Futuristic off-road campervan revealed

Futuristic, concept RVs are as rare as speeding caravans in Australia, but in Europe they’re all the rage at the big shows where the big-brand manufacturers compete with each other on who can display the most up-to-date tech blended with hipster styling…

German manufacturer Hymer scored some big points recently with its avant-garde Hymer VisionVenture concept campervan, which was unveiled at the 2019 version of the world’s biggest caravan show, the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon.

Looking like a cross between an AMG Mercedes sports car and a military-spec RV, the compact VisionVenture is based on a Mercedes-Benz 4x4 Sprinter van and showcases plenty of cutting-edge design and innovation, from inflatable baffles for the pop-top roof flaps to a two-part rear door that folds down to form a seamless timber-floor balcony.

Like a tiny home, access to the roof-top double bed is via a domestic-style staircase, while a push of a button converts the combination shower toilet into a five-star rain shower that's separated by a partition from the sink and toilet.

Occupants can enjoy a panoramic view from the twin lounges at the back, or walk through to the main living area with its fancy kitchen, dinette, and separate workstation.

The interior is lined with wood, timber, bamboo and leather while the special BASF Climacool automotive paint, is said to lower the exterior surface temperature by up to 20 degrees and interior temperature by up to four degrees.

Ready for outdoor fun, the VisionVenture also features plenty of road clearance, skid plates, bead lock-style wheels, an LED light bar and all-terrain tyres, not to mention roof-mounted solar panels for off-grid camping.

While unlikely to make production, expect to see some of the VisionVenture’s unique features in future campervan models coming out Europe.

Check out the video below for the full rundown…