The upmarket brand at the centre of the Erwin Hymer Group has been boasting the results of a major partnership with Mercedes and its new Sprinter van as part of its 2019 season launch.

While the group as a whole has been on the acquisition trail, snapping up UK-based Explorer Group earlier this year, the Hymer brand itself has still performed well, notching up a 15% increase in sales between the first quarter of 2017 and the same period this year.

And while there is a new model in the Hymercar van conversion line-up, and a new special edition Tramp and ComfortLine range, the main emphasis for the 2019 season is the launch of the B-Class Modern Comfort (B-MC), 

Sprinter-based range revealed

The B-MC range takes advantage of the front-wheel drive Sprinter – in particular its 177bhp engine variant that has been designed exclusively for motorhomes – and matches it up with Hymer’s own SLC  chassis, launched last year.

This has produced a motorhome with a flat floor throughout, but with a 36mm-high double floor underneath that is capable of holding most of the vehicle’s essential services, including a 180-litre fresh water tank and a waste water tank that can hold 150 litres.

The SLC chassis includes a garage capable of holding up to 450kg. But extensive use of GRP means that overall weight of the chassis itself has been reduced by around 60kg, or 16%, compared with a similar model from a previous year. That in turn means that the vehicle can come in with a MiRo under 2900kg, so the new vehicle should still be a possibility for drivers who do not have a C1 licence. 

Hymer managing director Christian Bauer said, “With the B-MC we have succeeded in designing a motorhome series in the 3.5-tonne class which boasts a kerbweight of well under 2900kg despite a near seven-metre long layout. That makes us the first manufacturer for years to achieve such a breakthrough with a Sprinter-based semi-integrated model.”

Two layouts are available for the 2019 season, in both semi-integrated and integrated format.

The 6.99-metre long two-to-three-berth B 580 MC includes two fixed single beds at the rear with a side washroom opposite a central kitchen. As an option you can have beds that are 2.2m long, rather than the standard 1.95m, while the front dinette includes a TV recess that is large enough for a 32-inch screen.

The two-to-five-berth B 680 MC, meanwhile, also has fixed single beds at the back, but it takes advantage of an extra 40cm in length to include a central washroom spread across the centre of the van that has a separate shower and can be partitioned off.

In both cases, interior furniture has been completely redesigned to provide smoother edges running from the front dinette past the kitchen and washroom to the beds at the back, where the space in between has a clear trapezoid pattern. In theory this should reduce any awkward corner that clothes and bodies might get caught on. 

Hymer has also been working on interior colour schemes to offer two options – modern classic, with warm wood tones, and modern pure, with a brighter, younger feel.

All B-MC vans also come with a smart battery system – a combination of lithium and lead batteries that is designed to enhance self-sufficiency. Roller blinds fitted on the front windscreen can also be operated from the bottom up or from the top down.

Options for the base vehicle include a six-speed manual or new nine-speed automatic gearbox. Safety features fitted as standard include Distronic active distance control, Crosswind Assist and Active Brake Assist.

Other Mercedes options

For 2019 Hymer is offering its ML-T range and Hymercar Grand Canyon S models on the news Mercedes Sprinter – with similar safety features to the B-MC including Crosswind Assist, Active Brake Assist and Distronic Active Distance Control.

Other standard features include driver and passenger airbags, keyless starting and automatic headlights.

ML-Ts get new decals as a result of the change, while the Hymercar gets an additional sticker.

More Free models available

Hymercar is also extending its Free campervan range, launched earlier this year, with a new model. The Free 602 includes fixed single beds at the rear and a 21cm-wide wardrobe. Because it includes an optional pop-up roof and an optional single bed made out of the front dinette, it can accommodate five people.

There is also a new special edition ‘Ambition’ range, featuring nine semi-integrated Tramp models ranging in length from 6.80 to 7.79 metres and three B-class ComfortLine models ranging from 7.09 to 7.45 metres.

Tramp Ambitions feature a grey metallic cab and a blue trim strip running almost the entire length of the side walls, a gloss black radiator grille, matching spoilers and door handles, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside you get a choice of two different furniture finishes and three different upholstery materials.

B-Class ComfortLine Ambitions also feature a blue decal along the side and the same alloy wheels. Furniture on the inside has a Chiavenna Walnut finish, three different upholstery materials and a 160-litre fridge.