Last year’s Dethleffs launch was characterised by technical changes, but not much in the way of new models; in fact, relatively few were introduced, and one entire range was deleted.
This year’s event was more newsworthy. In addition to interior tweaks, all-new models and more, there was the launch of a new A-class and coachbuilt range named Pulse.
Small tweaks for Globebus
Changes to Dethleffs’ most compact range, the Globebus low-profiles and A-class models, were minor. The three-model line-up continues, featuring rear fixed beds layouts refreshed with detail improvements and a new soft-furnishing design. For a more sporty-looking ’van, specify the Gran Tourismo equipment package.
Prices for the T-brand low-profile models range from £55,990–£59,690 OTR, with I-brand A-class versions costing £64,490-£68,190.
Dethleffs’ popular Trend range – low-profiles and A-classes, as well as a trio of overcabs – receives a number of revisions for 2019. Three new layouts are available: the compact island-bed 6557; the 7075 DBL, also featuring an island bed; and the fixed-single-beds 7057 EBL. All come in low-profile or A-class forms. The 6757 island-bed layout has also been tweaked.
Exterior changes include the introduction of a new front design for A-class models, taken from Globebus and the new Pulse. Interior changes include the introduction of Topaz Apple wood décor. Overhead lockers are available in a new ombré (‘fading’) colour shade that is likely to divide opinion. Elsewhere the amount of wood used has been reduced, creating a more modern-looking furnishing scheme.
In terms of UK pricing, the three A-monikered overcab models will cost from £52,990, up to £72,490 for the enormous A 7877-2. Trend T models are the low-profiles, set at £52,390-£54,490, while I-badged A-classes are priced from £62,790-£65,390.
Pulse design creates a stir
The new Pulse range caused the biggest stir at the launch, revealed at a glitzy ceremony, with senior Dethleffs staff presenting details of the thinking behind the design. It took 18 months to complete, and the result is a stunning range of four low-profiles and six A-classes.
Layouts include the compact 6651, featuring a comfortable island bed and drop-down bed over the lounge, as well as the fixed-single-beds I 7051 EBL.
Dethleffs explained to journalists that the concept of light was very much behind the interior design of Pulse. A lighting expert, Gabriele Allendorf, was called in: “Usually, light in leisure vehicles is there to help for orientation or safety… But we were concerned with the topic of light [as a] mood barometer, balance-bringer or health factor,” she said. The result is a new, three-level lighting format that features in all Pulse models.
In addition, Dethleffs claims that “in the interior, the homogeneous transitions and straight lines bring clearness and calmness. Thanks to the reduction of wood décor and a new focus on calming, neutral shades of grey and beige, the Pulse spreads a friendly flair and creates a natural retreat and relaxation place.”
All Pulse models are Fiat-based, with an MTPLM less than or equal to 3500kg. They make their public debut at the Düsseldorf Show later this year; the T-badged low-profile models will cost from £59,390-£59,990, with the I-badged A-class models coming in from £67,390-£68,490.
A Gran Tourismo option – which adds alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and chrome dash touches – can also be specified.
More revelations to come
Moving up the ranges, the two Magic Edition floorplans (£67,990 for the low-profiles, £76,490 for A-classes) remain more or less as they were for 2018, although they are now 30-40kg lighter.
Exact changes for the low-profile and A-class Esprit range will be revealed later this year, but a new special-edition format, the Eighty Eight – named after the number of years since Arist Dethleffs built the firm’s first leisure vehicle – will be available. Esprits will cost from £76,990-£77,990 for the low-profiles, up to £86,990 for the A-classes.
ALPA models, all with a rear lounge, only came in overcab format last year, but for 2019 an A-class is available. The I 7820-2 features that rear lounge and a drop-down overcab bed; its price had not been revealed at press time, but overcab models cost £79,990-£124,990.
Finally, the high-end Globetrotter XL (A-class) and XXL (overcab) models remain more or less unchanged, aside from a tweak to indicator lights. XL models cost £102,990, and XXL models £124,990.
The Pulse took 18 months to complete, and the result is a stunning range of four low-profiles and six A-classes