Outdoors

Gallery: Million-dollar motorhomes and classy caravans of the 2018 Caravan Salon

Gallery: Million-dollar motorhomes and classy caravans of the 2018 Caravan Salon
Thanks to a selfless show goer who blocked the aisle for us, we were finally able to capture the entire profile of the Volkner Performance S after a long wait
Thanks to a selfless show goer who blocked the aisle for us, we were finally able to capture the entire profile of the Volkner Performance S after a long wait
View 83 Images
Bürstner Harmony 3 concept caravan
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Bürstner gives the Harmony 3 concept the feel of home
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Bürstner gives the Harmony 3 concept the feel of home
Bürstner Harmony 3 concept caravan
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Bürstner Harmony 3 concept caravan
The Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 Slide Out was among the fancier large caravans we saw on show
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The Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 Slide Out was among the fancier large caravans we saw on show
With its large slide-out, the Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 offers a much roomier interior
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With its large slide-out, the Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 offers a much roomier interior
The exterior of the Cellini HTD looks quite sleek and upscale all around
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The exterior of the Cellini HTD looks quite sleek and upscale all around
Starting price for this Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 Slide Out was listed at €71,690, but the price of the show model was given at just under €97,000
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Starting price for this Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 Slide Out was listed at €71,690, but the price of the show model was given at just under €97,000
The Cellini Slide Out is the absolute flagship of Tabbert's caravan fleet, and it certainly feels that way inside
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The Cellini Slide Out is the absolute flagship of Tabbert's caravan fleet, and it certainly feels that way inside
Located on the slide-out section, the Cellini kitchen area comes standard with a three-burner stove, but this show model features an optional in-built induction cooktop
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Located on the slide-out section, the Cellini kitchen area comes standard with a three-burner stove, but this show model features an optional in-built induction cooktop
This Tabbert Cellini show model includes an upgraded 189-L refrigerator
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This Tabbert Cellini show model includes an upgraded 189-L refrigerator
The Cellini Slide Out sleeps four in a central bedroom and convertible dinette set
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The Cellini Slide Out sleeps four in a central bedroom and convertible dinette set
Washing machine in the Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 Slide Out caravan
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Washing machine in the Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 Slide Out caravan
The Cellini Slide Out includes a bathroom with separate shower and toilet areas
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The Cellini Slide Out includes a bathroom with separate shower and toilet areas
The Concorde Centurion motorhome draws some attention to itself
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The Concorde Centurion motorhome draws some attention to itself 
It can be hard to tell flagship luxury motorhomes from "lesser" models on the floor of the show, but a quick check reveals the Centurion is the flagship of Concorde's lineup, billed as a "dream castle on wheels" and "land yacht with dinghy"
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It can be hard to tell flagship luxury motorhomes from "lesser" models on the floor of the show, but a quick check reveals the Centurion is the flagship of Concorde's lineup, billed as a "dream castle on wheels" and "land yacht with dinghy"
This Mercedes Atego-based Concorde Liner Plus 1136 GMAX with Smart car garage show model was listed at just under €442,000
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This Mercedes Atego-based Concorde Liner Plus 1136 GMAX with Smart car garage show model was listed at just under €442,000
Belgian company STX Motorhomes shows off its stretched "Exclusive Traveler" RV with Mini Cooper/Smart /Fiat 500 garage and dual expansion slide-outs
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Belgian company STX Motorhomes shows off its stretched "Exclusive Traveler" RV with Mini Cooper/Smart /Fiat 500 garage and dual expansion slide-outs
The STX garage can hold mini-cars, scooters, motorcycles, etc.
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The STX garage can hold mini-cars, scooters, motorcycles, etc.
Inside the STX Exclusive Traveler, the two slide-outs opposite each other just behind the driver cab house the dinette set and kitchen block, opening up plenty of space in between
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Inside the STX Exclusive Traveler, the two slide-outs opposite each other just behind the driver cab house the dinette set and kitchen block, opening up plenty of space in between
STX offers a luxe kitchen area with induction cooktop, combo microwave-grill-oven, 225-L refrigerator and built-in sound system
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STX offers a luxe kitchen area with induction cooktop, combo microwave-grill-oven, 225-L refrigerator and built-in sound system
We liked the look and layout of the STX Exclusive Traveler interior
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We liked the look and layout of the STX Exclusive Traveler interior
STX hangs a 40-in flat-screen in the living area and a 32-in model in the bedroom
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STX hangs a 40-in flat-screen in the living area and a 32-in model in the bedroom
The lift-away bed over top the driver cab
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The lift-away bed over top the driver cab 
The STX Exclusive Traveler includes a rear bedroom over top the garage below
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The STX Exclusive Traveler includes a rear bedroom over top the garage below
STX adds a rather roomy shower
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STX adds a rather roomy shower
The sink stands across the hall from the separated toilet and shower
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The sink stands across the hall from the separated toilet and shower
The STX Luxurious Deluxe, which we didn't get a chance to board, does away with the rear garage but adds a third slide-out for an extra roomy rear bedroom
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The STX Luxurious Deluxe, which we didn't get a chance to board, does away with the rear garage but adds a third slide-out for an extra roomy rear bedroom
STX bases its motorhomes on the Mercedes' Actros chassis
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STX bases its motorhomes on the Mercedes' Actros chassis
Morelo shows off its updated Palace
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Morelo shows off its updated Palace
Morelo's flagship Empire Liner with a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS in back
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Morelo's flagship Empire Liner with a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS in back
Few motorhome add-ons are as sweet as a Porsche 911
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Few motorhome add-ons are as sweet as a Porsche 911
This Morelo Empire Liner Silverstone showed a starting price of €469,900 and an "as equipped" price of €591,230
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This Morelo Empire Liner Silverstone showed a starting price of €469,900 and an "as equipped" price of €591,230
Morelo Empire Liner Silverstone
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Morelo Empire Liner Silverstone
No minicar or sports car here, Le Voyageur shows its rear garage empty
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No minicar or sports car here, Le Voyageur shows its rear garage empty
Le Voyageur shows off its large motorhomes at the 2018 Caravan Salon
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Le Voyageur shows off its large motorhomes at the 2018 Caravan Salon
One of the most expensive motorhomes of the entire show, this Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum was priced just under €1.4 million
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One of the most expensive motorhomes of the entire show, this Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum was priced just under €1.4 million
Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum
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Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum
Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum
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Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum
Inside, the Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum includes a large kitchen area with ambient lighting and a four-burner stove
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Inside, the Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum includes a large kitchen area with ambient lighting and a four-burner stove
Thanks to its multi-slide-out array, the Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum offers plenty of interior space
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Thanks to its multi-slide-out array, the Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum offers plenty of interior space
That swivel chair sure looks cozier than the average passenger seat
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That swivel chair sure looks cozier than the average passenger seat
Vario Mobil dining area and steps to the rear bedroom and bath
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Vario Mobil dining area and steps to the rear bedroom and bath
Plenty of space to relax in the rear bedroom of the Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum
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Plenty of space to relax in the rear bedroom of the Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum
Vario Mobil bed
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Vario Mobil bed
Large shower and toilet area in the Vario Mobil Perfect
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Large shower and toilet area in the Vario Mobil Perfect
Vario Mobil bathroom sink
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Vario Mobil bathroom sink
The Bimobil EX 510 was one of the smaller, more affordable motorhomes in large motorhome hall, but it's still a rather spendy build
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The Bimobil EX 510 was one of the smaller, more affordable motorhomes in large motorhome hall, but it's still a rather spendy build
Kerkamm EX 515 expedition vehicle
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Kerkamm EX 515 expedition vehicle
A pair of sporty bikes in the Volkner Performance Perfection
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A pair of sporty bikes in the Volkner Performance Perfection
The €1.1-million Volkner Mobil Performance Perfection
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The €1.1-million Volkner Mobil Performance Perfection
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS was the Nurburgring champion for a brief time, so it makes a rather impressive accessory for a motorhome
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The Porsche 911 GT2 RS was the Nurburgring champion for a brief time, so it makes a rather impressive accessory for a motorhome
Volkner Performance S
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Volkner Performance S
The Performance Perfection was impressive, but the flagship of Volkner's booth - and the entire Caravan Salon based on price - was the €1.5-million Performance S, complete with Porsche 911 GT2 RS housed in its slide-out central garage
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The Performance Perfection was impressive, but the flagship of Volkner's booth - and the entire Caravan Salon based on price - was the €1.5-million Performance S, complete with Porsche 911 GT2 RS housed in its slide-out central garage
Volkner 1060 HG
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Volkner 1060 HG
The Performance S was an impressive beast by any measure, but the $300K 911 GT2 RS really bumped it up a few notches
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The Performance S was an impressive beast by any measure, but the $300K 911 GT2 RS really bumped it up a few notches
Volkner adds a long slide-out to the Performance S, providing plenty of cabin space
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Volkner adds a long slide-out to the Performance S, providing plenty of cabin space
Action Mobil Atacama 7200
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Action Mobil Atacama 7200
Details of the Action Mobil Atacama 7200
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Details of the Action Mobil Atacama 7200
At €860,965, the six-wheeled Action Mobil Atacama 7200 all-terrain expedition vehicle missed the seven-figure cut-off ... until you convert it to US dollars, where it comes in at a clean $1 million
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At €860,965, the six-wheeled Action Mobil Atacama 7200 all-terrain expedition vehicle missed the seven-figure cut-off ... until you convert it to US dollars, where it comes in at a clean $1 million
Action Mobil is not one to leave a bike behind
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Action Mobil is not one to leave a bike behind
The Notin Liner 940 G brings a rather distinctive look to the car-carrier liner segment
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The Notin Liner 940 G brings a rather distinctive look to the car-carrier liner segment
Another particularly sleek, elegant caravan - the Hobby Premium 560 CFe
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Another particularly sleek, elegant caravan - the Hobby Premium 560 CFe
Hobby gives its Premium a distinctive rear lighting signature
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Hobby gives its Premium a distinctive rear lighting signature
At €27,990 to start and €29,255 as displayed, the Hobby Premium 560 CFe isn't in the same league as some of the six- and seven-figure campers here, but its interior is plenty attractive and cozy
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At €27,990 to start and €29,255 as displayed, the Hobby Premium 560 CFe isn't in the same league as some of the six- and seven-figure campers here, but its interior is plenty attractive and cozy
Hobby Premium caravan kitchen area
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Hobby Premium caravan kitchen area
Hobby Premium 560 CFe bedroom
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Hobby Premium 560 CFe bedroom 
The Hobby Premium caught our eye immediately with its smooth edges, tinted windows and slim, bright lights
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The Hobby Premium caught our eye immediately with its smooth edges, tinted windows and slim, bright lights
Bürstner's Harmony 3 was another of the luxurious, eye-catching caravans
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Bürstner's Harmony 3 was another of the luxurious, eye-catching caravans
Starliner by Mauer goes a little different with its rear garage, filling it with a little track car
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Starliner by Mauer goes a little different with its rear garage, filling it with a little track car
Starliner by Mauer at the 2018 Caravan Salon
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Starliner by Mauer at the 2018 Caravan Salon
Starliner's Mercedes Sprinter-based SL 20 Desert Falcon was the oddest little motorhome of the show. It looks more like a road-touring Class C, but with equipment like a 6x6, bull bar, winch, off-road light bar and slide-out kitchen, it's more an integrated off-road expedition vehicle
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Starliner's Mercedes Sprinter-based SL 20 Desert Falcon was the oddest little motorhome of the show. It looks more like a road-touring Class C, but with equipment like a 6x6, bull bar, winch, off-road light bar and slide-out kitchen, it's more an integrated off-road expedition vehicle
Starliner SL 20 Desert Falcon slide-out kitchen
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Starliner SL 20 Desert Falcon slide-out kitchen
A look at the double rear axle of the Starliner SL 20 Desert Falcon
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A look at the double rear axle of the Starliner SL 20 Desert Falcon
The Starliner SL 20 Desert Falcon wore a starting price just under €344,000 and an "as displayed" price of €407,685
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The Starliner SL 20 Desert Falcon wore a starting price just under €344,000 and an "as displayed" price of €407,685
We've got to say ... for the most expensive motorhome of the show, the Performance S had some questionable color choices throughout
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We've got to say ... for the most expensive motorhome of the show, the Performance S had some questionable color choices throughout
After seeing a madhouse on our first stop at Volkner, we came back on our last day to find the Performance S empty, so we stepped aboard for a proper tour
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After seeing a madhouse on our first stop at Volkner, we came back on our last day to find the Performance S empty, so we stepped aboard for a proper tour
You may not be in a sleeping bag under the stars, but the Performance S' bedroom starlight provides some sparkle of its own
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You may not be in a sleeping bag under the stars, but the Performance S' bedroom starlight provides some sparkle of its own
Volkner Performance S bathroom
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Volkner Performance S bathroom
The Peformance S packs a rain shower we'd be happy to find at a hotel
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The Peformance S packs a rain shower we'd be happy to find at a hotel
Induction cooktop in the Volkner Performance S
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Induction cooktop in the Volkner Performance S
Volkner Performance S
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Volkner Performance S
One more look at the ultra-rugged, Mercedes Arocs-based Action Mobil Atacama 7200 six-wheeler
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One more look at the ultra-rugged, Mercedes Arocs-based Action Mobil Atacama 7200 six-wheeler
Thanks to a selfless show goer who blocked the aisle for us, we were finally able to capture the entire profile of the Volkner Performance S after a long wait
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Thanks to a selfless show goer who blocked the aisle for us, we were finally able to capture the entire profile of the Volkner Performance S after a long wait
View gallery - 83 images

This year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon had a fascinating selection of production and concept campers of all styles and sizes. We've already looked at the smallest trailers of the show; now it's time to turn our attention to the coupe-swallowing, triple-axle motorhomes, off-road expedition trucks and stretched luxury caravans. These are the most expensive, well-equipped and downright extreme motorhomes and caravans we saw during our time in Germany.

The most expensive motorhome

"Most expensive" does not always mean "most impressive," but we'd say the two matched up pretty closely at this year's Caravan Salon. With its stretched bodywork and near-full length expansion slide-out, the Volkner Performance S is a lavish jaw-dropper on its own. But slide a Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the one-time Nürburgring champion, into the slide-out garage betwixt its axles, and you have one of the most memorable vehicles of the show.

The Performance S was an impressive beast by any measure, but the $300K 911 GT2 RS really bumped it up a few notches
The Performance S was an impressive beast by any measure, but the $300K 911 GT2 RS really bumped it up a few notches

The €1.47-million (approx. US $1.7-million) Volkner Mobil Performance S was the most expensive vehicle of Düsseldorf, according to a press document put out by the show's media department. We weren't so happy about that fact when we first came upon it and its weighty sticker, since we had just spent some serious time photographing the €1.37-million ($1.6-million) Vario Mobil Perfect 1200 Platinum for this spot, prematurely naming it the price tag champion. But it didn't take long for the spacious Volkner showcasing the world's fastest 911 to win us over.

We've got to say ... for the most expensive motorhome of the show, the Performance S had some questionable color choices throughout
We've got to say ... for the most expensive motorhome of the show, the Performance S had some questionable color choices throughout

What did not win us over was the interior color and trim scheme that looked ripped out of a white camper box from the 1970s. That was a disappointment the minute we stepped on board, but we quickly remembered that it was surely but one of the many options that Volkner would be happy to dress the cabin in, to each customer's taste.

Beyond that, those customers will enjoy one of the most luxurious, comfortable vehicles to ever touch highway pavement, a 454-hp (339-kW) live-in bus with five separate heaters, air conditioning, 1,800 watts of solar power feeding a 1,800-Ah battery bank, an induction cooktop, oven, dishwasher, Dolby surround sound system, super-roomy floor plan opened up by that large wall-out, and plenty of other comforts and technologies you wouldn't expect to find anywhere outside of a sprawling home.

Those willing to forego some of the Performance S' optional luxuries can buy in at a base price of €989,000 (US$1.2 million), but we'll bet the average Volkner customer isn't looking for "entry level."

The fanciest caravan

We didn't spend quite as much time looking at pricey, stretched caravans as we did other large camping vehicles, so we might have missed an even fancier show model than the Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 Slide Out. But no matter how you look at it, this 33-ft (10-m) caravan brings some serious style and comfort.

With its large slide-out, the Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 offers a much roomier interior
With its large slide-out, the Tabbert Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 offers a much roomier interior

Much like the Performance S, Tabbert's flagship caravan features a near-full-side slide-out, creating a much roomier interior. The trailer's exterior curves and edges are nearly as smooth and sleek as Bürstner's Harmony 3, but the Cellini Slide Out is a production camper available for purchase. Run the €96,862 show model price tag through the conversion calculator and it easily leaps into six-figure territory at $112,570 ... without a powertrain or driver cab.

Located on the slide-out section, the Cellini kitchen area comes standard with a three-burner stove, but this show model features an optional in-built induction cooktop
Located on the slide-out section, the Cellini kitchen area comes standard with a three-burner stove, but this show model features an optional in-built induction cooktop

We found the Cellini's interior much more tastefully appointed than the Performance S', and optional features like the washing machine, induction cooktop, and tall, mirror-like 189-liter refrigerator made it feel quite luxurious. Without those options and a few other add-ons, the Cellini 750 HTD 2.5 Slide Out bases in at €71,690 (US$83,425).

The weirdest vehicle

The Swiss-designed Starliner by Mauer SL 20 Desert Falcon was one of those compact, neatly integrated small motorhomes you could easily mistake for a camper van – in this case, a 6x6 off-road camper van. We're used to seeing six-wheelers in the off-road expedition vehicle market, but usually they're big boxes on top of military truck chassis. We did a legit double-take at this fiberglass plus-size camper van with dual axles at the back and bull bar up front. It's a very different look compared with other camper vans and expedition vehicles we've seen.

Starliner's Mercedes Sprinter-based SL 20 Desert Falcon was the oddest little motorhome of the show. It looks more like a road-touring Class C, but with equipment like a 6x6, bull bar, winch, off-road light bar and slide-out kitchen, it's more an integrated off-road expedition vehicle
Starliner's Mercedes Sprinter-based SL 20 Desert Falcon was the oddest little motorhome of the show. It looks more like a road-touring Class C, but with equipment like a 6x6, bull bar, winch, off-road light bar and slide-out kitchen, it's more an integrated off-road expedition vehicle

The Desert Falcon is the rugged-outside, luxurious-inside model of the SL 20 range, fully supporting the auto explorer who wants the trip to extend into the dusty, rocky horizon. Toward that end, Mauer plants a fiberglass mono-shell atop a 187-hp (139-kW) Mercedes Sprinter 6x6 chassis. The floor plan includes an optional expansion slide-out and has a dinette just behind the driver cab, a rear bedroom, and central bathroom and kitchen areas. It's a bit small in comparison to most other vehicles in this gallery, but at €344,000 (US$400,000) to start and €407,685 (US$475,000) as equipped at the show, it certainly fits in with the six/seven-figure pricing theme.

That's just a taste of the vehicles on show in Düsseldorf, but there are plenty more car-hauling premium motorhomes, off-grid expedition machines, luxury caravans and vehicles that defy categorization in our photo gallery.

View gallery - 83 images
4 comments
4 comments
EUbrainwashing
I would love to know who owns and uses such 'land yachts'. The advantage of an actual yacht is they all come with a moat a standard which gives a bit of privacy and security.
I would think I would feel a bit of a Charley with one of these, you know - up in the mountains with my dog, though I suppose if you are needing to be at a big swanky event and you are a big-gun top-dog they make a bit more sense.
Whilst I was selling new Mercedes Benz in the City of London I learnt not to question the thought process of my clients, because they were generally very capable of doing all the thinking they wanted for themselves and if you just pinned your ears back you soon learn about the paradigm they lived in the rational of their logic.
guzmanchinky
It's interesting how different, how much smaller and more expensive the RV scene in Europe is than in the US.
Gizmowiz
They all need electric drive trains like the Tesla Semi. No reason at all that a good MH with loads of storage space low to the ground--for stability in high winds--can't have 500 to 1000 kW of battery storage and enough juice to go 1,000 miles on a charge so that they can just charge up at home using solar and be completely GREEN when visiting our national landmarks. No thanks. It's time to end the fossil fuel nut house.
Gizmowiz
These fancy RV's all need to be electrified with a Tesla Semi sized power train with 500 to 1,000 kW storage. Meaning the vehicles could be driven 1,000+ miles before fillups and power the entire vehicle--heating, cooling, cooking, electronics for weeks without the need to hook up.
And all of this time producing none of that fossil fuel pollution as do the diesel RV's which are all obsolete.