Hymer VisionVenture Mercedes Is More Tiny Mansion Than Motorhome
If this Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is the future of ‘van life,’ count us in.
If you’ve been following Mercedes concepts in recent years, you’ll know that “Vision” plays a big role in them. As in, quite a few concept cars since the year 2000 have the word in their name. But Vision isn’t exclusive to Mercedes-Benz. In fact, German motorhome builder Hymer and chemical company BASF have partnered to create their own Vision concept, the VisionVenture. Before you start asking when Daimler’s team of lawyers is stepping in, don’t worry. It’s built on a Sprinter chassis.
From the outside, the VisionVenture is unmistakably a Mercedes. But it’s custom from the A-pillars back. Hymer says the concept is a glimpse into what camping could be like in 2025. If that’s the case, then we should probably sell our house and buy a VisionVenture.
A mansion on a Sprinter chassis.
The exterior is kept cool thanks to a special paint that keeps the temperature down. There’s an old-school Westfalia-style pop-top; but here, its side curtains can be inflated up to seven centimeters thick with hot or cold air, and the roof hosts an array of photovoltaic cells. Out back, a clamshell hatch opens up into a wood-paneled patio. And, of course, there’s a pull-out barbecue.
Then there’s the inside, which sounds more like luxury tiny house than camper van. Tile, hardwood, and slate (yes, slate) abound. The dining area can turn into an office, the bathroom sink (there are two sinks in here) tucks away to make room for a slate-lined rainwater shower, and there’s even an elegant pendant light that functions as a ceiling centerpiece or patio light. As for storage, there’s a full kitchen setup and a set of cabinets that doubles as steps to the rooftop sleeping area.
In all, the concept is ingenious, stylish, and downright drool-worthy. There’s no word on specs, but if it’s a stock Sprinter, it’ll probably do fine on-road, and be easy to modify for some light off-roading duties. Of course, this is all a concept. But hey, we can afford to dream, right?
Hymer is one of the largest motorhome manufacturers in the world. Today, their successful Hymercar line is already based on the Sprinter. So the VisionVenture may be a concept. But in five years’ time, we might be able to get our hands on something very similar to it. Here’s hoping.
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