After a gap year that Bürstner spent remodelling and refining the Ixeo range, the ‘new look’ models have just been released here in New Zealand.
On previous models, the width-wise east/west drop-down bed and the overhead lockers mounted underneath it are lowered until they rested on top of the seat backrests, high enough off the floor that you need a ladder to get into bed. In the new Ixeo lounge, the seats have been repositioned to allow the bed, when lowered, to rest on the seat cushions – no need to use a ladder at bedtime. Better still, the length-wise north/south drop-down bed fits between the lounge twin settees with room to spare on both sides.
As well as the bed, the lounge benefits from this new arrangement. To accommodate the length-wise bed, the dinette side settee has more than doubled in length, as has the side settee behind the driver’s seat. As before, the cab seats rotate to become part of the lounge, creating a very comfortable seating area for seven. In the case of the 6.99-metre-long IT680G, this is quite a remarkable achievement.
Obtaining a harmonious match between lounge layout and drop-down bed involved Bürstner in more than 12 months’ research, planning and execution. Previous drop-down beds were superimposed over existing layouts; layouts that were constrained by existing body shells. The latest Ixeo range has new layouts within new body shells, like the totally remodelled roof moulding, resulting in a more user-friendly rendition of the drop-down bed concept.
The Ixeo models start to differentiate from the back of the lounge. The IT680G is the shortest at 6.99 metres with the drop-down bed as its primary bed. The rear half is occupied by an impressive kitchen amidships and a large bathroom right across the back of the vehicle. In the words of SmartRV this layout offers “unrivalled floor space to relax, spread out or entertain.”
The IT728G and IT734 are both half a metre longer at 7.49 metres with conventional layouts. The IT734 has a length-wise island bed with the shower and toilet occupying separate stalls, one each side at the foot of the bed. The IT728G has twin single beds at the back with an all-in-one ablutions unit opposite the kitchen amidships.
It is interesting comparing the kitchens in the three models. The IT728G/IT734 both have the same kitchen, while the kitchen in the IT680G has a different layout with the 145-litre ’fridge/freezer opposite the kitchen bench rather than alongside it. This allows the kitchen to expand and become a very functional U-shaped workspace.
The bathrooms in the IT680G and the IT728G could not be more different. One constrained by available space, the other with plenty of space. Yet both set out to serve the same purpose, and are successful doing it. The IT680G bathroom stretches across the rear of the RV with the shower one side, toilet the other, and the hand-basin vanity between them.
The compact bathroom in the IT728G is a work of art with its swing-wall, allowing the whole space to be used either as a shower or as a toilet/vanity area depending upon which way you swing the wall.
Bed preference will be a significant factor when deciding which Ixeo model to own with the IT728G suiting twin single bed buyers and the IT734 alluring those who prefer an island. All models offer the option that allows the dinette to convert to a double bed for occasional overnight guests (grandchildren?).
More interesting though is identifying those who will choose the IT680G. Obviously, it suits those who seek a shorter length, more manoeuvrable vehicle who might otherwise choose a caravan conversion. But its other attributes – spacious bathroom, large functional kitchen and general feeling of spaciousness – will attract buyers who might otherwise have chosen a longer, larger motorhome. Having a price tag around $10,000 less than its bigger siblings will also work in its favour.
