We've seen many a camper van designed to pull double duty, commuting around town during the week and venturing out to the forest or coast on weekends. Multipurpose campers like Hymer's own V-Class concept are typically built inside stock vans, but Hymer has taken a different route with its new "Van" series, planting its own foam-insulated aluminum cabin atop a bare chassis. The new Van S is aimed at versatility with its combination of comfy living space with bathroom and compact Mercedes Sprinter-based footprint.
Hymer classifies its Van as a super-compact motorhome designed to serve as both RV and second car. Essentially a Class B+ motorhome, the Van can maneuver city spaces while still offering a comfortable home away from home. Van models fit comfortably between Hymercars (Hymer's converted camper van line) and Hymer's larger Class C offerings.
The company originally introduced the Van model line in 2005 and put it on hiatus for a while before bringing it back last June. Most recently it rolled the new Sprinter-based Van S out next to the standard Fiat-based Van.
The Van S 500 is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis with 128-in (3,250-mm) wheelbase. The entire motorhome stretches 222 in (5,650 mm) in length, which is about 15.4 in (390 mm) longer than the Mercedes Sprinter panel van with that same wheelbase. It spans 87.4 in (2,220 mm) in width and stands 114 in (2,900 mm) high.
We'd have to drive it and camp it to know for sure, but the sizing definitely seems about right for mixing van-like maneuverability and driving feel with a larger interior living space.
The Van S 500 features a double bed against the rear wall, sleeping two standard with the option for one more berth. Sandwiched between that bed and the dining area is a 28 x 37-in (70 x 95-cm) washroom with toilet and fold-down basin sink. Opposite the bathroom, the kitchen unit houses a two-burner stove, sink and 65-liter refrigerator.
The vehicle also has a 95 Ah AGM battery, 90-liter fresh water tank and 100-liter waste water tank. LEDs light the interior, and a Truma Combi 4 air heater warms it. The van is prewired for radio and TV, and Hymer offers a number of TV and radio options. Other options include air conditioning, an outdoor shower and a second 95 Ah battery.
Hymer showed the Van S at the recent CMT travel and leisure show in Stuttgart, and it will bring it to market this July. The 500 model will start at €56,990 (approx. US$61,900) and the larger 6.36-m (250-in) 520 S with two single beds in place of the double bed will start at €59,990 ($65,200). Both models will rely on Mercedes' 129-hp CDI engine driving the rear wheels.
Source: Hymer
