Dethleffs is based in Isny, south-west Germany, and is a member of the Hymer Group. It exports low-profiles, coachbuilts and A-class motorhomes across the globe – its annual press and dealer convention really is a league of nations.
For the 2017 model year launch, Dethleffs eschewed its usual beer’n’bratwurst gathering in a tent, opting instead for a more formal event in a conference centre – complete with slick videos and production values that must have cost a few euros. It was clearly a nod towards the recent reorganisation of the Hymer Group, where each constituent company has been allocated a slot in a particular market segment. For Dethleffs, this is the mid-market space – leaving the more luxurious products to the likes of Hymer and Laika.
What’s changed
Four main changes will be effected for 2017. There’s a new version of the Globebus, an expansion of the Trend line-up, and a completely re-imagined Magic Edition. Add to that the adoption of new Euro 6 engines for the Fiat Ducato base vehicles, and it’s clear they’ve been busy in Isny, on the back of another successful year.
The headlines
Entry-level offering Globebus gets three new layouts, available in low-profile or A-class form. All models are based on the Fiat Ducato with low-frame chassis, and driver aids ASR, ESP with hill-hold and hill-descent control, are all included as standard equipment. The MTPLM for each model is 3500kg.
For the low-profiles, the T 1 is 6.03m long and has a transverse rear bed, the T 6 is 6.98m long with twin single beds, while the T 7 is 6.98m long and has an island bed. In A-class flavour, the I 1 is 5.99m long, the I 6 is 6.94m long and the I 7 is 6.94m long. All models have 1.98m of internal headroom, L-shaped seating groups in the lounge and are fitted with LED lighting throughout. Other standard equipment across the range includes overcab skylights (low-profiles only), GRP roofs, 142-litre fridges and dual-fuel Truma Combi 6kW space and water heating.
As standard, Globebus models are finished in Rosario Cherry cabinetwork, with a choice of Quadro or Pepe soft furnishings.
Globebus is also available in GT trim, which adds a raft of added extras including Fiat’s Chassis pack, Family Pack, 16in alloy wheels, a cab entrance step, flush-fitting windows, a leather steering wheel and gearstick knob, chrome instrument surrounds, plus several other visual refinements.
One step up the Dethleffs ladder takes you to Trend, which was comprehensively modified last year. Going forward, the range is expanded, with the arrival of two new models – available as both low-profile and A-class. The T 6767 measures 6.96m long and features an end washroom, nearside kitchen and drop-down bed over the lounge. The T 7017 is 7.41m long, and offers fixed twin single beds ahead of an end washroom. The A-class version I 6767 is 6.94m long, and the I 7017 measures 7.39m.
Like their siblings, both models are based on the Fiat Ducato with low platform chassis, and ASR, ESP with hill hold and hill descent are fitted as standard. Wide, 70cm habitation doors also feature throughout the range.
All models have 3500kg MTPLMs and 1.98m of internal headroom, L-shaped seating groups in the lounge and LED lighting throughout. Other standard equipment across the range includes overcab skylights (low-profiles only), GRP roofs, 142-litre fridges and Truma Combi 6kW dual-fuel space and water heating.
As standard, Trend sports Virginia Oak Tree cabinetwork, with a choice of Sporty or Unique soft furnishings. Options include Topaz Apple wood, plus Sahara or Unique fabrics.
Magic Edition gets a complete re-imagining for the new season. In total, there are two layouts, available as low-profile or A-class conversions. The low-profile T 2 EB is 7.41m long with twin single beds, while the T 3 DBM measures 7.41m and opts for an island bed. Both A-class variants, the I 2 EB and I 3 DBM, are 7.39m in length.
All models are based on the Fiat Ducato with high platform chassis and MTPLMs of 3500kg. Standard specification includes a GRP roof, 16in alloy wheels, flush-fitting windows, an overcab skylight (for low-profiles only) and a wide habitation door with a window and central locking. Inside, the living quarters have L-shaped lounges and are all on one level, with no steps. Upmarket cues are served up by a leather steering wheel and gearstick knob, chrome-ringed instruments and chrome-effect socket surrounds. Other standard equipment includes Truma Combi 6kW dual-fuel space and water heating, 190-litre fridges and a flatscreen-TV bracket.
Magic Edition ’vans receive Dakota Oak Tree cabinetwork, with a choice of Tizio (fabric) or Puritani (leather) for the soft furnishings.
In other news
Elsewhere, the Dethleffs portfolio goes forwards with Advantage (five fixed bed models: French bed T/I 6601, twin single beds T/I 6611 and T/I 7051 EB, plus island beds T/I 6651 and T/I 7051), 4-travel (one non-fixed-bed model, T 6966-4, and two fixed-bed models, twin single beds T 7116-4 and island bed T 7156-4), Esprit (four fixed-bed models: twin single beds T/I 6810-2 and T/I 7150-2 EB, and island bed T/I 7150-2 and T/I 7150-2 DBT) and Esprit Comfort (rear lounge A 6820-2 and transverse rear bed A 7870-2).
Advantage models are based on the Fiat Ducato with low-platform chassis and 3500kg MTPLMs. Esprit rides on Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko low-platform chassis, with 3500kg MTPLMs, while the two Esprit Comfort overcab coachbuilts (A 6820-2 and A 7870-2) are based on Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko low platform chassis (4500 and 5000kg MTPLMs).
At the top end, the Fiat/Al-Ko-based Globetrotter XL A-class continues with two models (island bed/overcab double I 7850-2 and twin single beds/overcab double I 7850-2 EB), plus two Iveco Daily-based Globetrotter XXL coachbuilts: the twin single beds/overcab double A 9000-2 and transverse rear bed/overcab double A 9800-2.
Entry-level offering Globebus gets three new layouts, all with 3500kg MTPLMs