Do the French do luxury better? The latest six-wheeler A-class motorhome from Le Voyageur

Peter Vaughan tests the new Le Voyageur Héritage from the Pilote Group. With a Mercedes Al-Ko six-wheeler chassis and a spacious island bed layout, this luxury motorhome has a vey different feel to its German rivals. It has four berths, a double floor, a brilliant drone-view camera system and costs a cool £180,000. The perfect motorhome for full-timing or long-term touring?
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◼️ REVIEWED BY: Peter Vaughan, Group Motorhome Road Test Editor for MMM magazine and What Motorhome magazine Editor. Peter has been writing about motorhomes since the age of 14, has a love of touring France and is mad about old Italian sports cars.
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◼️ MMM MAGAZINE motorhome.ma/mmmpocketmags This video is by MMM magazine, which has been Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine for every one of the past 53 years! To find out more about this fantastic magazine, which is packed every month with motorhome reviews, inspiring motorhome and campervan tours in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, all the latest motorhome news, technical tips and DIY projects to improve your ’van and the latest buying advice and tips just follow the link above.
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[@kevinlucas8437]

Beautiful workmanship ❤❤❤

[@graemeroberts5730]

Love Le Voyageur…….having had one when working…..on a merc. Sad day when we sold it.😢

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Oh no! Agree, they are subtley different to the Germans

[@don-qb4xb]

Brilliant review.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you so much!

[@alexanderkolesnik6942]

Marie-Antoinette never said: "Let them eat cake". But she did say: "I really like MotorhomeCampervan channel. C'est tres bien!"

[@savingelectric]

As usual an excellent review, will we be seeing you at the motorhome show at the NEC in a couple of weeks?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'll be there, judging our new awards - see www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/news/industry-leading-motorhome-and-campervan-awards-relaunched

[@lindamarie6574]

Very nice!

[@ApacheTheCat]

Wonderful review ☺️

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Glad you liked it

[@andy5786]

Very nice camper Van brilliant review 👍

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@_bav]

It's motorhome, not a campervan. Using those terms interchangeably will probably get you into hot water with both communities. 🤣

[@tonysutton6559]

@@_bav You would get at least 2 campervans in there. It's as big as some old peoples bungalows.

[@RobertDevine-rg6uo]

Really nice motorhome 👌

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

We agree!

[@wandajanetrusett]

Like both beds ,including Bunk as low as needed wonderful

[@gordonlennox4501]

Some interesting features, I like the idea of roll out water hose and electrical cable also the reversing camera with drone feature. Are you going to reveal how it works or do I have to get out the drone at every campsite? Good review as always.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I can't explain how it works but you don't need a drone! There are various cameras around the 'van and some very clever tech. Similar systems are available on some cars but it's a real boon on a 'van of this size.

[@mrb5760]

Stunning.

[@sriganeshnarayanan8179]

Excellent review

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you! Don't forget to subscribe to see all our latest content!

[@tarabottogino]

Oooh lala? Fantastique!!!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Merci!

[@iKvetch558]

Another terrific review of a pretty good looking vehicle...I really like the interior, and that drone view system sure does make maneuvering that big thing look easy. I do wish they had made a bit more of a workstation for the person in the passenger chair, maybe some kind of pull/slide out table like I have seen on some large RVs, but it definitely is a pretty nice looking place to stay...and that STORAGE! LOL I am very curious about what kind of discounts are normal when you actually go a dealer and want to buy one of these large A class vans. In the US, the price a person can expect to pay is discounted significantly off of the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) or list price. These discounts are generally 20 percent or more, and I have seen large vans over 8 meters discounted as much as 35 percent from the list price...so a $300k vehicle might actually sell for around $200k. Is it similar at RV dealerships in the UK, or does the list price actually have a more realistic relationship to the actual selling price? ✌✌

[@Simonski8]

Just watched a great review of a US fifth wheel. $220k msrp and awesome size with slide outs, full kitchen, diner, lounge, to, bedroom etc. European vehicles and options seem so poor c/w what’s available in US

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I don't think you'll get much discount at all at the moment as dealers are still struggling to get new vehicles for stock, mainly due to delays with chassis deliveries

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I don't think you'll comparing similar build quality, though

[@iKvetch558]

@@MotorhomeCampervan I also feel like MSRP in the USA is a much less concrete thing than list price is in most of Europe. In the USA, I feel that it is much more common practice for RV makers AND dealers to mark things up a bit so they can seem to be giving bigger discounts to the end user.

[@iKvetch558]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Agreed...and as well, there are many regulations that European RV makers have to adhere to, such as the travel seat thing. In the US, the regulations on people riding in RVs are much looser, so all the RV makers usually have to do is just throw a few extra seatbelts around the seating outside the cab. Meanwhile, in Europe, if you want 3 or 4 or 5 people riding in your RV, you need a structurally sound and crash worthy travel seat for each and every one of them them, which definitely increases the costs, especially when the travel seats are made to disappear completely.💯💯

[@nednaylor4771]

I could only dream of owning one of these.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Just think of the grand tours...

[@EV-Diary]

Can you review the full size tag axel kon-tiki and the auto trailes

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'll see what I can do. The Kon-tiki will have most of the same issues as the one I reviewed before, just with more space - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5LLq5Wvj7Wdnq8 If you fancy an Auto-Trail tag watch this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKK8Z2h5ZqaWd5Y - The overcab Frontier models are very, very similar. Why not consider the Coachman instead - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXiznHqPrNuiadU And Laika's new Kreos is SUPERB, if a bit more money

[@davidclinch1358]

Thanks for another excellent review, Peter. I would just like to firmly disagree with one of your comments, as my wife and I have lived in France for 20 years and we know that the French do lots of things better ! That's why we are here.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'm a bit of a Francophile, too. I've owned many French cars and love campervanning in France - nowhere is perfect but you're right, the French do some stuff better!

[@snapdragon2441]

I like the kitchen, I can live with 2 burners. Loads of storage is more important to me.

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. The Optional oven and microwave should be Included as standard 😊

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

They're not standard because most continental buyers probably wouldn't want them. I would have the oven but not the microwave.

[@_bav]

Thanks for another great video Peter. 👋 The kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, storage and general style are all excellent; VFM is reasonable; but LHD wipers on a RHD MH is unforgivable and potentially dangerous (and should be banned).

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you. Agree that wipers should be RHD layout - of course - but I have seen some that leave even more 'screen unswept. Always check when looking at A-classes.

[@rickroche583]

Peter, thank you fro all the reviews, I am steadily trying to catch up with as many as possible. A question (if I may) in your experience is there much can be done by way of 'customisation' on these vehicles? I am thinking for example, additional cooling fridges, washing machine maybe etc.. I'd love to get your views as I prepare, in about a year, for retirement and some travelling!!!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Not from mainstream manufacturers but specialist panel van converters can often do more bespoke builds and sometimes good dealers can make mods. All depends how practical your extra wants/needs are in terms of fitting them in.

[@jpjackson4982]

Hey Peter a good one but how does the drone camara work ? JP

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I believe it's from a series of high-level cameras around the outside of the vehicle. Then some computer wizardry stitches the images together to give a drone view!

[@jpjackson4982]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Thank you Peter thats very good also if I did hire a Motor home is there a booklet telling me where the camp sites are JP

[@Mr2pint]

A very lovely space to live in, costing over $400 000 in NZ 🤣

[@thegrinch8161]

I have to hand it to the French because when they design a motor home that oozes class they do it with style, she’s beautiful. 🙏👍

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Agreed. These Le Voyageurs have a very different feel to their German rivals.

[@paulmoore3826]

Really good van just needs self levelling and driving with noise in back so a door to cut off from habitation would would be great when driving!!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Easy enough to add a levelling system, either with jacks or air suspension

[@karllake8976]

My favourite a class motorhome I would have one over any German a class totally unique and you don’t see many of them on the road

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes, it's certainly more exclusive than the big German brands

[@andrewmorgan7871]

It's nice - but expensive compared to what around £200k will buy. (Plus - there are plenty of 2 bed apartments in Nice currently on offer for less than that!!!)

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Ah, but compare the spec (such as the FOUR solar panels) and it comes out very favourable against others like this Carthago - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWbWpHasgJWmh7s If you want a motorhome, I guess you don't want an apartment in Nice (which will always be in Nice, unlike a motorhome) - or maybe you can afford both!

[@wandajanetrusett]

Getting closer Rock Star Want to be Limo??!!

[@susanjennings4113]

Timber finishes are not my thing would prefer painted gloss finish kind of reminds me of a pine cabin.

[@wandajanetrusett]

Maybe size of small A Class Ford Motorhome For Class 5 Alberta Driver License

[@davidclinch1358]

Sorry, I meant one of THE comments.

[@wandajanetrusett]

Brench Seats needs seat belt lap or shoulder seat belts

[@Barnaby_bo]

Is it rear wheel drive

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

No, front-wheel drive. Look at this if you want RWD - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3aqpXR6p816la8

[@wandajanetrusett]

Store area almost look like basement without up stairs walk up!!

[@wandajanetrusett]

Only have class 5 Alberta Driver License, No for Dual Wheels

[@JamesSmith-ui2hv]

Very nice BUT the wheels should be AT tires , does it have air suspension and noise sound deadening system soundproof ? the wind up sunroof should come with a mosquito net ,the TV should be placed behind the window seat and be big with a state of the art sound system which can be switch to music instead of that glorify tablet that identify itself as TV , the kitchen should be separated by a glass or clear acrylic ,plexiglass and must have a kitchen extractor for fumes and odours , the travel seat is just trouble an eyesore , where is the coffee grain machine ? the door to the bedroom is a no no , Outside looks very nice , the front , the lounge area look very nice as well , but from the kitchen to the bedroom look pretty basic , cheap , Ikea

[@Simonski8]

£180k for that. It’s large, but really. It’s far from perfect.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Air suspension would be an extra cost item, as on rival models. The sunroof does have a flyscreen. I don't think anything here looks basic or cheap - maybe go and have a look for yourself?

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I've never seen a perfect motorhome!

[@wandajanetrusett]

Bad thought to equal two wheels on one side one tire same on other side back wheels, would need big tire rim one rime equal up to two rims in one bad thought be surprise would work

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

There are loads of these tag-axle six-wheeler models on the European market

[@01322521959]

Very nice, but I couldn't live with that unfinished wood colour look. I must say that I didn't see anything that would set it head and shoulders above the competition, though.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

There is a darker wood option but I prefer the Dune version shown. Maybe not "head and shoulders above" but some great features and a more homely look than the Germans.

[@nigelk780]

I accept I dont really get A class motorhomes but 180k and it still rattles like my also french 60k van. This industry needs to start designing and building for good NVH as they surely dont bother at the moment. Like buying a rolls royce with the refinement of a 70,s renault.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I think the issue is ensuring the body construction used throughout the industry, which allows a degree of flex - and hence rattles. Some are better than others (Merc and Ford chassis models are usually better), so always take a test drive before buying.

[@nigelk780]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Flex doesnt defacto equal rattles it makes it more difficult to manage things like the windows and interior trim panels are designed and fixed in a way not conducive to good NVH for instance - rattles and wind noise. I have re engineered much of my van now ie messed with suspension , windows and interior panels plus put foam bases in cabinets and drawers and its much better but a thankless task. It could be done but needs a very different outlook.

[@chriswong8400]

29:20 a fiatengine in a merc! Thats new!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I said it's comparable with the 180bhp Fiat engine...

[@sheraziqbal9556]

For a large Mercedes a class was a Frankia not be a better choice

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

The Frankia is more expensive (like for like) and on a rear-wheel drive Merc. If you're in the market for this sort of motorhome, I'd have a good look at both.

[@jonathandalton2921]

polyester?

[@Wombles_Wanderings]

The toilet itself makes this van a no-no, who wants to swing their legs while using the loo!

[@Bobblenob]

£180k and the oven and microwave are optional extras hahahahaha

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Have you ever looked at the options list on a Hymer or Carthago? Also, consider that many continental buyers would order without the oven or the microwave. I would rather have a cupboard than the micro!

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

Nice review but way to expensive and big. And only getting a two burner hob with no electric plate is terrible. You could buy a nice second hand Motorhome for the price of the extra pack

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You hardly ever see a continental 'van with an electric hotplate because, in Europe, they don't stay on sites with hook-ups as regularly

[@boatingsibbingandwandering3262]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Interesting but only having 2 hobs in such a large van

[@tonysutton6559]

Hmm, too many compromises for £180k. Plenty of cupboard space for food but just two tiny hobs to cook it on unless you start using the oven. I'd hate sitting in the lounge with that drop down bed hanging over me and in adult mode you would have to kick out the occupants before having breakfast. The travel seats look like something more suited to a torture chamber than a luxury motorhome and setting them up and storing the lounge seats would be a massive pain. It's more of a two berth with the potential to take the grandchildren away for the weekend than a four birth. On the plus side, the drone view, cab blinds and reels for hoses and cables are great to have. No storage place for the spare cassettes is really sloppy design work.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

A few makers do A-classes without the drop-down bed but dealers rarely stock them because of fears over resale. I don't see this as a four-berth, but, as you say, a 'van with the occasional possibility of taking grandkids.

[@tonysutton6559]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Yes, it's not the drop down bed as such, its that it seems so intrusive.

[@darylsmith1480]

@@tonysutton6559 you can order these as a 2 berth or 4 berth without the drop down bed and extra cupboards around the front instead. The cooktop is a high powered 2 burner vs the typical standard power 3 burner.

[@Mowser63]

Really nice review but I’m afraid, for 180k, that’s simply not good enough. Some poor design features and I would argue just not practical in the real world. Not the quality I would expect at this price.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I think the quality and practicality are comparable with other A-classes of this size/price - none of them are perfect!

[@regcook4087]

Grossly! over priced and for that price most of the extras should be fitted as standard the dividing door looked shabby because when they were closed you could still see through a large gap.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Compare it with Hymer and Carthago and, spec for spec, I reckon they would be dearer. I'm pretty sure the dividing door closes properly, too

[@carlzeiss4871]

Having lived in France for the past 5 years I can tell you that the French definitely do not do anything at all better, apart from mouthing BS of course!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Food, no? Surely, France has a reputation for luxury products, with brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Chanel? As for motorhomes, they make some really good ones, with a less austere feel than the Germans

[@toasgreece]

no

[@normanbuild]

Seems badly conceived and overpriced. The conversion to 4 seater mode is a joke. A great deal of so whats

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'm not sure what's badly conceived. The conversion to four-seater mode is just like many, many other brands.

[@normanbuild]

@@MotorhomeCampervan maybe that is a sad reflection on the current design thinking. I would have thought that something as simple as providing a retaining bracket or storage for the spare WC reservoir, maybe under the floor in the outside accessible traverse locker was a no brainer. And for 185 k Sterling the storage of the lounge seating whilst in travel mode should have been addressed. Really, for the money the cooker should have been included. The technology is certainly a tour de force but do we need zoned ambiance lighting when other things are simply not right. Personally I would like to be able to walk around the bed with the door closed.Nonetheless I agree if someone has the money and can accept those failings this is as good as any. Anyone who brings to market a rethought design of this type of vehicle will probably do really well. And thank you for your return comment it is good to know that you are so attentive.