Campers are cool and all, but they’re almost always too bulky for off-road travel, and they guzzle a lot of gas. But what if you could fit all the bells and whistles of a well-appointed RV into a compact camper van, including a bathroom with a shower? German manufacturer Hymer claims they’ve designed the camper van of the future in “VisionVenture,” a concept built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.
Hymer says they got pretty much all their ideas for slick upgrades seen in this concept by keeping a close eye on the #vanlife community and seeing how they modify their own vehicles and what they have wished for. They basically took that wish list and satisfied virtually every item on it.
With four wheel drive for off-road use, the van features selected body parts produced using 3D printing technology for durability and precision along with infrared-reflective paint. A pneumatic pop-top roof offers a comfortable place to sleep, freeing up the cabin for lounging, cooking and storing belongings.
Envisioned as a mobile luxury apartment for the year 2025, the VisionVenture is outfitted with bamboo, gray felt and leather, a rear patio with a BBQ, a generous amount of kitchen space and a transforming bathroom with rolling wall and a vanity sink that rotates to offer a rain shower.
“3D-printing, infrared-reflective paint, roof and rear patio with BBQ and pneumatic pop-top roof: developed in collaboration with BASF, the Mercedes-Benz-based concept vehicle VisionVenture breaks new ground in terms of design, self-sufficiency and lightweight construction. The concept car offers a foretaste of what modern travel could be like in 2025. It combines the pioneering spirit and innovation of Hymer with more than 20 innovative materials from BASF in order to offer a forward-looking response to current and future industry trends.”
“Also new is the ultra-resilient paintwork in striking dark green: the temperature-regulating, energy-efficient Chromacool technology from BASF reduces the surface temperature of the vehicle by 20°C and that of the interior by up to 4°C. It also allows a more individual look, offering an alternative to the classic white.”
Though it’s still just a concept, it’s a particularly exciting one for anyone who loves taking road trips in comfort and style.
