2021 Hymer B-MC I 550 WhiteLine motorhome

An A-class act!

Few can match Hymer’s sheer clout when it comes to motorhome manufacturing. The German company (which incidentally now owns Britain’s Elddis) has long been at the forefront of the A-class sector, right from its founding back in the 1970s – and is still pushing the boundaries today.

It’s mid-market B-MC series has an altogether grander sub-range, the limited edition WhiteLine, featuring lots of the kind of goodies you’d spend extra for on the standard variants. In fact, the way Hymer tells it, there’s more than £24,000 worth of extra kit on the WhiteLine motorhome – and it charges you £7,000 less for the privilege.

There are two Hymer WhiteLine A-class motorhome models for the 2021 season – the twin single beds I 600 and this, the more compact I 550, with a transverse double fixed over its garage storage area at the back.

B-MC A-class motorhomes use a Mercedes cowl with Hymer’s own SLC chassis extension. It’s front-wheel drive with a 175bhp engine that’s exclusive to the motorhome market and nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. The front axle gets extra stiffening, too, plus there’s an upgrade to a 92-litre fuel tank. It’s equally impressive in the cab area, where the MBUX multi-media system centres on a 10.25inch touchscreen screen. A reversing camera is part of this package too for a discount on your motorhome insurance premium.

Those black alloy wheels are from another Hymer company, the Goldschmitt suspension and ride subsidiary. The bodywork is, of course, Hymer’s long-proven, almost-iconic PUAL bonded, wood-free construction underpinned by a double floor (for extra insulation, integrity and the running of pipework etc) with lot of low-level hatches. Typical for most imported A-class’s, the only cab door is on the passenger’s side.

All side windows are flush-fitting and there are the usual Hymer motorhome fittings like the wind-up sunroof directly over the lounge, where easy-to-swivel cab seats join an L-shaped settee and inward-facing seat around a sturdy but fully adjustable pedestal leg table.

The all-enveloping bodywork of the A-class structure allows for a front lounge that’s a critical bit more spacious then a chassis-cab motorhome. It’s all better insulated, too, of course, also with better views out.

If you tire of gazing on the world, there’s always the TV in the Hymer B-MC I 550 WhiteLine. Also, you’ll enjoy the particularly neat way the 32inch monitor folds back flush with the rest of the furniture, just inside the habitation door. It’s all set up for satellite receiving, too, with an 80cm dish as standard.

Diagonally opposite the main entrance, there’s a compact, L-shaped kitchen with circular sink and some worktop beyond (no extension). Two large drawers are under the sink, all of which still leaves space for the full Thetford cooker option (three gas rings and separate oven and grill) you can see here.

Across from the kitchen of the Hymer B-MC I 550 WhiteLine, the washroom is bursting with neat little touches and practical design.

There’s a bench toilet here – unusual these days, but you’ll soon appreciate it’s easier to keep clean compared to trying to get behind a swivel-bowl design.

There are folding doors to the shower, which also has a tray that extends when you’re washing.

The bed is a 2.05m x 1.42m transverse mattress on a membrane rather than slats for ventilation and support. It’s a multi-zone cold foam mattress with a cover made from bamboo viscose material for optimal moisture regulation.

There are two reading lamps here too, but they’re in either corner rather than both sides as you sleep crossways.

Also, a slight surprise is the pull-down double bed in the cab area – the staple of so many A-class motorhomes – is only an option.

Ultimately, though, it’s the solid – and yes, integrated – feel to this of the Hymer B-MC I 550 WhiteLine motorhome that outshines everything. Fixtures and fitting are superbly executed. There’s a definite automotive quality air to the whole vehicle. Just another example of why Hymer is the master of the A-class.

Verdict: Classy Hymer with all the goodies

Plus: WhiteLine specification, overall fit and finish, Hymer pedigree

Minus: Only a limited edition, small kitchen

In-a-nutshell: Feels a million dollars

There’s more information on the BMC range on the Hymer website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Rapido 883F