Automotive

Tech-forward Knaus Sun i luxury motorhome travels in style

Tech-forward Knaus Sun i luxury motorhome travels in style
The "best Knaus ever"
The "best Knaus ever"
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The Sun i motorhome shares a taillight design with the Eurostar caravan
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The Sun i motorhome shares a taillight design with the Eurostar caravan
The "best Knaus ever"
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The "best Knaus ever"
The bathroom with glass shower and separate sink area
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The bathroom with glass shower and separate sink area
A look at the bathroom vanity
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A look at the bathroom vanity
The Sun i includes a Dometic toilet
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The Sun i includes a Dometic toilet
The layout of the two single beds in the 900 LEG floor plan is similar to the Eurostar caravan
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The layout of the two single beds in the 900 LEG floor plan is similar to the Eurostar caravan
The kitchen includes a three-burner stove and plenty of storage
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The kitchen includes a three-burner stove and plenty of storage
In the dining area
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In the dining area
Inside the 2016 Sun i motorhome
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Inside the 2016 Sun i motorhome
A look in the kitchen drawers
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A look in the kitchen drawers
The retractable storage drawer saves space while delivering convenient storage
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The retractable storage drawer saves space while delivering convenient storage
Optional retractable TV
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Optional retractable TV
Outdoor TV module option with dual Bluetooth headphones
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Outdoor TV module option with dual Bluetooth headphones
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The 2016 Knaus Sun i doesn't have the smooth, fluid style of the Caravisio, but Knaus' new flagship motorhome does share some high-tech inspiration with that 2013 caravan concept. Billed as the "best Knaus ever," the luxurious motorhome is packed with features and options, including smartphone lighting control and a slide-out outdoor TV with Bluetooth audio.

Knaus' new range topper is a 128-hp Fiat Ducato-based motorhome loaded with high-end design and tech. It measures 29 feet (8.82-m) long and weighs 8,289 lb (3,760 kg). The LED daytime running lamps up front are complemented by Eurostar-derived taillights. Inside, queen- and single-bed floor plans each sleep and seat four people.

The Sun i motorhome shares a taillight design with the Eurostar caravan
The Sun i motorhome shares a taillight design with the Eurostar caravan

Knaus says the Sun i was designed with a philosophy of "the best of everything and always a bit more than you actually need." Nothing better exemplifies that philosophy than the innovative optional features.

Our favorite option is easily the outdoor entertainment system, which includes a pull-out 32-in TV with two neatly docked sets of Bluetooth headphones. The pavement-centric Sun i won't bring your entertainment to the remote areas that the EarthRoamer XV-LTS will, but it'll still set you up for some serious TV viewing under the sun.

Outdoor TV module option with dual Bluetooth headphones
Outdoor TV module option with dual Bluetooth headphones

The outdoor TV isn't the only innovative entertainment feature. With the available electric retraction system, the optional indoor television slides neatly behind the bench seating, popping out at the push of a button. It's there when you want it, out of sight when you don't.

Another interesting option, which Knaus declares a never-before-seen first, the extendable under-floor storage bin rises 16 in (40 cm) at the push of a button, bringing its contents right to you. That bin is located in a kitchen area that also includes a three-burner stove, stainless steel sink, 190-liter refrigerator, slate worktop, and a series of shelves that showcase your kitchen provisions like part of the decor.

The retractable storage drawer saves space while delivering convenient storage
The retractable storage drawer saves space while delivering convenient storage

The Sun i's central multi-area bathroom includes a shower room, vanity sink and Dometic toilet. The shower is enclosed with rounded glass.

Like the Caravisio and the Eurostar that followed, the Sun i has yacht-style flooring underfoot. Other materials include a textile ceiling liner and slate-look dining room tabletop.

The Sun i has Alde hot water heating, up to 180 liters of fresh water capacity, 170 liters of waste water capacity, and two 95Ah AGM batteries. The extensive options list includes air conditioning, various entertainment packages and components, a gas oven and an alarm system. When the optional WLAN is added, the interior LED lighting can be controlled via smartphone.

The Sun i debuted at last year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon and made an appearance at the CMT show last month. It starts at €97,400 (approx. US$109,000). Knaus tells us that it will showcase four additional floor plans at this year's Düsseldorf show, which starts in August.

Source: Knaus

View gallery - 13 images
3 comments
3 comments
YouAre
In my next life, I'll make a similar one for a fifth of the price. In my present life, I'll shut up and quietly appreciate what someone else can afford. But if I were the van's designer I'd try to put more sun into it by putting a few PV panels on top, it'll help not only sell the RV.
unklmurray
At $109,000.00 that is cheap compared to some,......I'll NEVER get one,but I'm happy with my 68'VW transporter camper van,welded to the top of a 68 5 window international school bus!!....LOL
bergamot69
Problem with this van in Europe is that it exceeds 3.5 tons- meaning it will have to be limited to 56mph (correct me if I am wrong).
I fail to see the advantage of having 3 axles- a heavier duty rear axle with higher duty 'super singles' (ie not double rear wheels) would do the job. There is no traction advantage- because, of course, the Ducato is front wheel drive. And because the rear wheels don't steer, the arrangement will decrease manoeverability in tight spaces- not something this van will be gifted with in the first place given it's length. Wouldn't want to have to reverse this down a sunken Devon lane- and I used to be a professional van driver.