Review: Bürstner Lyseo TD594

Under six metres long yet offering a full-width bathroom, central kitchen and roomy living space, the Bürstner Lyseo TD594 is proof that you don’t need a big motorhome to travel in comfort. Claire Smith steps aboard to see how this clever layout makes the most of every centimetre.

German brand Bürstner has been in the motorhome game for over 60 years and has built a reputation on doing the little things really well – clever design, quality materials and a strong focus on comfort. The Lyseo range, in particular, has become something of a signature line, offering that sweet spot where solid craftsmanship meets day-to-day practicality, and just the right amount of flair.

One of the standouts in the Lyseo line-up is the TD59, a 5.99-metre semi-integrated motorhome that proves good things really do come in compact packages. It’s designed with couples in mind, especially those who want an easy-to-drive motorhome that still manages to feel spacious, comfortable and well-appointed inside.

In New Zealand, the Lyseo TD594 is available exclusively through Wilderness Motorhomes, who’ve worked closely with Bürstner to tailor the specs for local conditions and Kiwi expectations. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this new model stand out.

On the road

At just under six metres, the TD594 is nice and easy to handle, whether you’re in town or out on the open road. And because it’s compact, you don’t have to overthink your parking plans. It’s no big drama to call into the supermarket or stop for coffee on a main road.

Built on a Fiat Ducato 2.3L with a smooth 9-speed auto, it has a relaxed, confident feel on the move that’s more like driving a well-balanced SUV than a large motorhome.

The cab is designed to make travel easy and enjoyable. The Pioneer media unit handles navigation, music and calls, with wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth keeping everything conveniently connected. Safety features are also well covered, including lane support, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, ABS, ESP and driver drowsiness alerts. It’s all there to give you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

From the outside, the TD594 keeps things simple and stylish. The extra-wide entry door comes with an electric step and a few thoughtful extras, including a window, insect screen, waste bin and central locking.

Aluminium-framed double-glazed windows with insect screens and cassette blinds do double duty, helping keep the warmth in and the light out when you want a lazy morning, or letting the breeze flow through on sunny days. The Thule roll-out awning, complete with LED lighting, is perfect for setting up for outdoor living, whether that’s for brekkie or evening drinks.

And it’s not just a summer-friendly setup. The Truma Combi gas-electric heater, double floor and insulated roof keep things cosy when the weather turns cooler. If you like to get away from it all, the 110W solar panel and 1000W inverter mean you can run your essentials without plugging in, giving you the freedom to pick your spot based on the view, not the nearest power box.

Room to move

The first thing you notice when you step inside the TD594 is the sense of space, thanks to a layout that flows easily from front to back. There’s a full-width bathroom at the rear, a front dinette with generous seating and a central L-shaped kitchen. While it’s sold as a two-berth, there’s space for four to sleep comfortably. The dinette can be converted into another double, perfect for those adventures when friends or family are tagging along.

While I was looking it over, a Wilderness customer popped in for a browse. Her first words were about how it was bigger and roomier inside than she expected. She wasn’t wrong. You can move around freely without doing that sideways shuffle you sometimes need in smaller motorhomes, which makes a big difference day to day.

Lounging and sleeping

Step inside the TD594 and you land straight in the living space, where the layout makes a great first impression. Two leatherette sofas face each other across the table, giving plenty of room for a chat over coffee or a quick bite to eat. The fold-back table is a small but thoughtful detail. When you’re moving between here and the rest of the motorhome, you’re not squeezing past corners or shuffling sideways. And with soft carpet underfoot, it feels more like stepping into a small lounge than a motorhome.

Generous windows on both sides keep the space bright during the day, while the overhead window above the cab adds even more natural light. The wall-mounted Smart TV swivels so you can watch from the sofa or from bed. The overall look is clean and modern, but not so polished that you can’t make it your own with a few personal touches.

Most importantly, the TD594 comes with a game-changing feature: a drop-down bed that glides down from the ceiling at the push of a button, all made up and ready to climb into. This revolutionary design gives this two-berth motorhome the comfort levels of a much larger model. The bed offers two sleeping configuration options: lengthways (north-south) or across (east-west). Why does this matter? Most compact motorhomes only offer a bed with the east-west option, which can make travelling companions awkwardly clamber over each other to get in and out of bed. This can become an issue if one of you needs to get up in the night. And because it’s hip level, there’s no ladder to climb up at the end of a long day. Once you’re comfortably settled, a skylight above offers a last look at the stars before you drift off.

Cooking without compromise

In a motorhome this size, you don’t always expect a kitchen that feels like a proper cooking space, but the TD594 makes it happen. The deep L-shaped bench gives you room to chop, mix and plate without juggling for space. The sink cover instantly turns into an extra prep area when you need it.

The full-size cooker, with three gas hobs and an oven, means you can go well beyond the usual quick fry-up and cook just as you would at home. The 142L fridge with its own 15L freezer has space for fresh produce, chilled drinks and a few treats, so you’re not constantly dashing to the shops. An extractor fan takes care of steam and cooking smells, keeping the rest of the motorhome feeling and smelling fresh.

Storage has been thought through, with cupboards above and below the bench plus a clever pull-out rack that’s perfect for tins, jars, and bottles. Tucked away in the floor, there’s also a handy-sized locker – just the spot for stashing larger items out of sight but close to hand. It’s a kitchen that makes it easy to enjoy good food on the road, without feeling like you’re making do.

Bathroom brilliance

A good bathroom can make all the difference on the road and the TD594 has one that’s pretty impressive. It runs the full width of the motorhome, so there’s space to move, dry off and get changed without feeling cramped.

The separate shower is a real plus, keeping the rest of the room dry, with a height-adjustable head and built-in shelves for your shampoo and body wash. A roof vent and skylight bring in light and fresh air, while the Thetford swivel toilet with electric flush is easy to use and clean. There’s even a bit of bench space beside the sink, along with a decent-sized mirror and good lighting for getting ready.

Storage has been cleverly fitted in, with two large cupboards so towels, toiletries and extras all have their place. Fresh water and waste tanks (110L and 90L) are supported by a high-performance water pump, so showers stay strong and consistent. The sliding door closes it all off for privacy, leaving you with a space that feels more like a proper bathroom than a compromise.

Final thoughts

The TD594 might be compact on the outside, but step inside and it feels anything but. Bürstner’s knack for smart layouts and quality finishes is on full display, and Wilderness has made sure it’s equipped for the way Kiwis actually like to travel. From the bright, comfortable living area to the roomy full-width bathroom, everything feels considered and ready for real-world use.

It’s easy to imagine this motorhome suiting a couple who want something manageable to drive and park, yet still want the comfort to stay away for days or even weeks at a time. The heating, insulation and power set-up mean year-round travel is on the cards, while the drop-down bed and extra sleeping option in the dinette make it just as capable for the occasional guest.

For anyone looking for a motorhome that blends comfort, practicality and quality without going oversized, the TD594 deserves a closer look.

Bürstner Lyseo TD594 specifications