Hymer Autumn fair
Yesterday I visited the Hymercenter in Örebro when they had an autumn activity and my main reason was to see the Hymer Venture S in real life. It really is a fantastic motorhome that impresses with its innovative design. Here they have managed to combine lounge, balcony and sundeck in a single vehicle, which makes it something really special. It is also full of clever storage solutions inside and the outside is just as impressive – especially in the blue-green metallic paint they showed which, however, costs over SEK 100,000 in addition just for the paint.
To get all this space, you have a folding roof with inflatable walls. The bed placed in the raised roof even consists of an inflatable mattress that can be adjusted in firmness. The comfort was high even if the bed narrows considerably at the foot end where the stairs come up. Incidentally, the stairs themselves are a small masterpiece with integrated storage – a smart solution for how to maximize space in a relatively small car.
It's easy to be seduced by all the possibilities that the Venture S offers, but the price tag is really top class - 3.6 million SEK for a car that's not even 6.5 meters long. But considering the unique technology and the custom-made solutions where everything is of very high quality, one can still understand the price situation. Just the bike holder that is specially made for this model costs over SEK 40,000!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Cargo space is extremely limited and you really have to pack minimalistic. Packing cables, water hoses, chairs, tables, grills and other things you want to take with you can be a challenge. The inflatable roof, clever as it is, also raises questions - especially in windy weather. With the bed up high, a huge surface exposed to the wind and a four-wheel drive chassis with increased ground clearance, it can certainly rock a lot when it's windy. I'm well aware of that from my ML-T, even though it has hydraulic support legs that stand firmly on the ground and pretty much half the surface exposed to the wind. In slightly harsher weather, it will be almost impossible to sleep up there.
There is a bed option in the rear area, but then you need to bring an extra mattress to make it comfortable - and there is really no room for it.
I can also imagine that the Venture S might not be the best for winter camping. The heat and insulation are probably top notch, but snow and ice in combination with all the functions that have to be folded up and down can cause problems. Then there will probably be a lot of condensation around the rear large windows that surround the lounge area.
Two other models that caught my attention during the visit were the updated versions of the ML-T and the Grand Canyon S as Crossover models where both were shown in updated versions. They both have an interior inspired by the Venture S, which really gives a modern and luxurious feeling. The new lighting concept with dimmable lamps and adjustable color temperature reinforces the exclusive feeling. Hymer Connect, where you can control almost everything via a digital display or an app, makes the whole thing even smoother and more modern.
The new ML-T feels more cozy and modern than its predecessor, even if the basic solutions are mostly the same. One change is that the loose step to the beds at the back has been replaced by an integrated step, which is a flexible solution. On the other hand, you lose storage space in the drawer where the ladders are stored folded down and the extension between the beds is shorter than in the old model. The TV is very elegantly recessed into the wall, but this means that the bathroom has an unfortunate extension that you easily bump your back into when sitting on the toilet. Since I have spent a lot of time in mine, I can more easily see the differences on that particular model and there are things that are both better and worse.
As for the exterior design, I'm not entirely convinced about the new ML-T, I actually think the old model looks better. The leather upholstery is very nice with the knitting and the decor on the front seats, but the sofa has large gray surfaces that look a bit boring.
The Grand Canyon S has the same stylish leather upholstery, but here you also have stylish knitting on the back of the sofa that matches the front seats. On the other hand, I think it's a shame that they didn't choose black mixers for the kitchen and bathroom, as they chose in the new ML-T, as it would have gone better with the rest of the decor.
On the outside, however, I think that the Grand Canyon S has become more attractive in the new version with its gray metallic paint, which both looks good and is more practical than the previous black paint. Even the decor on the outside of it is nicer than the old one in my opinion. However, everyone's taste is different. It is an incredibly expensive van, but function, equipment and execution are also at a very high level.
The prices are high for all models from Hymer, but the quality of the interior, carpentry, etc. is really top notch, so as usual you probably get what you pay for.
In conclusion, it was an inspiring visit with a real boost for both crossover models. As always, it was a pleasant and knowledgeable reception from Gabriel and his colleagues in Örebro.
