Being an über-luxurious brand, Niesmann+Bischoff is a relatively small producer, and it only updates its ranges once in a while.

In the past few years, we have seen the launch of the company’s first-ever low-profile, the iSmove, and updates to its top-of-the-table Flair.

So it seems only natural that for 2025, the German manufacturer should focus on its other range, the Arto.

I visited Erwin Hymer Travelworld, the brand’s only UK dealer, to see the Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 78, the smaller of the two models in the range and our top pick of the luxury motorhomes on the market at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025. The firm is known for its customisable models, and while it starts at £163,900, the model I saw came to £207,029, due to the various optional extras.

Much of the motorhome upgrades concern things that are not immediately obvious, such as a new 300-litre fresh-water tank, 200-litre waste-water tank, 150Ah lithium leisure battery and 660W solar panel, all fitted as standard.

As options, you can upgrade the battery to 450Ah (£6825) and have a 170-litre toilet tank fitted (£1416). Niesmann+Bischoff is clearly targeting this vehicle at those who love off-grid motorhoming.

Not that you would know this from looking at the elegant exterior, with its restrained off-white and charcoal, and accents of orange on the bumper and the coach-style mirrors (£710).

Cab and lounge

If you were taking this vehicle down a bumpy track, visibility wouldn’t be a problem. In fact, I think it’s the best motorhome I have ever seen for visibility, thanks to the wraparound windscreen and huge side windows in the cab, separated by the thinnest of A-pillars. And you get a reversing camera as well.

The cab
Cab visibility is superb via the huge windscreen and side windows

The Mercedes dash is all you would expect. The cab seats swivel to a front dinette with the two rear seats (which become belted seats as a cost option).

The cab sets swivelled round
Swivel the cab seats to join the bright and airy front dinette

The fold-up table between the seats can swing and slide for flexibility. And here, as elsewhere in the cab, you get a highly sophisticated lighting system, with a choice of downlighters, spots and ambient light you can customise.

The lounge
Opulent lounge provides high-quality seating and plenty of floorspace, too

The kitchen in the Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 78

I thought the kitchen looked more like what you would see in a stylish apartment, with a concrete grey finish to the considerable workspace, including the square sink with a drainer and an elegant detachable tap.

The shelf on the right, which can be raised to form part of the partition to the bedroom, holds a mains socket, so it’s perfect for that all-important coffee machine (which the company can supply for £133).

The kitchen
Beautiful kitchen has plenty of worktop and superb appliances

The Dometic 117-litre fridge, separate freezer, and Bosch microwave (£755) are all behind a fascia just opposite. There’s a drawer with recycling bins below this, and even a tea towel rail.

The washroom in the Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 78

The washroom features the same concrete look, with a salad-bowl-style basin lit by LEDs and a huge rooflight.

This whole section slides forward over the toilet to create space for the equally minimalist shower cabinet.

Sleeping in the Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 78

I thought the rear beds were very comfortable. Lying down, you still have access to the controls for the lighting, and each bed gets individually switched spots and a cubbyhole with USB and USB-C ports.

The rear beds
Comfortable rear beds are fitted with individual spotlights and USBs

The optional front bed (£1455) pulls down easily above the cab.

Storage in the Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 78

I thought the external storage was superb, with a garage capable of holding a couple of ebikes (especially given the payload). As an option totalling £1541, you can have the many skirting lockers fitted with handy pull-out storage trays.

Pull-out storage trays in the skirting lockers
As an option, the skirting lockers can have pull-out storage trays

In the lounge, storage is a bit more minimal and hidden away. You do get a hanging wardrobe under each of the beds at the back. They are very easy to access, but they are not quite as large as we were expecting. As a £1660 option you can go for an additional wardrobe where the fridge is, but then you’ll only be able to have a drawer fridge. The overhead lockers are a good size.

The kitchen is amply supplied with huge drawers, all of which are kitted out with beautifully designed pegs and racks that should stop anything rattling about when you’re en route. There are two small cupboards in the washroom, too.

Alternatives to consider

The Carthago C2 Tourer I 145 RB LE Lightweight 3.5t is an impressive option which comes with the usual quality from Carthago yet can be driven by anyone.

Alternatively, you could think about the Le Voyageur 7.6 GJF Heritage – it’s an aspirational motorhome which combines stylish looks with a homely appearance.

Technical spec of the Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 78

  • Price: £163,900 (£207,029 as tested)
  • Sleeps: 2 (4 as tested)
  • Belts: 2 (4 as tested)
  • Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter
  • Engine: 2.0-litre, 150bhp turbodiesel
  • Length/width/height: 7.82/2.41/3.03m (25’7”/7’9”/9’9”)
  • MTPLM: 4500kg
  • MiRO: 3517kg
  • Payload: 780kg
  • Water (fresh/waste): 300/200 litres
  • Leisure battery: 150Ah
  • Gas: 2 x 11kg

Something you should ask yourself before buying a new ‘van is “what driving licence do I need to drive a motorhome?” to make sure you stay safe and legal on the road.

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