Review: Benimar Tessoro 481

Bringing a touch of Spanish flair to New Zealand roads, the Benimar Tessoro 481 blends bold European design with clever layout and compact convenience. Claire Smith takes a closer look.

Not all motorhomes feel like they’ve been built by people who actually use them. But with Benimar, you get a sense that the designers have road-tested every aspect – stood in the shower to check the water doesn’t splash everywhere, sat at the table with a few mates to make sure there’s room for elbows and wine glasses, even tested the garage to see if it could handle a couple of bikes and a barbecue.

Built in the Spanish Pyrenees, Benimar’s motorhomes are sold exclusively in New Zealand by TrailLite Group. The Tessoro range offers a selection of five layouts and lengths, all built on the trusty Ford Transit. The 4-berth 481 model reviewed here is the shortest in the line-up at 5980mm, but it doesn’t feel like a compromise. With a drop-down bed and a convertible lounge, it comfortably sleeps four at night while keeping the floor plan open and inviting during the day. For couples or small families, it’s a pretty compelling little package.

Compact but clever

The Tessoro 481 keeps things simple, but in the best possible way. Up front, the comfy dinette area also doubles as a second bed when needed. Just above it is the drop-down, tucked neatly out of the way during the day, and ready to lower when it’s time to call it a night.

At the rear of the motorhome, you’ll find the kitchen on one side and the bathroom on the other – a practical layout that keeps the central living space wide open. It’s a clever use of space, creating separate zones without interrupting the relaxed, open-plan feel.

Behind the scenes, there’s a solid backbone of systems doing the heavy lifting. A 12V control panel by the entry is large, clearly laid out, and easy to read – no fiddly guesswork required. The Truma Combi 6kW heating and water system runs on both gas and electricity, keeping you warm and shower-ready no matter where you’re parked. Water tanks are generous too, 100L fresh and 105L grey, paired with a pressurised water system and self-filling pump to make life easier.

A 120Ah battery and 200W solar panel provide plenty of backup for off-grid adventures, while the low-energy LED lighting helps keep power use in check.

All the bells and whistles

With a 165hp Euro 6E engine and smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, the Tessoro 481 has plenty of punch when you need it, without feeling over the top. And because it’s just under six metres long, it’s surprisingly easy to manoeuvre – more like a big SUV than a bulky motorhome. You won’t need to psych yourself up before pulling into a carpark or reversing into a camping spot.

Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system is onboard too, complete with a sharp 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, and a reversing camera that takes the stress out of backing into unfamiliar spaces.

If you have a bit of an achy back like me, you’ll appreciate the heated seats – a gamechanger in winter! Add in adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, speed sign recognition, and pre-collision warning, and you’ve got a ride that’s as clever as it is comfortable.

Dinner and a movie

Step through the extra-wide entrance door – complete with a window, built-in bin, and insect screen – and you’re straight into the heart of the 481. First impression? It’s light, bright, and surprisingly open for a motorhome under six metres. Big side windows flood the space with natural light, and the Skyview rooflight above the cab does the rest, lifting the whole mood even on a grey day.

The lounge setup works well for socialising with comfy face-to-face seating, a bonus two-seater at the back partition, and cab chairs that swivel around to join the mix. You could easily host a board game night or sit down for dinner with friends and not feel squashed in. The dining table is big and solid with an electric telescopic leg that makes it easy to adjust or tuck away when you want more floor space. No awkward leg-wrestling or fiddly levers required.

At bedtime, the space shifts again. The electric drop-down bed glides down from above the lounge, and yes, you can stargaze through the rooflight as you drift off, which is just as lovely as it sounds. As mentioned, the dinette also converts into a second bed, giving you space for four to sleep comfortably.

Storage is thoughtfully done, too. There’s shelving above the cab, room under the seats. And for catching up on whatever series you’re currently bingeing, a sliding bracket with smart TV means you can watch from either the lounge or the bed, depending on the mood.

Make a meal of it

Tucked neatly at the rear of the motorhome, the kitchen has the feel of a stylish city apartment. The granite-look benchtop matches the dining table up front, which might seem like a small thing, but it brings a nice sense of flow and polish to the whole interior. It’s those little details that make a space feel properly thought through.

The stainless-steel sink comes with a glass lid to maximise bench space, and the dual-fuel hob (two gas burners and one electric plate) provides plenty of cooking options. There’s a gas oven below, plus a microwave and extractor fan for good measure.

Storage is well considered, with soft-close drawers and an illuminated spice rack to keep things organised. The 145L fridge/freezer makes it easy to stay stocked up no matter where the road takes you. It’s a tidy, functional space that looks great and works even better.

Shower in style

The bathroom in the Tessoro 481 might be compact, but it’s a real standout – proof that small doesn’t have to mean basic. It’s got a clean, contemporary look with dark timber-style finishes, soft lighting, and subtle details that lift it well above your average all-white plastic cubicle.

There’s a fully separate shower on one side, complete with a towel rail and a toiletries basket to keep things tidy, while the main bathroom area includes a sleek washbasin with storage underneath, a Thetford electric flush cassette toilet, and an illuminated mirror.

The chrome fittings are a nice touch too, giving it that upmarket feel without trying too hard. A roof vent brings in fresh air and natural light, and everything’s laid out to feel easy, efficient, and comfortable. It’s stylish, well executed, and a great example of how Benimar has nailed the balance between form and function.

Good looking and built tough

From the outside, the Tessoro 481 has a clean, modern look that’s easy to like. The silver-grey Ford cab and colour-matched bumper give it a bit of polish. But there’s more to it than good looks. Practical touches include exterior barbecue and shower points, rear parking sensors, and an LED awning light – thoughtful stuff that makes everyday life on the road a little easier.

One of the real standouts here, though, is the rear garage. Measuring a generous 1900mm (H) x 535mm (W) x 380mm (D), and with a load limit of 225kg, it’s surprisingly roomy. Not every motorhome in this size bracket offers this kind of storage, so if you’re the type to travel with bikes, outdoor furniture, a barbecue, or all of the above, you’re in luck.

Benimar’s build quality is solid, too. The body is GRP with 99% wood-free construction, and there’s proper XPS insulation throughout. That means solid protection from moisture and temperature extremes, and the kind of robust build that’s made to last. Just the sort of peace of mind you want when you’re clocking up kilometres.

The final word

The Tessoro 481 is compact without feeling cramped, stylish without being flashy, and packed with the kind of thoughtful features that make day-to-day travel just that bit easier. The layout works well, the fit-out feels genuinely high quality, and the finish throughout has that modern, apartment-like polish many buyers are looking for. It’s an ideal choice for a couple or small family who want something fresh, manageable, and ready for adventure, especially if you’re after a well-priced, European-built motorhome that doesn’t skimp on comfort or capability.

Find out more at traillite.co.nz 

Benimar Tessoro 481 specifications