There are seven models in the Ixeo Time range of motorhomes from the German manufacturer Bürstner. All have ‘semi-low’ profile bodies sporting a small hump in the roof to accommodate the drop-down beds they all feature. All are four-berth models.
The two smallest, the IT586 and IT590, appear internally to be much more spacious than their overall length – 5.99 metres – would suggest. The next pair, both under seven metres-long, are the IT664 with a corner double bed, and the IT710G with a crossways double bed.
At just over seven metres, the motorhome on review, the IT726G, has twin beds. To be fair, I should declare a personal interest at the start of the review. My wife and I like twin bed layouts. She is a night owl who needs more blankets than I do, while I am a restless-sleeping early bird. So excuse me if my personal preference shows through.
The body
Like the rest of the Bürstner family of motorhomes, the body of the Ixeo Time IT726G is built using insulating foam, in this case, XPS hard foam for optimum insulation, bonded between two outer skins.
All in all the Ixeo is an attractive motorhome body that looks good behind Fiat’s ‘transformer’ style cab. With an overall height of 2.75 metres and sleek aerodynamic cab design, the Ixeo is fuel efficient, quiet, and surprisingly resistant to lateral movement when driving in crosswinds.
The habitation door is on the driver’s side of the vehicle and I don’t have a problem with this. I find when stopping on the roadside I get in and out of the driver’s cab door, not the habitation door.
Inside the Ixeo
The Fiat low chassis is two steps up from the ground and the ‘coupé’ entrance brings it a step lower. Straight ahead is the dinette. It seats five, which is a lot in a motorhome of this size, with two forward-facing seats – one facing sideways beside the entry and two rotating cab seats.
It is a convivial space for entertaining or quietly relaxing, but there is nowhere to put your feet up for an afternoon snooze. If that is your desire, then you will have to head for the bedroom.
Tucked in behind the dinette seat, the L-shaped kitchen bench houses a circular sink and a three ‘in-line’ gas hob. Both a grill/oven and a microwave can be fitted as extras. It is a compact working space where everything comes to hand quite easily.
Across the walkway is the bathroom. While it is not large, it is a very efficient use of space leaving you with the feeling ‘why can’t all RV bathrooms be as effective as this one?’ Along with the toilet, the handbasin vanity and mirror appear to take up all the space, until you realise the wall they are mounted on swings across above the toilet revealing the shower stall.
In the bedroom, memory foam mattresses over sprung slats make for a wonderful night’s sleep. Beneath foot of each bed is a wardrobe. While you can bend down and open the door to get to your clothes, it is easier to lift the foot of the bed and dive in from the top. Windows each side provide light and ventilation.
Don’t overlook the other bed in the Ixeo. It is easy to miss as it is hidden away in the ceiling above the cab seats. A press of a button and down it comes, bringing the attached window screens with it as it lowers. Magic like this will really appeal to any kids or grandkids.
The verdict
I was quite taken with the Ixeo Time IT726G. The graphite cab gives it a distinctive appearance and it has most of the ingredients on my ‘essentials’ list. Those that are missing I would either add, or make do without altogether.
The Ducato is delightful to drive and the compact Ixeo body – 7.14 metres-long and 2.3 metres-wide – does not feel much bigger than a car so you soon feel quite comfortable driving it.
As reviewed, the Ixeo Time IT726G currently retails for $147900. For further information, phone 0800 891 305.
Check out the full article in issue #132 of Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations magazine (on sale now!). Subscribe here.
