When you’re looking for the best motorhome, you’ll want one that provides a comfortable touring base. However, with the number of ‘vans out there, choosing the right one isn’t always easy. With that in mind, we’re taking a look at a couple of four berth motorhomes that were both highly rated when we reviewed them – the Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 644G and the Chausson 660 Exclusive Line.
Both come in at 6.99m in length, and both are at a similar price point. So, how do the two compare? We take a look…
A basic overview
Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 644G
- Price: £62,995
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 3090kg
- Payload: 410kg
- Shipping length: 6.99m
- Width: 2.30m
Chausson 660 Exclusive Line
- Price: £60,490
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 3145kg
- Payload: 355kg
- Shipping length: 6.95m
- Width: 2.30m
Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 644G vs Chausson 660 Exclusive Line: Design
Coming in at 6.99m, the 644 is a smart ‘van. Inside, you’ll get a washroom that goes across the motorhome behind the standard Fiat Ducato cab, while everything else is, in essence, in one ‘room’ – including the rear lounge. Something to bear in mind is that it means the two extra travel seats are at the back, which is not ideal if you’re travelling with young children.
Like the 644, the Chausson 660 is also 6.99m long. We like how the ‘van is easy to load, thanks to a door on the nearside corner. This would be great space for bicycles to go, for instance. However, it’s not part of the central locking system, and it also means the washroom now sits on the offside, and subsequently, any awning will most likely have the cassette access hatch within it.
Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 644G vs Chausson 660 Exclusive Line: Lounge
The best 4 berth motorhomes always provide excellent lounge setups, and that’s something on offer in both ‘vans.
The 644 has a U-shaped rear lounge, capable of seating six. Despite this, we found the pedestal table could only really host four when eating. We liked the cosy interior, but did find the dropdown bed restricted daylight somewhat. This isn’t going to be an issue in the evening though, with six LEDs beneath the bed and ambient lighting to turn to.
As motorhome layouts go, the Chausson’s lounge arrangement is a bit unusual. It’s based around the TV – this can slide out of a unit that sits opposite a side settee that also comes with two forward-facing travel seats. The cab seats also swivel if required.
The table in here provides some useful versatility; it can either be rotated to allow all but those in the cab seats to dine at it, or alternatively, be lowered, with the corners flipped to create a coffee table.
This is a nicely lit area, with a sunroof letting light in, while there are plenty of LEDs dotted around.
Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 644G vs Chausson 660 Exclusive Line: Kitchen
The 644 doesn’t boast copious amounts of work surface, something that is exacerbated by the lack of extension flap. You also don’t get a socket in here, with the nearest one located between the wardrobe and cupboard, to the right. Using this would mean you’d have to trail the cable over the hob; the other alternative is using the one above the fridge.
You do get a three-burner gas hob though, and with it, a combined oven and grill. Accompanying this is a large window to keep it well-lit, and also an extractor fan.
The Chausson ‘van comes with a three-burner hob and an oven, and unlike the 644, you do get a mains socket in here.
Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 644G vs Chausson 660 Exclusive Line: Washroom
The transverse washroom in the 644 has a big mirror that immediately faces you upon entry. It’s a useful space that can double up as a room for changing in, although we’d say it wouldn’t make a practical dressing room, as the wardrobe sits in the lounge. The shower is on the offside, and we like that there are two drainage holes. However, while it’s well lit and nicely ventilated, we think the basin may be a bit too shallow for some people.
The Chausson’s washroom has a step up, and in here, you’ll also find a big mirror. Detaching a magnet will open the partition door to reveal the shower, with a Velcro strap keeping it in place at the other end. It’s a nice size, and comes with two drainage holes too.
Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 644G vs Chausson 660 Exclusive Line: Sleeping
The dropdown bed in the 644 is excellent, providing a good sized in-line double. A second double can be made if you’re travelling as a four by using infill cushions and the table.
Decent beds are provided in the Chausson, with the ceiling bed lowering at the flick of a switch. A French bed can also be made up, and only requires a single infill.
Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 644G vs Chausson 660 Exclusive Line: Storage
While the dropdown bed somewhat limits you to only having small overhead shelving in the lounge, you do get some shallow cupboards. Beneath the rear settee, you can access the garage, but you’ll need to lift the base cushions and boards to do so.
Other options provided include overhead lockers in the kitchen and a wardrobe, among other things.
The Chausson’s garage is an excellent size, with plenty of room to store items – the one thing to bear in mind is the ‘van’s payload of 355kg, which isn’t too generous for four.
The lounge’s overhead lockers aren’t the largest, but two drawers by the TV and space beneath the settee make up for this.
Verdict
Both motorhomes are sure to provide you with an excellent touring experience, whether you’re touring as a four or as a couple who want a bit of extra space. The price difference of £2,505 may be enough to steer you towards the 644, and its better payload could also be a dealbreaker.
While both have an excellent lounge, the differing arrangements could also be a deciding factor. Would you rather have a rear lounge? Or do you like the idea of the Chausson’s more unique setup, which makes the prospect of relaxing in front of the TV so appealing? There is also plenty of storage on offer in the Chausson, even if you do have that lower payload.
Whichever one you settle on though, you’re sure to have an excellent base for making some amazing memories.
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