Malibu is bringing out its first luxury campervan to be built on a Mercedes Sprinter for the 2025 season.
The three-point star is proving itself to be one of the best vans for a camper conversion, with manufacturers increasingly using it.
But because the rear of the vehicle includes an extension built by the company itself, Carthago’s sister brand is refusing to call it a van conversion, and instead has given it a new name – the Malibu Genius 641 LE. The Genius name was first used by Carthago when it launched its first double floor luxury motorhome 30 years ago.
The new extension, which is bolted to the original body, still incorporates the original vehicle’s beading and rear headlights. The extension has a GRP sandwich construction, with RTM hard foam in the middle.
It adds 47cm to the vehicle, while still keeping it with a 3500 MTPLM. The extra length has enabled the company to provide a longer kitchen, and to offer a range of storage options in the back, including pull out bike racks or a pull out storage system with portable boxes.
In addition, Malibu is offering three each of its low-profile and A-class models on a Sprinter base vehicle with an Al-Ko low frame chassis this season. All feature fixed single beds at the back. These include two new layouts – the Malibu I/T 450 RB-LE coming in at just under 7m, and the I/T 490 RB-LE, slightly longer with a full-height wardrobe.
Parent company Carthago has revealed its 2025 plans at the same time.
All these vans will be on display at this year’s Caravan Salon show in Dusseldorf, which runs from 31 August to 8 September.
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