Rethinking motorhomes Niesmann+Bischoff

With new upgrades to its most successful models and the resources of a global group behind it, Niesmann+Bischoff is targeting an ever-wider market for high-end motorhomes

In the autumn of 2020, Niesmann+Bischoff, the German specialist in luxury motorhomes, launched the latest version of its Smove, the ground-breaking compact model that made headlines when it was first introduced in 2016 for combining the comfort of a top-class motorhome and the driving dynamics of a saloon car.

The new iSmove is aimed at a new, younger target group wanting to enter the world of premium motorhoming with a standard driver’s licence. To provide premium quality in a vehicle with a weight of less than 3.5 tonnes without compromising in terms of space, it was necessary, says Niesmann+Bischoff, to rethink the entire motorhome. Everything had to be called into question.

The key to the new iSmove concept is an interior space design and a multitude of features that are usually only found in the heavy-weight class of 7.5 tonnes. Clear lines of sight through the entire vehicle and natural acoustics provided by felt-lined interior walls create an entirely new sense of space. An innovative lighting concept with modern glass panels to control the spotlights in the dark anthracite ceiling provides an exceptional feel-good atmosphere in the evening.

To make optimal use of the existing space, Niesmann+Bischoff came up with seven completely new ideas . These include an electrically operated lifting kitchen shelf, a rotating belted bench seat, a lifting bed that completely disappears in the ceiling and a sliding mechanism that doubles the usable space for the shower and toilet.

Hubert Brandl, Managing Director of Niesmann+Bischoff says, “Smaller exterior, bigger interior. Less weight with everything and more inside. You might say a little less more. With the new iSmove, we have maximised premium quality by focusing on the essentials with a host of clever features. The result is a new motorhome for a new generation of customers who want to make the most out of every moment of their lives.”

Combining strengths

Based in Polch in Rhineland-Palatinate, Niesmann+Bischoff operates from a plant which serves as its headquarters and its production factory and employs some 250 people. Since 1996 it has been a subsidiary of the Erwin Hymer Group

The Erwin Hymer Group is one of the premier manufacturers of recreational vehicles in a growing European market. Headquartered in Bad Waldsee, Germany, it has 20 brands, a strong reputation for investing in product innovation and a dedication to providing exceptional customer value. EHG sells through a worldwide network of more than 1,200 retail dealerships and employs more than 7,300 dedicated team members globally. Its product portfolio spans all major RV categories and price points, from lightweight travel trailers to high-end motorhomes.

In 2018, the Erwin Hymer Group became part of Indiana-based Thor Industries Inc. The combination has created the world’s largest recreational vehicle manufacturer, with leading positions in North America and Europe. Face to face comfort

For many years, the most popular model in the Niesmann+Bischoff range has been the Arto. Now adding half a metre to the Arto 77E model has resulted in the 8.34 metres of the new twin-axle Arto 82 E, which boasts features such as an additional wardrobe for more storage space, an extendable living area table, and a solid sliding door separating the bedroom from the bathroom, which also features a wardrobe.

The new Arto 82 E as well as the Arto 77 E and the seven Arto layouts -78 F, 85 E, 88 E, 88 EK and 88 LF - belong to “Generation 2020”, which are also available with the new “face-to-face” interior layout. In this living area variant, the kitchen and sofa form a straight line behind the driver. The opposite side features a bench, which is also available with an optional fourth seat.

Hubert Brandl said: “In our new face-to-face variant, generosity meets up with comfort. Travellers can enjoy the additional space and

room to move in the front portion of the motorhome – making it ideal for travelling couples.” The enlarged floor area also gives an accompanying dog enough space to stretch out all four legs.

In the new 2020 model year, all of the Arto and Smove layouts will be equipped with Fiat chassis and engines according to the emission standard Euro 6d-Temp. 140 PS are standard with the option of 160 or 180 PS, respectively.

Advanced technology

From 2020, the Niesmann+Bischoff Arto and Smove range will feature a nine-speed automatic transmission. With the new automatic transmission, which has been available on the Flair range for more than four years now, the gear shift is even smoother than ever before. Keeping an eye on the RPM is a thing of the past.

“The integration of an automatic transmission significantly increases the driving comfort of both the Arto and Smove. During the smooth, stepless gear ratio changes, the traction is not interrupted, which reduces fuel consumption”, said Hubert Brandl.

The new nine-speed automatic transmission is available as an optional extra. It will replace the automatic transmission from Fiat, which the company has removed from their range.

Also new is the Niesmann+Bischoff Lithium Energy Package which offers cutting-edge energy supply technology. Two solar modules with 250 watts (upgradable to max. 500 watts) are fitted on the roof with a MPPT solar controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking) for optimal energy supply even when it is cloudy. The modules provide increased stability thanks to an integrated aluminium panel and 80 per cent less weight compared to conventional framed glass modules.

The system features three lithium batteries with 300 Ah (3 x 100 Ah = 285 Ah useable capacity), a combi charger with inverter (from 12 V to 230 V) with 3,000 W continuous output, a charging booster, battery monitor and battery management display.