2026 Malibu I 470 RB-LE K motorhome review

Amazing, really, considering A-class’s account for a very small section of what, in turn, is a very small market for motorhomes overall here in the UK. But there’s no shortage of manufacturers (nearly 100% continental) that are represented here. Just look at the potential rivals to the Malibu I 470 RB-LE K listed opposite. And there will be more.

If the Malibu name needs introducing, let’s say it’s the “budget” subsidiary of Carthago, the German manufacturer of particularly high repute, especially when it comes to A-class motorhomes.

True, that’s a highly attractive £92,000 starting price considering we’re very much at the premium end of the market here, but it’s also where a certain level of bespokeness is involved in arriving at the specification you order –note, for starters, the standard 140bhp engine with manual transmission from Fiat is the initial engine offering (it’s also available on a Mercedes base). And that’s where this particular story begins.

In this sector, it’s all about choice and options to upgrade. The cost of the A-Class motorhome under review here, for example, tops £116,000. And there’s plenty of scope to go for more. Your research skills will certainly be put to the test, especially when it comes to unearthing what the exact fittings are in any of the Package factory-fit options.

Another key – possibly critical – factor here is this Malibu has a “K” designation, which means it has a driving licence-friendly 3,500kg maximum weight limit and, in this case, a starting weight of 2,933kg.

But, as with any motorhome purchase, the biggest single aspect to get right is choosing the right motorhome floorplan.

In this video, we take a look around the 2026 Malibu I 470 RB-LE K motorhome:

The Malibu I 470 RB-LE lounge includes L-shaped seating and an inward-facing single seat as well as cab chairs that are particularly easy to swivel.

Everyone sits around a fixed pedestal leg table with full adjustment. Upholstery is upmarket in its feel and, you’ve guessed, there are alternatives on offer.

Also at the front is a typical A-class feature, a drop-down bed, measuring a generous 1.9m x 1.6m, although again there’s a factory option to not have it fitted, instead lining the upper area with lockers.

In standard trim, the kitchen will feel under-equipped as far as UK expectations are concerned. Again, factory-fitted options will come to your rescue if you want a grill/oven and more.

As standard you get a three-gas ring hob with cast-iron pan rest, and a separate, circular sink with a particularly neat storage slot for the larger of its two loose covers that also doubles as a chopping board. Typically continental, storage is excellent in its variety and user-friendliness

Opposite the kitchen, the slimline Dometic fridge with freezer has a 133-litre capacity.

Moving rearwards from the kitchen zone the shower cubicle and toilet room are kept separate.

The former is plastic-lined with folding doors and a trigger-operated showerhead on a riser bar. Again, its proportions are generous.

The toilet room has a swivel-bowl loo and countertop handbasin as well as upper- and lower-level (including toilet roll dispenser) locker storage along with a mirror, soap dispenser, mug and holder, high-level shelving etc.

At the back of the Malibu I 470 RB-LE K motorhome, there are steps up to each of the permanent beds. They’re of slightly differing lengths, 2m and 1.9m, but both have the same 0.85m width.

There’s almost unlimited storage throughout this A-Class motorhome, thanks to plenty of upper lockers, dedicated spaces in the double-floor, a full height wardrobe as well as clothes hanging rails on the lockers at the foot of each bed.

Plus, under those beds, it’s a huge garage with uncluttered space – but there are essentials such as strip lighting, a rail for lashing points, a blown air outlet, mains socket etc – and a 250kg load capacity (but again, just beware of your total payload limits).

Luckily, the configurator function on the Malibu website details everything you can have on your vehicle as well as the weight – and price – implications.

To find out more about insuring a Malibu I 470 RB-LE K or your current motorhome visit our motorhome insurance page.

Verdict: A-class with class

Plus: Upmarket build with superb fit and finish throughout, style and presence, massive choice of options…

Minus: …but you’ll have to watch your payload, and you’re going to need a healthy bank balance, only the 140bhp engine as standard

In-a-nutshell: Champion lightweight

Alternatives: Adria Sonic Supreme 700 DL, Frankia F-line Final Edition I 740 GD, Knaus L!ve I 700 MEG, Laika Kreos H 5109, Mobilvetta Design K-Yacht Tekno Line 86, Niesmann + Bischoff iSmove 6.9 E, Pilote Galaxy G720FGJ Expression, Rapido 866F, Roller Team Pegaso 750