Jaw-dropping off-road camper hits production

Three years after unveiling the prototype, German RV giant Hymer has ripped the covers off the production version of its innovation-packed, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter based off-road motorhome.

Displayed at the 2022 Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany, the road-ready Hymer Venture S retains many of the jaw-dropping, industry-first features of the show-stopping prototype, including the inflatable, insulated pop-top roof, the two-part rear door that folds down to a timber-floor deck, and interior cabinetry that doubles as a stairwell leading to the five-star bedroom loft.

Externally, the eye-catching all-terrain motorhome is protected by scratch-resistant Raptor paint, and packs in clever space-saving features like Hymer's Skotti gas barbecue that packs up into a small bag when not in use.

Rising at the touch of a button, the pneumatic pop-top roof encompasses the five star hotel-like 'Instant Loft' that boasts a comfy mattress, heaps of headroom, a vertical screened window, electrical sockets and ambient lighting.

The pop-top's inflatable walls feature a unique four-layer insulation for year-round comfort, and the firmness of the air-pocket mattress is adjustable for the perfect night's sleep.

The app-controlled, state-of-the-art interior lighting system includes dimmable ambient lights and portable pendant and reading lamps that that can be mounted in different positions throughout the 'van. Entertainment options include a Sonos Roam mobile soundbar, and a mobile projector and screen.

Closing up the top-hinged rear tailgate and sundeck in inclement weather doesn't close off the outside world, with the curved '3D panoramic' rear glass windows still providing a 180 degree view from the rear seats, while the dinette table collapses and folds away under the seats in seconds to allow another bed to be set up.

The 'Smart kitchen' incorporates a twin hob gas cooktop and a pull-out pantry with wooden cutting board and matching sink cover, and there's a multifunction wall system to hang herb pots, a spice rack or a kitchen-roll holder.

The enclosed ensuite is also cleverly designed with the toilet separate from a vanity and sink that 'swings' away as required to create a 'spa' shower area.

The 'mobile office space' up front also neatly folds away into a wall cavity when not in use, and there's decent off-grid power thanks to 345 watts of rooftop solar feeding a 320Ah lithium battery system.

Warm, homey touches throughout include bamboo and slate-look finishes in the ensuite, along with subway tiles and a soft-touch, anti-glare metal surface in the kitchen that's resistant to fingerprints and scratches, and can be thermally repaired if necessary.

Hymer, which claims to have built the first motorhome back in the 1960s, says its cutting-edge camper weighs up to 4100kg when fully loaded.

"Experience the perfect combination of lifestyle and aspirations, campfire and high-tech in a vehicle that is the first of its kind," the German manufacturer says on its website.

"We thought about what was still lacking in the world of caravanning – then we simply did it.”

All this glamour and grunt doesn't come cheap, with the 6.45m long Venture S priced from €225,000, or approximately AUD$326,000. We don't expect the four-berth camper to be available in Australia any time soon, although Hymer motorhomes were sold down under a few years ago.

For a full rundown of all the premium features, visit the Hymer Venture S homepage.