Hymer Crossover
It foams and tingles in the motorhome market. Actually, the manufacturers had relied on the CMT, the first caravanning fair of the year in Stuttgart, to present their new products to the audience who are currently extremely keen to buy. But unlike the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, which took place in September despite Lockdown Light, there was no camping fair at the beginning of 2021. Like many others, Hymer went the digital route and showed the spring novelties 2021 via video conference and with martial moving images: motorhomes that are long-legged, if not over hill and dale, then at least through the mud and mud of a gravel pit to hunt.
The traditional company from Bad Waldsee has announced two new all-wheel drive vehicles, following the results of surveys and its own sales statistics. Because, according to Hymer boss Christian Bauer, the proportion of 4x4 campers is constantly increasing. In the series in which all-wheel-drive versions are offered, they have now achieved a sales volume of more than 50 percent. This is why the brand is now launching a converted panel van, the Grand Canyon S, and a semi-integrated, the ML T 570, with selectable all-wheel drive with the addition of CrossOver to the name. Both use the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as a basis, prices start at 106,990 euros for the Canyon and 122,990 euros for the ML.
Set nine centimeters higher
The appearance is striking and hardly leaves out an off-road cliché. The chassis, which is nine centimeters higher (which also has to be overcome when getting in and out), roll on 16-inch steel wheels on which all-terrain tires from BF Goodrich are mounted. Despite their impressive profile, they are just as suitable as they are comfortable on asphalt, says product manager Jens Döring. The Grand Canyon S CrossOver is painted in metallic black, the two-tone ML is highlighted by neon décor. LED light strips mounted above the windshields are supposed to provide better illumination of the route, an undercarriage paneling protects the engine and transmission if the ground clearance should not be sufficient on particularly demanding paths.
The Sprinter's 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine with 190 hp (140 kW) provides propulsion; in addition to the all-wheel drive system, an electronic differential lock provides additional traction. The gear reduction is also helpful in order to be able to transfer the torque better on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. The Grand Canyon S is 5.93 meters long, the width is increased by two mini alcoves at the side at the rear to give the double transverse bed at the rear a comfortable dimension. The laundry room, kitchen and a half dinette are connected further to the front. Anyone interested in the installation. instead of the standard tin roof that makes the difference and thus brings two more sleeping places on board, you can also enjoy a second solar cell with 90 watts up there, which extends the period of possible self-sufficiency to around ten days.
Electrical energy is stored by two lithium batteries with 135 Ah each, they also enable 230-volt on-board power via an inverter. Cooking takes place on two gas flames fed by a five-kilogram bottle. The six kilowatt diesel heater uses the diesel in the tank as fuel and makes it cozy and warm in the interior even at low alpine temperatures. What off-road fans should be particularly enthusiastic about is the survival equipment in the trunk, where the ax and folding spade are hopefully waiting in vain to be used.
Classic floor plan
The ML T 570 Crossover is basically equipped with two 90 watt solar panels. The partially integrated all-wheel drive Hymer is also heated with diesel, which allows the gas supply to be reduced to a five-kilogram cylinder. The lithium battery pack with a total capacity of 270 Ah is also on board. The layout of the ML is probably the most common in the vehicle class up to 6.90 meters. Single beds in the rear, washroom with swiveling shower screen, and an L-shaped seating area in the living area. The kitchen will have a 152 liter compressor refrigerator, as well as a stainless steel sink and the three-burner gas cooker here.
Over 3.5 tons
Tools are also here in the rear garage, the spare wheel hangs on the outside of the rear wall so as not to impair the storage space and to be at hand more quickly in an emergency. But with all their dedication to adventurism, enterprising campers shouldn't expect too much from the two Hymer crossover versions. Thanks to its dimensions, the Grand Canyon S may still be more or less suitable for off-road use, the ML T 570 with its rear overhang and the correspondingly restricted angle of approach is more suitable only for muddy paths or soaked, certainly snow-covered meadows on remote parking spaces. Especially since it has to find large loopholes with a width of 2.30 meters and a height of 3.05 meters to conquer tricky paths.
Both crossover models, they rank in the weight class above the 3.5 tonne limit (at least 3880 kilograms permissible total weight), are still cautiously offered as "edition models". They are limited, it is said, but there is no information about the exact numbers. (ampnet / mk)
