan Salon and the most expensive RV we here at New Atlas covered all year — by a very comfortable margin.

Source: Volkner

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6 comments
vince
Worthless if not all electric. Simply no excuse in this day and age to be using diesel, propane, and any fossil fuel for an RV. Simply install 1000 kWh of batteries like Tesla does for their new Semi truck which will give a range of 600+ miles for 55,000 MH when it gives a range of 500+ for 82,000 lb Semi loads. Then too that's enough stored power to run the RV for 2 to 3 weeks in the boonies. Electric stove, heater, AC, MW, drivetrain (0 to 60 in under 12 seconds !), solar panels swing out to assist lengthening the range and even able to charge the vehicle over a months time to go another 600+ miles for their next journey. Diesel is so 1990's. Time to get with it NewAtlas or your going to have to change your name to 'oldatlas'. I dare you to print this comment!
vince
And don't forget the Tesla lucidicour mode or roadster in the swingout in place of the gas car !!
guzmanchinky
It's amazing how different RV's are in Europe to the US. And there just isn't the network of large full hookup RV parks in Europe...
Nelson Hyde Chick
The fact that there are people that can buy something like this while there are people living on the street is just sad and pathetic! It is closer and closer to a time we start eating the rich!!!
ljaques
I'll take two. (They're small.)
ljaques
Actually, regarding the RV AV scene, I can't wait to see RVs built on a Tesla Semi platform, =completely= equipped all for less than a million.