Not just one of the biggest, this 26-footer is also the most expensive motorhome to ever come out of the Auto-Sleeper stable.
Flagship status with a three-pointed star!
One of six Mercedes-based coachbuilts that tops the current portfolio, the Auto-Sleeper Burford has a French bed as well as a full-width washroom across the back (it’s also available in Duo format, with two single beds).
It all starts off on a hugely impressive Mercedes chassis. Rear-wheel drive, it has the 163bhp engine as standard along with slick automatic transmission.
The cab rather underplays itself, though. True, there’s the Mercedes three-pointed star on the steering wheel to remind you this is a superior base vehicle offering, and the MBUX infotainment system’s 7in touchscreen is a highly technical piece of kit, but the overall ambience is dominated by lots of black plastic.
This is the more popular low-profile variant (a full overcab pod is available at no extra cost), with wind-open sunroof and open storage to both sides.
The GRP bodywork is a pretty standard 2.35m wide, but somehow this translates into a roomier feel inside, especially at the front where the day time living area comprises of two inward-facing, short settees (they also slide together to make second double bed) and cab seats that are particularly easy to swivel (there’s no handbrake to get in the way). Note also there are no less than 13 soft furnishings choices.
It’s also easy to walk through from the lounge to the kitchen area inside the Auto-Sleeper Burford.
The main kitchen unit is mid-‘van on the offside. A Thetford full cooker is to the far right, sink is far left, with permanent worktop plus a slide-out extension, in between.
A comprehensive round-up of kitchen kit extends to an extractor unit, two drawers, two shelved lockers (the left hand one includes a kitchen roll holder) plus a third cupboard under the cooker, a splash panel, two mains sockets and a single USB.
Lockers overhead house four stemmed glasses and two bottle holders (left side) and a plate rack (right).
Directly across the corridor is the fridge/freezer. The microwave oven over it should prove to be a sensible enough height for most users.
Aft of the kitchen, a solid door opens to reveal the Auto-Sleeper Burford’s bedroom, with its French (i.e. cutaway) bed set along the nearside (there’s also access to storage in here; plus there’s an exterior-access hatch).
The bed itself is low enough that, despite the presence of two upper-level lockers, you can sit up and enjoy views out – via the large window on the nearside or Heki Midi rooflight overhead. Or you might prefer to watch TV – sockets are already on place for the aerial, mains and 12V electricity.
Next to this main bed, the double wardrobe and four drawers will surely be more than adequate for keeping all your clothes whilst you’re on your motorhome travels. Also here is a mirror/dresser unit
Beyond the bedroom – and accessed by another solid door – is a full-width washroom stretching right across the back of the Burford.
Storage hasn’t been forgotten here, either, with a high-level locker as well as a tambour-doored locker and open shelving under the central, countertop basin.
The shower cubicle, accessed via folding doors, has a tile-effect finish, plus there are two chrome racks, while the shower itself is on a riser bar. Underfoot are two diametrically opposed plugholes in a generously deep shower tray.
Throughout the Auto-Sleeper Burford motorhome are plenty of useful details. The underslung gas tank, reversing camera (to help avoid a motorhome insurance claim), paddle lights on rails, touch-sensitive ceiling lights, Truma habitation air conditioning, built-in wi-fi, and much more. The only surprise is it restricts itself to an 80Watt solar panel.
Rounding off an overall specification that easily qualifies as generous, there’s a GPS Sargent Cat6 Tracker… it’s up and running as soon as you pay for your first subscription, and will attract a healthy motorhome insurance discount with Caravan Guard!
Verdict: Large and luxurious
Plus: Mercedes underpinnings will have their appeal, high overall specification, roomy lounge and washroom
Minus: Pricy, weighty
In-a-nutshell: Three-pointed star of the Auto-Sleepers show
There’s more information on the Mercedes range on the Auto-Sleepers website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance page.
Alternatives: Hymer B-Class Modern Comfort T
Auto-Sleeper Burford factfile
Model | Auto-Sleeper Burford |
Base vehicle | Mercedes Sprinter, 2.1-litre, 163bhp, Euro 6.2 |
Dimensions | 7.92m L x 2.35m W x 2.88m H |
Berths | Four |
Travel seats | Two |
Maximum weight | 4,100kg |
Payload | 650kg |
MPG estimate | 24-28 |
Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, remote central locking to all doors, ABS and EBD, EBA (emergency brake assist), tyre pressure monitoring, twin airbags, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguisher, 25-litre underfloor gas tank, Sargent Cat6 tracker, colour reversing camera, Motorhome Wi-Fi, Drivesafe gas heating regulator, CRiS VINChip |
Key options | Premium Pack (£4,000) Rear travel seating (£1,000), Sargent tracker annual subscription (£95), alternative soft furnishings (no extra cost) |
I have a 6 berth with only two forward facing seats (Bessacarr E749). Its bigger and heavier, equivalent to Kontiki twin axle. Dont need an HGV license, thats ridiculous. Only ever two of us but we like a bit of space, the Burford looks a good deal coming in at 20k cheaper than a twin axle Kontiki, only four tyres to replace not six! Agree about the tracker!
Good information and details but to weighty for me now.
Why do a lot of manufacturers still insist on only fitting two travel seats in a four berth van?
Too big, too heavy, too expensive,
Would need an HGV license.
I wouldn’t be committed to £95 a year because a tracker is fitted.
Four berth , with only 2 seats utterly pointless.
I think this one is a white elephant.
Also the front lounge part with the kitchen sink cooker etc looks a complete copy of our Elddis Autoquest.
A lot lot cheaper as well.