Best A-class motorhome 2025

If you’re looking to buy the best A-class motorhome, you’re looking at the very top-end of the market and you can expect to find luxurious interiors, great living and sleeping areas and lots of extras.

In short, this is a type of ‘van where comfort is prioritised. They generally feature a drop-down bed and will be built from the chassis cowl upwards. They can also be among the best motorhomes for those who enjoy winter touring, as they retain heat better than their low-profile counterparts – the latter will see heat escape through gaps that exist between the GRP shell and the vehicle body.

If you’re wondering how to pick the right one for you, the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025 are here to help you narrow down your search. This year, we’ve picked the Carthago C2 Tourer I 147 RB LE K lightweight as the best A-class motorhome on the market – we love its stylish looks and the excellent spec on offer throughout.

We’ve also picked out some of the A-class motorhomes from the recent years that have really impressed us too, featuring models from some of the best motorhome brands, including Carthago, Laika and Adria. Our picks in this guide contrast with the best luxury motorhomes – while both ooze class throughout, the luxury ‘vans can also be low-profile.

The best A-class motorhomes are:

Shortlisted at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025

Carthago C2 Tourer I 147 RB LE K lightweight
Rapido I196M
Le Voyageur 7.6 GJF Heritage

Our top picks from recent years

Carthago C Tourer I 145 LE Superior
Adria Supersonic 780DC
Carthago Chic E-line-I51 QB
Rapido M96
Niesmann+Bischoff Flair 920 EK
Roller Team Pegaso 590
Itineo SLB 700

The best A-class motorhome

Carthago C2 Tourer I 147 RB LE K lightweight

• Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter with an Al-Ko chassis
• Price: £108,860
• Berths: 4
• Belts: 4
• MTPLM: 3500kg
• MIRO: 3007kg
• Payload: 121kg
• Length: 7.31m
• Width: 2.17m

Reason to buy:

• An A-class everyone can feel justly proud to drive.

Reason to avoid:

• Even with all that weight reduction, payload is still only average so possibly not one for anyone bringing plenty of kit with them.

Best A-class motorhome at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025

As the number of people who have C1 licences by virtue of when they passed their driving test keeps diminishing, it seems unfair that those lucky enough to have been born after the 1997 cut off date who have to stick within the 3500kg limit can usually only manage to drive shorter A-classes with a relatively low spec level that doesn’t eat into the payload.

By working intensely to reduce the weight of much of the material that goes into making an A-Class, Carthago has managed to come up with its new C2 Tourer range of A-classes like this one that still manages to come in at 3500kg or even while being well over 7m long.

Nor has there been any compromise on design quality. The C2 Tourer has an elegant face inspired in part by a motorbike crash helmet. That shouldn’t necessarily bring out the boy racer in you, but it will look distinguished on the road.

Full review: Carthago C2 Tourer I 147 RB LE K lightweight 3.5t

Rapido I196M

• Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter with Al-Ko chassis
• Price: £145,700
• Berths: 4
• Belts: 4
• MTPLM: 4500kg
• MIRO: 3700kg
• Payload: 800kg
• Length: 8.15m
• Width: 2.35m

Reason to buy:

• Pure French elegance and plenty of room

Reason to avoid:

• Motorhomes this long could prove more costly on ferries

Highly commended at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025

Rapido’s Distinction range has always looked classy on the road. This island bed model is one of two that takes the overall length over 8m to 8.15m, leaving oodles of space inside for a front lounge with parallel settees, a large kitchen and a washroom that straddles the van in front of a bed that is 1.96m long with plenty of space to walk around. OK, you need a C1 licence to drive it, but if you are lucky enough to have such a thing this really is French elegance taken to extremes.

You’ll be pleased to know that Alde heating is fitted as standard in here, and the vehicle includes many of the innovations Rapdio has introduced in recent years, such as the table leg that includes a heater, making an area that can be a notorious cold spot nice and cosy.

Le Voyageur 7.6 GJF Heritage

• Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter with Al-Ko chassis
• Price: £156,400
• Berths: 4
• Belts: 4
• MTPLM: 4500KG
• MIRO: 3565KG
• Payload: 860kg
• Length: 7.65m
• Width: 2.25m

Reason to buy:

• Luxury for all – at a manageable length

Reason to avoid:

• The kitchen could be more spacious

Highly commended at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025

Le Voyageur has been persistent in including shorter vehicles within its A-class line-up, as seen in last year’s Le Voyageur Eterna 7.0 GJF. This season it has also given a nod to those who may need to transport more than two people in the vehicle for whatever reason, by making travel seats an option in all models in its Mercedes-based Heritage range, introduced two years ago.

All of which makes the 7.6 GJF something anyone looking for an easier but still luxurious life should consider. Those travel seats don’t detract from the look of the interior, because they leave you with a large front lounge with friendly parallel seating. And there are more excellent touches that combine to make this a comfortable van, such as the two single beds at the back that glide together at the flick of a switch to make a double. No more fiddling about with bulky extra panels or slats that might jam.

Carthago C Tourer I 145 LE Superior

• Year: 2024
• Berths: 4 (can be 2)
• MTPLM: TBC
• MIRO: TBC
• Payload: TBC
• Length: depends on option chosen
• Width: 2.27m

Reason to buy:

• Plenty of luxury and solidly built

Reason to avoid:

• Some may find the lounge seating too upright

This A-class motorhome lives up to the ‘superior’ in its name.

Available on both a Mercedes Benz Sprinter or a Fiat Ducato base, the ‘van comes on an Al-Ko low frame chassis and provides style both inside and out. This ranges from the eye-catching wings on the side panels to the laminate appearance used on the rear washroom wall and behind the side seat in the living space.

Storage is always an important facet in a motorhome, and the high-gloss ivory and brilliant ash combine with the recessed handles to give the overhead storage lockers a sophisticated appearance.

A smart motorhome kitchen is also on offer, not only offering plenty of storage but also a three-burner hob, a round stainless steel sink, a 133-l Slimtower fridge and plenty of work surface, thanks to the elevated kitchen worktop. This also separates it from the living space, which includes L-shaped seating, a side bench and even a seat bench which incorporates a swing-out shoe rack. It’s a smart and stylish option.

Full review: Carthago C Tourer I 145 LE Superior

Adria Supersonic 780DC

• Year: 2023
• Berths: 4
• MTPLM: 4500kg
• MiRO: 3520kg
• Length: 7.8m
• Width: 2.32m

Reason to buy:

• Excellent spec throughout, double floor

Reason to avoid:

• Dark interior theme

The best A-class motorhome should provide a luxurious touring experience and that’s something that the winner of the title at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023 certainly delivered.

A 170bhp engine and Mercedes’ nine-speed auto gearbox come fitted as standard, giving you an idea of what to expect.

We really like the interior: it’s flat throughout, thanks to a double floor. In the lounge, you get two parallel settees, available in leather or fabric, with a rotating table in-between. Features include a light switch panel, a media wall and a cubbyhole with USB ports.

The van’s Continental origins mean you only get a three-burner gas hob and a grill in the kitchen. A Dometic two-way opening fridge with a separate freezer is also included in the ‘van that was also shortlisted for the best 4 berth motorhome at the time too.

The rear bedroom is an elegant space, with the bed transforming into a daybed at the press of a switch. A dropdown bed also sits above the cab and is electronically operated.

There’s some great storage provided throughout the motorhome too, including a garage at the rear, good kitchen options and two wardrobes in the bedroom.

Full review: Adria Supersonic 780DC

Carthago Chic E-line-I51 QB

• Year: 2020
• MTPLM: 4500kg
• Length: 8.07m

Reason to buy:

• Excellent floorplan, large fixed bed

Reason to avoid:

• Pricey

This stylish A-class combines quality and practicality, providing ‘van owners who are looking at buying a used motorhome with a popular floorplan based on a Mercedes.

While there four models available in the E-line range in 2020, it was the 51 QB that impressed our judges the most at the time, with the island bed in particular appealing.

This large fixed bed combines with its lounge – which, incidentally, is very spacious – to create a stylish layout. Factor in that Mercedes base and it becomes an even more enticing prospect.

There are numerous features in the Sprinter cab which we think will make a tour even more enjoyable – for instance, crosswind assist, adaptive cruise control and brake assist. An A-class is all about sophistication and that’s certainly the case with this motorhome.

Full review: Carthago Chic E-line-I51 QB

Rapido M96

• Year: 2020
• MTPLM: 3500kg
• Length: 7.54m
• Width: 2.35m

Reason to buy:

• Innovative design, full of features

Reason to avoid:

• Shallow basin

The M96 is a Mercedes Sprinter based A-class motorhome which combines style, innovation and quality. The 2020 model may only have short settees but this is to complement the swivelling cab seats. A useful feature – and one that we really like – is how the heating can be ducted up through the table leg, ensuring everyone should feel warm by the time the temperature starts to dip.

The double bed should offer a comfortable sleep, as it’s wider-than-average. This is because of its cutaway angle on either side of the wardrobes. There’s also the helpful innovation of being able to adjust the bed’s height by around 30cm, perfect for increasing the garage space.

The lounge only features short settees to complement the swivelled cab seats, but those inward-facers can switch to forward-facing single seats for travel if required. What’s really clever here is that heating is ducted up through the table leg – no cold knees in the evening! The kitchen is space-efficient, thanks to its L-shape and other design aspects.

Step into the washroom and you’ll find an offside shower cubicle – while the shower only has a single plug hole (which we thought was small), the shower comes with full plastic wall linings. Then, on the nearside, the toilet room features a swivel-bowl toilet and handbasin. We did think the basin was a bit on the shallow side, and also noted the absence of a window. However, apart from that, the quality and practicality seen throughout shines through.

Full review: Rapido M96

Niesmann+Bischoff Flair 920 EK

• Year: 2019
• Payload: 1450kg
• MTPLM: 7200kg
• Length: 9.27m
• Width: 2.4m

Reason to buy:

• Fantastic build quality, excellent kit

Reason to avoid:

• Price will rule most of us out

A huge payload, exceptional build quality and a high spec level make this an incredibly appealing A-class motorhome.

It’s easier to say what kit this ‘van hasn’t got. A big fridge tops that particular list: there’s only a rather puny 106-litre Dometic unit (although the freezer box is removable). There’s a sizeable Thetford oven/grill above this, and a Siemens microwave that only taller folk can reach. The main kitchen across the corridor on the nearside, however, is something to behold. There’s a three-ring gas hob set in the ‘mineral’ worktop, with permanent work surface to its right and a sink (inset, with flush-fit loose cover) on the left.

Beyond the kitchen, the washroom is just as good. The shower compartment is huge. Likewise, the basin adjacent is large. The toilet room is exactly that – home only to an upgraded toilet with holding tank. But you do also get an Alde radiator, a window and upper-level locker storage.

At the back, steps take you up to the single beds. Like the front double, they have Froli springing and cold-foam mattresses, with upper-level lockers to three sides and a Heki rooflight overhead.

Full review: Niesmann+Bischoff Flair 920 EK

Roller Team Pegaso 590

• Year: 2019
• Payload: 635kg
• MTPLM: 3500kg
• Length: 5.99m
• Width: 2.35m

Reason to buy:

• Cab door on the driver’s side, roomy lounge

Reason to avoid:

• Making up the second double bed feels a little complicated

If anyone ever says you can’t get an excellent A-class motorhome in a sub-six metre bodyshell, point them in the direction of the 2019 Roller Team Pegaso 590, a ‘van which combines style, comfort and a clever design, particularly for couples.

Take the lounge – we reckon you could host eight in here, thanks to its L-shaped sofa, side sofa and swivelled cab seats. The space feels cosy too, and should be kept warm, thanks to the inclusion of a vent from the Truma 6 boiler on both sides.

The L-shape is repeated in the kitchen, which provides ample workspace. Well lit, it’s specced out with a Thetford Duplex oven, a three gas burner hob, a 142-litre fridge and decent storage.

The manual drop-down bed is reached via a small ladder and is straightforward to lower. It may not have rooflights or windows but a light will allow you to read. The second double is made below this – we did think it’s not the most comfortable we’ve ever tried, but thought it would be fine for use from time-to-time. It’s made up by lowering the pedestal table and aligning it with the L-shaped sofa.

Full review: Roller Team Pegaso 590

Itineo SLB 700

• Year: 2018
• Payload: 490kg
• MTPLM: 3500kg
• Length: 6.99m
• Width: 2.35m

Reason to buy:

• Truly family-focused motorhome

Reason to avoid:

• Kitchen is quite tight and has no oven

This Itineo is an A-class we think could be ideal for families, thanks to its layout and child-friendly touches – so long as the payload can cater for you all.

The spacious front lounge could accommodate five after swivelling both cab seats around. Helpfully, the dining table, which sits on a central leg, can be manoeuvred to reach the different seats, as well as folded so people can reach their chairs.

When it comes to sleeping, the ‘van has five berths. Two of these are bunk beds in the rear dinette, which we think would be a great place for children to play. One thing to note – it only has four travel seats as standard though.

However, the large lounge and bunk beds lead to a compromise in the kitchen, where space is tight and there’s no oven. However, the work surface has been maximised by the decision to set the three burners for the hob in line, so you could always consider adding the best air fryer for a motorhome to improve your cooking facilities. The ‘van also comes with a 142-litre fridge, complete with a freezer compartment.

In the centre of the ‘van, the washroom resides. There’s the option of creating a full-facility washroom by using the pair of sliding doors; otherwise, the toilet and handbasin are on the offside, with the shower cubicle on the nearside.

Full review: Itineo SLB 700

What is an A-class motorhome?

Normally coming with a bed above the cab, A-class motorhomes provide a luxurious touring experience. They have a front facade that has been designed to combine properly with the rest of the vehicle, helping to create a warmer interior and one that should also rattle less.

It’s worth noting that some come on a heavy duty chassis, so be sure to check the MTPLM – if it’s above 3,500kg, you would need a C1 licence to drive it.

How we choose the best A-class motorhome

An A-class motorhomes will provide a truly luxurious touring base, with space and storage typically guaranteed. Taking this into account, we look at factors including the motorhome’s layout, the practicalities of day-to-day life, the amount of room on offer, and more.

We’re well placed to be judging this; since Practical Motorhome launched in 2001, we’ve conducted hundreds of tests, in the process highlighting the pros and cons of each ‘van – many of these can be found in our motorhome reviews section on our website.

You can find out more about our testing process on our About Us page.

Further valuable insight is provided by the Owner Satisfaction Awards – these tell us how the public are getting on with the many different brands out there when they buy a ‘van. Putting this together leaves us in a strong position to begin to draw up our shortlist.

We then whittle this down to create a final list – every model included is a worthy contender, and we’ll provide our opinion on why they’re all among the best A-class motorhomes.

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