Several motorhome manufacturers started out either as furniture manufacturers, coachbuilders or as specialist cabinet makers. Bürstner is no exception. Just over a century ago Jakob Bürstner started an independent furniture workshop in the city of Kehl, on the Rhine in south-west Germany.
The company diversified into trailer caravans in 1958 and began motorcaravan production in 1986. Although still based in Kehl, Bürstner is now part of the global Erwin Hymer Group. Our featured timespan starts with the launch of the X/290 series Fiat Ducato.
Three classes (ranges) of Bürstner A-class motorhomes (integrals) carried over from the X/250 Ducato: the entry-level comfort class named Viseo, mid-range premium class called Aviano, and finally, the flagship deluxe class called Elegance.
With similar motorhome layouts over all three ranges, Elegance had to be noticeably superior to justify its higher cost. Its success both in mainland Europe and in the UK suggests that they achieved that goal… and then some!
Unsurprisingly, because they are well specified and spacious, all except the shortest model are over 3500kg. As a result, when it comes to what driving licence you will need to drive the motorhome, most drivers will need a Group C1 on their driving licence.
The launch offer consisted of three models. These featured a forward lounge, a centrally placed kitchen, and a dedicated rear bedroom with facilities that can be made ensuite.
Each has four travel seats (a fifth was available as a cost option) and four sleeping berths, two of which are courtesy of a drop-down electrically operated transverse double bed, placed over the cab.
Elegance i810 G (8.12m/26’ 7.75”) is the single-bed variant, whereas i800 G (same length as 810) and i890 G (9.0m/29’ 6.5”) both have an island double bed. The longer models feature a larger lounge and kitchen.
The following year saw the range double in number, though without any significantly different motorhome layouts. Instead, different lengths were added. The most notable newbie was the sub-7.0m i690 G (6.82m/22’ 4.5”). It featured single beds and is the only Elegance under 3500kg.
By 2020, Elegance had become the sole survivor of the original A-class offerings and had been joined by the (lighter weight) Ixeo i range.
Elegance was built up to a spec, rather than down to a price. Thus, the equipment inventory is generous, which can be tempting when you’re looking for the best used motorhomes. Low frame, wide-track independently sprung galvanised chassis extensions are courtesy of Al-Ko Kober, with smart motorhome alloy wheels as standard.
The exterior’s main highlights include a timber-free body featuring XPS side walls, GRP roof, aluminium-framed windows, a double floor, an extra-wide Hartal habitation door, plus coach-style rear-view mirrors.
Internally, the well-chosen furniture finishes – Sasha Glen (dark) or Marsala (even darker) – with gloss white or oatmeal coloured doors, plus contemporary soft furnishing fabrics, provided the ambiance of an upmarket yacht. Equipment-wise, most items folk would wish for are there, with the sole exception of a microwave oven, though these are a popular retro-fit.
All Elegance motorhomes made after 2016 will have Alde domestic-style radiator central heating. What has become apparent after studying pre-owned examples currently for sale is that a sizeable number of initial purchasers had ticked many items on the extensive options list, including electric underfloor heating. The inclusion of these add little to the pre-owned asking price, but certainly boost value and comfort.
Elegance was available in three exterior colours: opal (bronze), silver and white. Of our featured models each had been the standard colour, with the other two as options.
What to look out for in a used Bürstner Elegance
Base vehicle
Look for evidence of a full service history and a recent cambelt change (only the 3.0-litre engine is chain driven). Make sure that the Al-Ko rear axle(s) have been greased as most are not maintenance free, though they are commonly believed to be so.
Before greasing, the body must be lifted to allow the axle trailing arms to drop fully. Also check the age of the motorhome tyres, because they are quite likely to be past their use-by date, rather than lacking tread.
Don’t forget to check the motorhome tyre pressure before you set off, too.
Conversion
There are no reports of any common problems with the cabinetwork. Remember that a low mileage doesn’t necessarily mean light usage. These palatial motorhomes are a popular choice among those spending winter months on the Iberian Peninsula. Insist on a recent habitation service, a white goods safety inspection, and a favourable written report following a water ingress check. Also replace the batteries in smoke and CO alarms.
Our pick
We’d choose the i910G because it offers flexible sleeping arrangements in the main bedroom. Six-wheel underpinnings also impress.
What to pay
For this generation of Bürstner Elegance models, asking prices come in at around £60,000 for a private sale rising to about £70,000 for an example offered by a dealer.
Rove Motorhomes has a low mileage i745G for sale at £69,999.
These Bürstner models are not currently available new, but an estimated equivalent price today, based on current models that are available is £170,000.
Bürstner Elegance essentials
- Bürstner Elegance on Fiat Ducato Al-Ko chassis-cowl
- Built: 2015-2020 in Kehl, Germany
- Two-door A-class coachbuilt (integral)
- Overall length: 6.82m (22’ 4.5”) – 9.0m (29’ 6.5”)
What we like about a used Bürstner Elegance
- Roomy interiors
- Contemporary furniture
- Wide habitation door
- Double floor
What we don’t like
- No driver’s door on RHD examples
Alternatives to consider
Bürstner Viseo and Aviano. Or take a look at Dethleffs Active, Advantage, Esprit, Globebus and Magic. Also Knaus Sky-i, Sun-i and Van-i. Or, see what I had to say about the used Rapido integral on a Mercedes-Benz, a well-built and highly-specified motorhome.
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