An A-class motorhome is always going to be at the top-end of the market, providing a luxurious touring experience. It can be hard to choose the right model for you, but we’re giving you a helping hand by taking a look at two shortlisted models from the best A-class motorhome category at the Practical Motorhome Awards – the Bürstner Elegance 910G and the Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88.
You can also get more brilliant ‘van inspiration by heading to our round-up of the best motorhomes on the market.
So, how do the two compare? We take a look…
The basic spec
Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88
- Awarded: best 4 berth motorhome
- Price: £99,513
- Berth: 4
- MiRO: 4000kg
- Payload: 1000kg
- MTPLM: 5000kg
- Shipping length: 8.79m
- Width: 2.35m
Bürstner Elegance 910G
- Price: £118,995
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 5500kg
- MiRO: 4273kg
- Payload: 1227kg
- Shipping length: 8.91m
- Width: 2.32m
Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 vs Bürstner Elegance 910G: Design
The Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 is an elegant British A-class ‘van. At 8.79m, its exterior is white with the exception of a tinted windscreen, while a wide decal wraps around the side.
A design element we really like is that the vehicle allows you to get into the driver’s seat through the driver’s door on the ‘correct’ side – this is an uncommon touch in a Continental ‘van.
In comparison, the Bürstner Elegance 910G is a little longer, coming in at 8.91m. It has a new 36cm deep double floor fitted, as well as several interior improvements that include a Thetford INDUS toilet system. This is ideal for off-grid tours, as it not only makes emptying the loo easier, but saves water too.
Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 vs Bürstner Elegance 910G: Lounge
The Auto-Trail ‘van has an understated lounge – the warm oak veneer is tasteful and is also included on the underside of the dropdown bed.
The lounge is well-lit – big windows and a Heki allow light to flood in, while four spotlights and strip lights under the lockers create evening ambience.
On the nearside is a settee which provides room for stretching, even when the folding table is set up. With room for four, it can otherwise be stored by the fridge when not in use.
The 910G, in comparison, has a glossy interior, with two huge side windows and a medium Heki allowing plenty of light in.
During the evening, LED lights brighten things up. The settees have two fold-out travel seats enclosed within their casing, while a large pedestal table can be used that folds in two.
Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 vs Bürstner Elegance 910G: Kitchen
The GF 88 has a worktop that you could almost believe is slate, even though it is actually made of the lighter compact laminate. A 171-litre fridge (not two-way-opening) with a separate freezer can be found across the aisle, while a microwave lives above. It’s worth noting that our reviewer commented that you could “feel a little hemmed in” when you’re cooking, due to the travel seat headrests that otherwise cut it off from the lounge.
The 910G includes a three-burner gas-hob and a combined oven and grill. You may find the sink is an odd shape, and as a result, getting a suitable washing-up bowl could prove tricky. However, like the lounge, the kitchen has a glossy style to it.
Well-lit, you’ll find a cutlery drawer beneath the locker, with a mains socket nestled in-between. A two-way opening Dometic fridge sits across the way, but there is no microwave.
Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 vs Bürstner Elegance 910G: Washroom
The GF 88 boasts a toilet and shower that are housed behind the partitions. While the toilet is on the awning side (and with it, the exterior locker door), it does have a large handbasin next to it. Opposite, you’ll find a circular shower with reasonable headroom, as well as a roof vent.
In comparison, the 910G has a washroom that is easy to partition off and was described as “sumptuous” by our reviewer. It includes an expanded shower which only has one drain, but the tray does dip down.
Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 vs Bürstner Elegance 910G: Sleeping
The Auto-Trail model has an island bed which doesn’t roll back to create a day-bed – you can find out more about this floorplan in our guide to motorhome layouts. However, the well-lit room comes with a roof light and LEDs, as well as a set of TV sockets and a USB.
It’s probably not surprising to hear that there’s a drop-down bed in this A-class; it’s comfortable, large and easy to climb into. For added ease, there are also spotlights that are ideal for reading at night.
The 910G has long and comfortable single beds. You will find a useful little chest next to each headboard, which gives you control of the lights and can also be used to store and charge your mobile.
A sizeable overcab bed can also be used electronically as standard.
Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 vs Bürstner Elegance 910G: Storage
Plenty of storage is on offer in the GF 88. While the garage is perhaps a tad too small for an upright bike, it is lit. As well as this, there are two lockers on the nearside, along with a gas bottle locker – on the offside, you will find a tall locker and a skirting locker.
This continues inside too, with the lounge having four huge overhead lockers, as well as clear underseat areas, which are easy to access.
The 910G has plenty of storage too, despite the travel seats taking up room under the settees. The lounge comes with three large and shelved overhead lockers, while a huge wardrobe provides decent hanging room.
A big rear garage and the double floor adds to the storage space on offer too.
The nine cubby holes that are dotted across the floor are a nice touch; some are required for access to essential services, but others provide a useful secure hiding space.
The two brands
Auto-Trail and Bürstner are both two popular brands with UK motorhome users. In our Owner Satisfaction Awards, Bürstner finished second with a highly respectable score of 87.4% in the best manufacturer: new motorhomes, while Auto-Trail scored 86.3% in the best manufacturer: pre-owned motorhomes category.
You can find out more about both by reading our guide to the best motorhome manufacturers.
Verdict
Both the Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 and Bürstner Elegance 910G will give you a stylish and enjoyable base for touring in. If you’re thinking of going off-grid in your motorhome, chances are that touches such as the INDUS toilet system will make you prefer the 910G – it’s a very luxurious vehicle, with comfort a certainty. The GF 88’s large, comfortable lounge is a big plus though, and the understated style creates an attractive setting for embarking on trips.
You can find out more about both in our review of the Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88 and the Bürstner Elegance 910G.
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