Some vehicles make promises that go beyond what their spec sheets suggest. They hint at freedom, at the ability to leave behind paved roads and fixed destinations and simply explore. The Hymer ML-T 570 Crossover is exactly that kind of machine, a motorhome built not just to reach campsites but to seek out adventure far off the beaten track.
I’ve spent years testing all sorts of campers and motorhomes, but few have intrigued me like this one. Built on the solid foundation of the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4, with a raised suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and rugged styling, the Hymer ML-T 570 Crossover looks ready for anything.
So when the opportunity came to test it in the Hellberge, a quiet yet demanding hill range in Lower Saxony, Germany, filled with forest tracks, rolling climbs, and sharp descents, I knew this would be the ideal place to see what the Crossover could really do.
Adventurous Looks, Serious Engineering
Standing beside the ML-T 570 Crossover early that morning at the base of Hellberge, I was struck first by its presence. It doesn’t hide its intentions.
The knobby all-terrain tires, ample ground clearance, LED light bar mounted above the cab, the ladder on the rear, and the full-size spare wheel swinging from the back door all shout: this is a motorhome built to go further. The two-tone paint and tasteful decals give it a modern, adventurous flair, while the underbody protection hints at a vehicle that is more than just show.
At nearly €157,000 to start, this is not an inexpensive camper. It positions itself above rivals like the Eura Mobil Xtura and Dethleffs Globebus Performance, but from the first glance, it’s clear that Hymer has poured attention and quality into this build.
Inside, that impression only deepens.
Luxury Meets Utility in the Interior
Climbing inside the Crossover, I immediately noticed the contrast between the rugged exterior and the sleek, cozy interior.
The front seats and the L-shaped lounge bench are upholstered in beautiful two-tone gray leather (Hymer calls this “Lund”), while warm bamboo-style trim (Native Bamboo) and soft felt-look paneling give the cabin a soothing, modern feel.
A clever multi-functional wall allows you to hang shelves, holders, and accessories from Hymer’s own range, a practical solution that I loved.
While the Crossover feels spacious for two people, it’s designed for agility and off-road use rather than vast interior volume. The longitudinal single beds at the rear are comfortable, though at 190 cm and 186 cm long, they may not fully satisfy very tall campers.
The kitchen and washroom are compact but entirely usable. A two-burner hob, sink, decent fridge, and functional storage make meal preparation easy. The bathroom offers enough space for daily needs without feeling cramped.
The sense of thoughtful engineering extends beyond comfort. The Crossover is fitted with a solar system (2 × 95-watt panels) and Hymer’s excellent Smart Battery System 2.0,four 80Ah lithium batteries and an inverter give it remarkable off-grid independence. Hymer claims up to ten days without a power hookup, ideal for true wild camping.
Climbing into the Hellberge: How It Drives
Soon, it was time to see whether the ML-T 570 Crossover could live up to its rugged looks.
Our route would take us up through Hellberge’s forested tracks and narrow roads, surfaces varying from gravel to packed earth, occasionally interspersed with muddy patches after recent rains.
From the first turn of the key, the Mercedes Sprinter base impressed me. The 190 hp 2.0-liter diesel engine is quiet at idle but powerful when called upon. Paired with the smooth-shifting Mercedes automatic transmission, it made progress feel effortless.
Pulling onto the first climb, where wet leaves and mud lined the track, I switched the all-wheel drive on. The system engaged without fuss, and the Crossover began its ascent confidently. The raised suspension proved its worth immediately, deep ruts that would have threatened an ordinary camper were shrugged off with no scraping or bottoming out.
Despite its size and weight (3,450 kg ready to go, with a 4.1-ton registration), the ML-T 570 Crossover felt nimble. The steering is precise for such a tall vehicle, and the Sprinter chassis’ comfort tuning meant that even over sharp bumps and washboard tracks, the ride was surprisingly smooth.
Tackling hairpin bends on a steep section, I noticed the excellent visibility from the cab, the elevated driving position and large mirrors made it easy to place the vehicle accurately. The knobby tires provided reassuring grip, yet on smoother stretches of road they remained remarkably quiet.
One thing became clear quickly: the ML-T 570 Crossover is not a pretend off-roader. This is a machine that genuinely allows you to explore tracks and trails that would stop an ordinary motorhome in its tracks.
Back to Tarmac: Composed and Comfortable
Once we reached the summit of Hellberge and began the descent toward a nearby village, I switched the all-wheel drive off and allowed the ML-T to cruise on tarmac.
Here, another side of its character emerged. On smooth roads, the Crossover felt composed and refined, much like a premium semi-integrated motorhome. Wind and road noise were impressively low, even at 100 km/h.
The Mercedes automatic gearbox shifted smoothly, and the 190 hp engine provided strong mid-range torque for effortless overtaking. On faster, sweeping roads, the Crossover remained stable, with none of the wallowing or pitch that sometimes afflicts taller campers.
At one point, cruising at a steady 95 km/h on an open stretch, I marveled at how relaxing the cabin was, soft lighting, comfortable seats, and the excellent Hymer Connect system (which allows you to control heating, lighting, and other functions from your smartphone) all contributed to an experience more akin to a luxury SUV than an expedition vehicle.
Range and Efficiency: Real-World Figures
Of course, with all this capability comes the question of efficiency.
During our day-long test, about 220 km mixing Hellberge’s climbs and descents, rural B-roads, and sections of autobahn, the Crossover’s trip computer showed an average consumption of 11.2 liters per 100 km.
Considering the vehicle’s weight, all-wheel-drive system, and chunky tires, this is entirely reasonable. Driven with care, I suspect you could achieve closer to 10 liters per 100 km on longer motorway legs.
Fuel capacity is ample, giving a realistic touring range of around 650–700 km between refuels, more than enough for extended trips off the grid.
Technical Specifications: Hymer ML-T 570 Crossover
To make sure everything is correct, we use technical details straight from hymer’s official websites.
| Specification | Detail |
| Base vehicle | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 190 hp |
| Transmission | Mercedes automatic gearbox |
| Drive | All-wheel drive (switchable) |
| Length | 6.98 meters |
| Width | 2.22 meters (body) |
| Height | 2.96 meters |
| Interior height | 1.98 meters |
| Berths | 2 (rear single beds) |
| Rear bed dimensions | 190 cm and 186 cm |
| Fresh water tank | 120 liters |
| Waste water tank | 100 liters |
| Battery system | 4 × 80 Ah lithium batteries + inverter |
| Solar panels | 2 × 95 watts |
| Heating | Truma diesel-powered heater |
| Weight (ready to go) | Approx. 3,450 kg |
| MTPLM | 4.1 tons |
| Off-road equipment | Raised suspension, underbody protection, all-terrain tires, LED light bar, spare wheel, roof ladder |
| Base price (Germany) | From €156,900 |
Conclusion: A Camper That Opens New Horizons
After a full day exploring the challenging climbs and descents of Hellberge, and cruising back on tarmac roads, I came away thoroughly impressed with the Hymer ML-T 570 Crossover.
This is not just a marketing exercise. It is a genuinely capable, thoughtfully engineered adventure motorhome that allows its owner to confidently explore well beyond ordinary campsites.
On the road, it is refined and comfortable. Off the road, it is rugged and surefooted. In between, it offers all the style, comfort, and self-sufficiency you’d expect from a premium Hymer product.
Yes, it’s expensive. And yes, the 4.1-ton registration brings some limitations. But for those who crave real adventure and are willing to invest in the freedom to go almost anywhere, this is one of the finest tools you can buy.
Is the Hymer ML-T 570 Crossover suitable for year-round use?
Absolutely. The diesel-powered heating system and excellent insulation make it suitable for cold-weather adventures, including ski trips.
Can the Hymer ML-T 570 Crossover handle rough off-road tracks?
Yes. Within reason, it’s not a rock crawler, but its raised suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and 4×4 system allow it to tackle most forest tracks, gravel roads, and moderate off-road trails with ease.
Is Hymer ML-T 570 Crossover interior suitable for longer trips?
Very much so for two people. The living space is comfortable, the beds supportive, and the battery/solar system allows for excellent off-grid capability.
