2013 Hymer B544 motorhome review: putting a market leader to the test

A motorhome to aim for? There’s no arguing with the class of a Hymer, particularly the ever-popular B-series. It’s the B544 here that has long been a perennial favourite here in the UK.

From the current ten-model B-Class series line-up, it of course features the latest Hymer look, starting with a snub front end, which makes the most of the interior space – especially the overcab bed design.

It also boasts Hymer’s unique PUAL (polyurethane/aluminium) system of construction, while a double floor means extra insulation as well as storage where it matters most. Hymer is also something of a leader in motorhome safety. It’s long been associated with testing its vehicles and it’s always a bonus to see cabs with twin airbags as standard.

Look out also, for the five-stars markings over the windscreen – they show it’s an official UK import. Be wary of that sub-£65,000 starting price below, though. It’s not as simple as that.

Order your new Hymer and, like most new motorhomes these days, there are plenty of opportunities to turn it into a truly bespoke package – at a price.

The example here comes with Comfort Package 2 (from a choice of eight) plus the £1,672 Chassis-Comfort Package.

 Also on offer is a selection of four Design Packages, ranging from £2836 to £4676, as well as all manner of individual options such as an upgrade to Truma’s Combi 6 with gas and electric operation (£449) and Aguti cab seats (£580). As ever, do note all options eat into the payload figure, although chassis upgrades are available.

Whatever you end up with, it’s certainly proved itself as a popular floorplan amongst UK buyers. There’s a large lounge up the front, comprising L-shaped seating and inward-facing settee, and both cab seats are easy enough to swivel to join in the most convivial of settings – all around a sizeable and sturdy pedestal leg table.

At night time, it’s simple enough to fold over the cab seats and drop down the main double bed to a height where access should be easy enough for most folk. You can also make a third sleeping berth from the settee.

At the back of the lounge, what looks like a rather small, L-shaped kitchen does benefit from a Dometic Tec Tower fridge/freezer/grill/oven combo nearby. The chef gets a three-ring gas hob, sink with tiniest of drainer areas, and all kinds of superior quality drawer storage.

The  nearside corner washroom may not take up much space, but clever design sees it being spacious in its own right. There’s a bench toilet on the back wall here, and you can make the whole rest of the room into a shower cubicle thanks to partitions and a sink that hinges out of the way for such purposes. The tambour door is great for space-efficiency as well as having waterproof qualities.Storage is also generous in here, as indeed it is throughout the rest of a vehicle that is obviously well thought out in every aspect of its on-site performance.

You’ll have few qualms with its behaviour on the road, too. It’s the solidity of engineering that helps to keep things far quieter than you might expect in an A-class. You certainly get a good enough performance from the standard 130bhp engine here, with upgrades available to further tempt you.

There’s only one conclusion here. This is a premium product, whichever way you look at it – talking of which, there’s now a UK-wide network of Hymer UK dealers just waiting to show you the stuff that dreams are made of.

Verdict: A genuine A-class act, even after all these years
Plus: Quality, pedigree, safety, large lounge, smart washroom
Minus: Options rack up the price, compact kitchen
In a nutshell: Aspirant 

Cost to insure: £389.50*

In summary

• Hymer B544
• Based on Fiat Ducato/Al-Ko, 2.3-litre, 130bhp, Euro V
• Dimensions 6.55m L, 2.35m W, 2.90m H
• Maximum weight 3500kg (can be upgraded)
• Payload 450kg
• Key options:  Full range of Packs and individual factory-fit extras
• Security and safety Fiat ABS,ESP, ASR, Traction Plus and hill holder;  driver’s and passenger’s airbags
• MPG estimate 24-30
• Recommended retail price from £64,890**

There’s more information on the B-Class range on the Hymer motorhome website and to find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the motorhome insurance discounts page. 

Alternatives: Adria Sonic, Pilote G640 LR, Rapido 9048dF

*Motorhome insurance cost based on Hymer B544 motorhome retailing at £64,890 with standard fit equipment, manufacturers immobiliser and Caravan Guard approved tracking device. Standard excess of £300 applies. Motorhome kept on home driveway at TD9 8ED. Annual mileage up to 5000 miles. Covered for ‘Social, domestic and pleasure use’. Quote includes UK breakdown and EU travel cover  – EU breakdown is available for an additional fee. Motorhome owner 57 year old male, claim free for 5 years. Premiums include insurance premium tax at 6% and are correct at 23/07/13.

**On-the-road including VAT at 20%