The amazing all-new campervan from Malibu - the Van Charming GT 640 LE RB (2021)

In this video we review the amazing all-new campervan from Malibu - the Van Charming GT 640 LE RB.
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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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◼️ WHAT MOTORHOME MAGAZINE motorhome.ma/w... Our team of experts also produce What Motorhome magazine, which is packed every month with detailed information on new motorhomes and campervans, as well as expert buying advice and tips to help you find the right motorhome for you.
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[@shaundunk386]

Brilliant, clear and concise presentation of a great van. Burnham Market in winter is stunning too..

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you for your comments!

[@Js18100]

@8:50 the divider wall and then moveable bathroom is fantastic!

[@peterobson1505]

Thanks for a well explained walkthrough of the Malibu

[@gortsearthblog9803]

Windows by Armitage shanks

[@peterhobbs7609]

Really enjoyed the video, and a cracking van

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@GP-pw5wb]

I purchased a Malibu from GMC Shrewsbury nearly 2 years ago after 12 months of research and visiting every show that I could to compare models. Just kept coming back to this manufacture I consider its build quality is second to none. Yes I could have purchased something a lot cheaper but never have regretted not doing so. If you are in the market for a quality van conversion and you haven't seen this model yet, you need to put it on the list.

[@peterv3642]

Yes, the quality is mostly excellent, although the slide-away loo felt slightly flimsy compared with the similar system in a Pilote. As you say, you get what you pay for

[@lolober2495]

magnificent, 6 meters long, beautiful living space inside, very well organized and pretty color, beautiful sanitary, clever this toilet which tilts to make room for a larger shower space. Frankly I love it.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes there are quite a few neat design touches in this Malibu

[@papypatrickdunord5262]

a greeting from France This is a wonderful van, it is SUPER, it is very functional, thank you to you for making me discover it

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you very much!

[@3catscarefreelife]

Watching from the U.S., my first impression is wow, the steering wheel is on the right side of the van. At first, I did a double take and then I realized that this is in the U.K.

[@rejects101]

In the UK, we're always right ;)

[@jameswilliamson8050]

& The English accent didn't give it away 🤪🤣

[@happyguilmore4253]

My favourite van conversion

[@naumannolaf8429]

Danke für das Video. Dies ist schon ein sehr schönes Fahrzeug.

[@shabbirjdana]

Nice van.may be in next life ill be able to buy it.

[@mattwright2964]

Extremely good design.

[@paulhope7298]

That’s a cracking couples van.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes we agree - a great campervan

[@axspike]

That's lovely... No mention of power points in the bedroom and I just see toilet seats when I look at those windows

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Love them or not, those windows have got lots of people commenting!

[@franhiatt1]

To paraphrase the title of a Smiths' hit, "This Charming Van" would be perfect for me because at 6' 4" tall I've never found one yet with a long enough bed. I like the layout, the stylish touches, the fixtures and fittings and the storage for a bicycle/small motorcycle whilst on the move is so much better than fitting an unsightly external rack. I think there's enough space for two people for proper holidays as well as weekends away. The 160 bhp and auto box upgrade would be my preference. Just one obstacle now, the money to buy one.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes campervans are not cheap but they can be a strong investment as well, of course, as the ultimate holiday home on wheels. If you look after them and use them as intended, you get the benefits of their snail's pace depreciation, instantly available holiday accommodation, hobby transport and a crash-pad for the weekends and, if you need one, an everyday vehicle for commuting, shopping, etc. As many campervanners will say with pride: if you pay thousands on a traditional holiday all you have at the end is memories, but if you buy a campervan you still have the great memories and you also have the chance to do the same thing the following weekend, and the next, and the next…and, several years on, you still have a desirable vehicle that will probably have only depreciated by the cost of one international family holiday since you bought it. Can’t be bad - which is why sales of campervans have rocketed and are still showing no signs of slowing!

[@36moto]

Loving the spec of this Van but the porthole windows remind me of a loo seat

[@36moto]

@david edbrooke-coffin I don't have my mind in the toilet, thankyou, however it's nice of you to read my comment, where I start by saying how much I like the van. Then there is an example of classic British humour, clearly lost in translation, perhaps open the porthole, let there be light.

[@36moto]

@david edbrooke-coffin yey, you got it, have a great day, stay safe & well...👍

[@pamelarothwell1320]

My thoughts exactly!

[@fenrichlee2867]

Yeah lovely - but what are those toilet seats stuck on the sides for?

[@lrogue5426]

Like this. Reviewer again is top notch and informative 👍

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Much appreciated!

[@markbur1503]

A great review of a very nice camper van. This is the model we are considering but it's a lot of money compared to its competitors!

[@peterv3642]

At least part of that is down to the spec here on a "fully loaded" demo. Compare like-to-for-like spec and I don't think the difference will be SO great

[@jonathanakehurst4489]

I got a nice pössl revolution, nicely equipped for much less...

[@duncanidaho2130]

Perfect layout. I'd totally live in it.

[@Smokeysbandit]

Fantastic presentation. First class motorhome

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Many thanks!

[@IverKnackerov]

Putting the fridge under the sink means kitchen storage areas is down on alternatives. Garage is short as well and you can keep the net curtains.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

The main issue is needing battery power, a gas fridge always allows simpler electrics.

[@rosswhittleton6277]

What a fantastic van!👍

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes this campervan has certainly got more thumbs up than most!

[@judit1783]

I would like if the bedroom area actually turned into a rear lounge during day like the Unity rear lounge.

[@peterv3642]

If you want a rear lounge there are plenty of UK firms that will supply that - Auto-Trail, Auto-Sleepers, Swift, IH, Vantage, etc - but European firms tend to favour fixed beds for the greater storage potential

[@cheshirescarf2065]

I’m with you there...I’d like one with a Murphy bed configuration as I want a lounge for myself and our dogs.

[@PG-yi9iz]

love the colors inside

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes we agree, the exterior colour is pretty unique too!

[@sk1nzsk1nz34]

Loving the black toilet seats on the side of the van

[@matthewlatif2344]

Nice review. Wish it was available in NA.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thank you for your comments!

[@sitansusekharpanda3431]

washroom Design 👍👍👍

[@petryl.r916]

Me gusto mucho esta furgoneta

[@frankvonthienen3862]

I got this car in April, and had abt 35 issues to be fixed by the dealer. Tha production quality is not that good, at least for my car…. But ist is a nice van when all things are getting fixed.

[@peterv3642]

Oh dear. That's a LOT of faults. Some manufacturers seem to be struggling to meet increased demand, with a knock-on effect on quality. Pity, because the Malibu has a lot going for it.

[@KapKen]

Can you ship to USA please. That is a great model with great functionality.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

The US bans imports unless they are very old indeed. I don't know if there is a way around that.

[@richardswede]

@13.05.....Why did they hang two Toilet seats on the side of the Van???

[@franhiatt1]

Still my favourite van conversion to date, but the toilet seat shaped portholes look a bit odd.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You love 'em or hate them. They are supposed to be portholes!

[@You_Can_Do_If]

Heated windscreen? Double glazing or laminated? These should be by default in al vehicles

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Just a laminated screen with heating elements. Rare in a van (except Fords)

[@brucepeppinck9988]

Looking forward great 👍 motor home

[@chrisbull6244]

Love to look of the van, but I do not like the Toilet seats at the rear for the bedroom windows, any free test drive going? Thank you, the video was very informative.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Thanks for the comments Chris. As for test drives you need to contact your nearest Malibu dealer as, while test drives are always recommended, we are not sure with the lockdown as to whether you are able to take one currently.

[@andrea0307]

Love it! Where can I buy one? 🙏 Also just seen another review of one of these and it had a pop-top as well! Beaut!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Check out the Malibu website for a list of dealers. And yes, you can have a pop-top version, called the Family-for-4

[@andrea0307]

@@MotorhomeCampervan Thank you! 🙏

[@volvot5boy]

Very nice van👍

[@tom79013]

I love this van

[@maffosweetyify]

Stunning 😍

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes we agree, especially the colour scheme and those port-hole windows.

[@biggixer]

Great van very well made .. although the rear round windows do look like toilet seats.....square windows would have been more than adequate....

[@peterv3642]

At least it's different. Every other van has square/rectangular windows

[@oliverstemp9132]

Seems like a nice design

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes we think so too!

[@kevinwilloughby8690]

Asking about heating please

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

This Malibu had the diesel/electric Truma Combi 6kW unit, which would definitely be my top choice for this size/class of 'van. The Combi is quiet in operation and you never have to worry about running out of gas or getting refills (just need gas for cooking)

[@lizajane55555]

Nice van, but I can't get pass the toilet seat windows!

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Isn't it strange - some people love the windows and others really don't? What I find even stranger is that very few viewers have said anything about the orange paintwork and yet, for me anyway, that's far more of an opion-splitter than the port-hole windows.

[@crazyroynewman]

very nice..but no cup holders ?

[@peterv3642]

cupholders are low down on the centre console

[@chikken_soup]

The Ram Promaster van will never get the updated facelift, will it

[@DD_11111]

I've got the Weinsberg version

[@G-ra-ha-m]

I thought Weinsberg is Knaus, not Carthago!

[@seanfallon4580]

There's an awful lot of Moaning Minnie's on this channel 🤣

[@coratheexplorer1824]

How much is it? You forgot the price

[@peterv3642]

I'm pretty sure it's in there but this model starts at £57k. As shown it's £72,745 with a whole host of extras

[@Asha-ww9ct]

Is this van sold in the USA

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Sorry, only in Europe I think

[@Mr1wd]

Just beautiful and wish they sold it state side. Honestly it's bargain compared to what is offered in the US for ~100k USD.

[@amjadali26]

Very nice

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Very nice campervan...and I hope you mean very nice review too!

[@1968hvr]

Checking out reviews of vans, this is the first one I have seen were there are loads of extra available options for the driver, that's what I like about this vehicle, is there more options out there for the driver, maybe air suspension seat, if you are driving around Europe or globe trotting, i would like all the bells and whistles available, great review, i will subscribe, show me more tech....:D

[@peterv3642]

If you want the latest base vehicle tech, then you're probably better off looking at campervans based on the Mercedes Sprinter or VW Crafter. These drive better, have superior cab ergonomics and also have a wider range of chassis options, though these can be rather pricey

[@G-ra-ha-m]

The Peugeot base models sometimes have most of those options for free, the Globecar 'Plus' has A/C, cruise, leather steering wheel, 160bhp, TPMS etc all included.

[@grahamcleverley1356]

My 2009 Renault lwb master has air seats.

[@annemarsden2323]

Brilliant

[@davidklimek7999]

As big as that is why cant you carry more than four people? It would be nice when you go out and have to go thru a drive thru, you could eat in the parking lot.

[@peterv3642]

Not many campervans have more than four travel seats and it won't fit through the drive-throughs around here - but then you can cook inside the 'van instead!

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I like the portholes, but from the outside they look like toilet seats.

[@westboundbadger]

Uncanny,i thought the same !

[@Daz555Daz]

Very nice on the inside. Beaten with the ugly stick on the outside though.

[@peterv3642]

Why ugly? It's just a Fiat van with some graphics and a bold colour choice. You don't have to have it in orange and the porthole windows are not fitted to all Malibu Vans

[@Daz555Daz]

@@peterv3642 the side windows are ugly and the bog seat rear portholes are even worse. The van is not a good looker regardless though. One of the worse front ends I've seen. It's entirely subjective of course and many people will love it which is cool.

[@billanderson8602]

Space for a nice sized worktop extension, shame. Liked the rest...

[@peterv3642]

Yes, there's a lot to like here

[@jimso771]

No grill / oven or even a microwave is a dealbreaker especially as it’s not cheap.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

I'm fairly sure you can now get a grill/oven on some Malibu Van models, but you won't find a built-in microwave in any continental campervans. Frankly, there isn't space for both a microwave and an oven in a van of this size anyway; storage would be far too compromised. Review of the latest Malibu coming soon!

[@jimso771]

@@MotorhomeCampervan The only one I know of that has a grill and a microwave factory fitted as standard is the one I own, it’s my 2017 Autocruise Alto and actually it has very good storage considering the compact size. In my opinion a very clever design but as you know there’s no such thing as the perfect motor home 😅

[@GlenCarne]

Luvli

[@unclestuka8543]

Can you get the 9 speed auto with a diesel engine

[@peterv3642]

Yes, it's diesel only, whether manual or auto

[@carlyndolphin]

Great video .... do you prefer a fixed rear bed or a U shape lounge?

[@peterv3642]

Personally, probably a fixed bed, as long as the lounge is still ok for comfort. I like a proper mattress and a bed that's ready, without moving cushions, extracting duvets from storage, etc. Also, the storage under the fixed bed is great for outdoor gear. However, if only using in the 'van in the UK, the greater lounge space of a rear lounge comes into play (in variable weather). I'd only have a rear lounge if it had decent boot space, too (usually with U-shaped seating).

[@jamieukulele]

Is it diesel? or hybrid?

[@peterv3642]

Diesel. Almost every campervan is still diesel. There are very occasional petrol or electric alternatives but only in smaller campervans, while the Ford Transit Custom is now offered as a hybrid, so look out for campervans on that base

[@jamieukulele]

Avoiding diesel . Will check out hybrid and electric.

[@davidhayes4814]

You sound surprised at the £72K price of a well spec’d vehicle... a decently spec’d basic van is north of £40K incl VAT... and VW California with a good engine/ upgrades will cost well over £70K

[@peterv3642]

Not THAT surprised but this is top of the market for its type, thanks to the spec and quality here. VWs are usually dearer than these larger Fiat campervans. You can get a Ducato high-top camper for under £40k new (Auto-Trail) up to this sort of price and more with some more bespoke builds

[@G-ra-ha-m]

VW specialise in making very ordinary, cramped vans incredibly expensive. £72k is actually quite a bit for this better value class of 'Sevel' van. Part of that is fiat add os, part is Malibu's premium. The Globecar 'Plus' range and the Adria Twin Plus or Supreme give it a run for the money..

[@bradmanchester7843]

Why put 4 seats when it can only sleep 2 people and no oven or microwave in the kitchen....£72k is a lot of money for a van that seems to be missing another bed or a simple combi microwave...

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

You can have a pop-top or take an awning for extra sleeping capacity. Extra travel seats adds versatility for passenger carrying, so you can take friends to the pub/out for the day etc. Few 'vans like this ever have a microwave, which can then only be used when hooked up. Price is a lot more than £72k now. We've tested more recent Malibu models if you follow the channel - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6rEeqaBpt6taZI

[@davemcdave2169]

Fix It Again Tomorrow?

[@G-ra-ha-m]

The Sevel vans are pretty reliable, these are made for delivery vans and pretty tough. The Mercedes sprinters are the one that go rusty, and VW never has made a reliable EGR valve or correctly fuelled engine..

[@peterv3642]

Fiat doesn't have that reputation any more. It accounts for approx 75% of the European motorhome market. And, if it does break, the Camper Assistance programme is excellent Europe-wide back-up to help out

[@rakhu1963]

Is it offer in the USA?

[@peterv3642]

Sorry, I don't think Carthago sells in the USA

[@gasgas2689]

@@peterv3642 I suppose they could go to Germany, buy one and export it home? Depends on import duties perhaps.

[@jaminthevanuk296]

Control control control and just look at your tyres for an indication of pressure no thank

[@blackpool321]

The round windows look like toilet seats

[@dahemper]

Lol I was just about to comment that. Great minds think alike!

[@christianlewisphotography6910]

I thought the same 😂

[@TheFacilitiesOfficer]

I was thinking the same thing, imagine trying to get on the side of the van for a poop with the missus

[@liavanwissen1963]

A lot of these seats are usually on a private airplane.. Great minds do not fly with these planes. Be happy.

[@kevinhaynes9091]

Very nice... but not at £70 grand!!! I'd let the first owner take the hit in depreciation and look for one at half the price. Why are these companies so greedy? It's only a converted van, after all...

[@peterv3642]

At half the price it will probably be 10 years old in today's market. Look at the price of the base van (fully spec'd up) plus all the expensive components and labour, add in a margin for the dealer, then I don't reckon it's greedy

[@Jollyprez]

WOW - those prices are much lower than in the US.

[@colormedubious4747]

That just means you'll get stung elsewhere.

[@locodemarseafool]

GT , means Gran Turismo !!

[@johnharrison8764]

This is junk compared to the competition in its class. Check out the Wildax Elara for instance. And no, I'm not affiliated in any way with Wildax. I just think the Elara I seen on KZbin was much better. you pay near the same but get a mercedes chassis and a fixed double bed which lifts. Also, just a van. The lower end of this is more affordable so I guess its just down to what you want to spend. If you're going to spend 72-75k on a camper van. Maybe look at motorhomes? Just my thoughts. You can drive some on a class B car license anyways.

[@peterv3642]

Not sure why you say it's junk. The build quality is excellent and the layout is a hugely popular one right across Europe but with some nice improvements to the washroom area. The WildAx Elara is quite different but doesn't have any rear travel seats and is considerably longer - you can watch my review of it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYOpl6B4Zqx7mbs

[@johnharrison8764]

@@peterv3642 For the money I mean. No way would I spend 75k on that. You can get a Wingamm Oasi 540 for example. For 75k it's junk compared to the competition

[@peterv3642]

@@johnharrison8764 But if you do without some of the options it's pretty comparable to other top-notch fixed bed van conversions. And you can spend a lot more on some, especially Merc-based models. That said, Wingamm makes some lovely 'vans with those GRP monocoque bodies

[@johnharrison8764]

@@peterv3642 sorry I didn't mean to be hostile if I was. I re read and it kinda sounds a bit like that. I like the Elara but when I seen 75k I guess it triggered me. Its a lot to ask for what the customer gets. In your opinion, with all the extras, is it worth that?

[@peterv3642]

@@johnharrison8764 Hmmm, campervan prices seem to have risen quite considerably in the last few years and my review of a £75k VW T6.1 California has certainly provoked plenty of comment about pricing. For £75k, I think I'd want a Mercedes, VW or MAN base vehicle but many are happy with the Fiat, especially with the new auto gearbox. On a Fiat or Peugeot, £60-65k seems a better price point to me but upspec the base vehicle and it's easy to spend more.

[@An.Individual]

shame the side door is on the wrong side

[@gasgas2689]

"The wrong side" is an invention of a phrase often repeated but never justified. The one and only time when it could ever be considered the wrong side is if a child in the back decides to open the door and jump out when stopped at the side of a road in the UK. Having the habitation door on the same side as the driver's door is no more dangerous than having the driver's door on the right hand side. In fact as it slides next to the bodywork it is less dangerous than the driver's door which opens out into the traffic or a cyclist. It matters not a jot when you are on a camp site or in a layby or in a supermarket car park, or in fact ever.

[@peterv3642]

Like most imported campervans, the door stays on the continental side, but does it really matter? You won't care on campsites and you're unlikely to use a 6.4m van as a daily driver.

[@pete7708]

@@gasgas2689 Lucky another vehicle didn't come past at 13:05 when being shown how wonderful the door is when open to get a beer out of the fridge. Might have got quite wet!

[@aussie.bushcraftsurvival9606]

I liked it till you said fiat !!! Get ready to break down regularly $$$ :)

[@peterv3642]

Fiat dominates the motorhome market, with tens of thousands of satisfied customers across Europe. If you want an alternative in this size, there are Mercedes or VW Crafter options but they cost considerably more.

[@davidsmith6661]

Good heavens - a camper van in Burnham Market ??? The weekenders up from London for the weekend in their holiday homes would be doing their nut. It shouldn't be allowed.

[@peterv3642]

I've been going to Burnham Market in campervans for 20+ years. Yes, it's got a bit trendy in that time but parking is better now and I've had any anti-campervan attitude. Lovely area, nice little campsite at the end of the village and the fish shop is excellent

[@acemobile2497]

£1100 for a radio? You’ve been robbed!

[@johnlong3214]

👍 + 🔔

[@Joybellmorgans]

I stopped watching when I saw the permanently fixed rear passenger seats. Not practical if only 2 people use it.

[@peterv3642]

You can still use the rear seats on site for relaxing and dining and they give you extra versatility if you ever need to carry a passenger

[@sil8127]

It’s 2021, why does your audio sound so awful?? Very off putting.

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

Yes sorry there were some issues with the sound quality. We are working to improve this

[@tommyfh1036]

Toilet pot lids for windows 😅

[@mraidymaddful]

I’m not sure I’d want 4 toilet seats on he outside.....

[@peterv3642]

Those windows are a recurring theme in the comments. I love them (and think portholes on a yacht), otherwise only see toilet seats. Like Marmite, I guess...

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

No Thanks, the van has too many stepped worktops, where do you put your bikes when in bed ? OUTSIDE .

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

That's always the issue with this size of 'van and type of layout. Or you use folding bikes

[@antonellovacca292]

😍😊👌🤙🏄‍♂️

[@Febrile1]

*F* ix *I* t *A* gain *T* ony!

[@peterv3642]

I think that comment is long out of date. The Ducato is now the best selling light commercial in its class across Europe as well as taking 75% of the motorhome market

[@iansimpson6300]

Crappy kitchen,2 hob no oven,😒😒

[@MotorhomeCampervan]

It's typical of this type of campervan. Some rivals have an oven as an option but few have more than two burners. Are really going to need more?

[@icdas7158]

Love how the presenter thinks he is on top gear with the way he speaks lol

[@gasgas2689]

He's a professional. Peter knows his stuff and has driven every single motorhome there is, or has been for the last ??? years! There are a lot of less competent amateurs doing youtubes.