A clever combination of sophistication and practicality, the I 51 QB simply oozes luxury, with a popular floorplan that’s now on a Mercedes base

This is always one of the toughest categories to judge, given that all of our contenders tend to offer a tremendous amount of style.

But this year our winner manages to combine a clever mix of sophistication with practicality, and now, a great new base vehicle, to make this a truly luxurious motorhome.

Carthago has been building ’vans for 40 years; over the decades, it’s become synonymous with high-end A-class/liner motorhomes.

For 2020, journalists at Carthago’s press launch were treated to a glittering reveal of a new, front-wheel-drive Mercedes-based A-class; the new base vehicle would now be an option (instead of the Fiat Ducato or Iveco Daily) on both the Chic E-line and S-plus ranges.

What’s more, Carthago is also the first manufacturer to offer an optional twin-axle, 5.5-tonne version of the Sprinter chassis as a motorhome base.

Four models are available in the E-line range, but it’s the 51 QB with island bed that appealed most to our panel of judges.

This layout has always offered style in spades, thanks to its large fixed bed and spacious lounge, but combine it with that Mercedes base and you have an even more tempting prospect.

Offering many features, such as adaptive cruise control, brake assist and crosswind assist, the Sprinter cab is one of the most advanced out there, helping to make every second of your tour that much more comfortable.

It doesn’t come cheap – on the Mercedes base, this model costs more than £119,000. But if you’re looking for a luxurious motorhome, this could be the one for you.