For the 2017 touring season Hymer, based in Bad Waldsee, Germany, is focusing on its more mainstream models, while also adding some premium sparkle across its range.

What’s changed

Two all-new sub-3500kg MTPLM models stole the show at the 2017 launch event in Düsseldorf, proof of the company’s aim to address the demands of the more mainstream market. First, to capitalise on the rapid and ever-increasing growth of the panel van conversion market, there’s the new HymerCar Grand Canyon S. The second new model is the Hymer DuoMobil B-Class.

There are also updates for the B-Class DynamicLine, B-Class PremiumLine and the flagship StarLine ranges.

The headlines 

The smaller of the two motorhomes making their debut is the new HymerCar Grand Canyon S, the first campervan to be built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This means it is compact (5.93m long and 2.14m wide) and has the premium driveline of the three-pointed star, making it a true luxury van conversion. Aluminium-framed windows give it a sleek exterior look and, it’s claimed, offer good insulation, too.

The Mercedes-Benz base means you also get some of the car maker’s advanced on-road technology and driving aids to help keep you safe on tour, such as ABS, Brake Assist, Adaptive ESP, Hill Start Assist and Crosswind Assist – these are all standard, with further items optionally available. This is in addition to the standard-fit cab air-con, cruise control and a trip computer, plus electric windows and electrically-assisted closing for the sliding doors, to ease life on the road.

The feeling that this is a high-spec conversion begins the moment you climb aboard, either from your seat in the Mercedes-Benz cab, or when you enter via the electric step. Check out the leather-trimmed living/dining area (the cream tones of this test ’van are particularly fetching and that’s one of two leather upholstery options), the light-coloured wood for the cabinetry, christened ‘Chiavenna Walnut’, and the darker wood used underfoot. There’s also dimmable interior lighting, plus fabric is used to cover the walls and roof lining to make it feel cosy, but also aid temperature control, humidity and sound insulation. All this combines to create a very pleasing interior ambience.

The new HymerCar Grand Canyon S carries a number of space-saving features. In the all-in-one lounge/dinette is a fold-out table which can permit up to four to dine, if the cab seats are swivelled. There’s also an easy-to-operate fold-out sink in the all-in-one washroom, which has a trio of handy, moveable drying rails, too, plus a shower curtain.

Across the rear of the Grand Canyon S is a 1.95m x 1.4m double bed, and the sleeping quarters are well lit thanks to the ’van’s side and rear windows. There is also a healthy amount of overhead and under-bed storage space.

The side kitchen is typical of those found in campervans/panel van conversions, with two gas burners and a stainless-steel sink, plus wide drawers beneath the worktop and lockers above; all lockers in this ’van have positive catches. There is also a 90-litre fridge.

Need to take bulky items such as sports equipment on tour? The Grand Canyon S has a through-loading area and kit can be secured using the lashing rails that are attached to the motorhome’s chassis.

The new HymerCar Grand Canyon S is priced from €55,490 (about £46,000).

Also new is the Hymer DuoMobil B-DL 534, which follows the DuoMobil B-SL 634. Borrowing heavily from the B-Class DynamicLine range, this model, with an MTPLM of less than 3500kg, is a two-berth for couples who want to tour in luxury, but in a compact ’van – it’s 6.99m long, 2.22m wide and has a MiRO of 2980kg. It also has a capacious rear garage, which can be accessed from both sides of the vehicle, with a 350kg load capacity that can be upped to 450kg for a fee.

The star attractions of this layout are arguably the drop-down twin single beds at the front. Fold the cab seats flat, then lower the beds silently from above at the touch of a button. At the rear is a generous U-shaped lounge, individual headrests providing extra comfort, a pair of nicely-lit glasses cabinets (one in each of the rear corners) lending the area an upmarket feel. And while the kitchen and washroom are on the small side, both feel elegant and well-finished.

The new DuoMobil B-SL 534 is priced from €84,990 (about £70,000).

In other news 

In the sub-3500kg segment, Hymer is expanding its B-Class DynamicLine collection, which launched in May with the 444, 504, 588 and 678. The new 584 stands under 7m long, is 2.22m wide, and has a rear bathroom layout, as well as a large garage with access from inside and outside the ’van. 

The Hymermobil B-Class PremiumLine’s updates focus on adding high-class touches. The new 778 and 798 tag-axle models, with fixed-twin-single-bed and island-bed layouts respectively, have super-smart central washrooms which can be screened off from the rest of the ’vans on both sides, plus kitchens with big refrigerators and increased storage space. The 778’s huge single beds measure 2.09m x 0.8m and 2.1m x 0.8m, while the island bed in the 798 is 2m x 1.48m.

The range-topping Mercedes-Benz-based Hymermobil StarLine has also been revised inside and out, and two new layouts have been introduced, the 680 (twin fixed singles) and the 690 (island bed). Kitchens get new mirror-finish drawers, pull-out storage and resurfaced worktops, while highlights in the washrooms include a fixed wooden toilet door. A new grille and bonnet distinguish these revised models from outside. In addition, the 680 and 690 are equipped with cruise control, and driver and passenger airbags as standard.