Some vehicles catch your eye because of bold design. Others because of strong performance. And then there are those rare creations that intrigue you because they seem to challenge the very boundaries of what a vehicle should be. The Knaus Tourer Van 500 MQ falls firmly into that last category.
When the invitation came to test the Tourer Van across Germany’s Deister hills, I was more than curious. Could this compact semi-integrated motorhome, based on the evergreen VW T6.1, deliver both the agility of a van and the comfort of a true motorhome? Would it manage the winding climbs and narrow passes of the Deister as gracefully as a car, or would it reveal the compromises that come with such an ambitious concept?
Over the next two days, with the Deister’s ancient forest roads, tiny villages, and broad ridge-top views as my canvas, I would find out.
First Impressions: When Bulli Meets Motorhome
There’s something wonderfully cheeky about the way Knaus markets the Tourer Van 500 MQ. At a glance, it looks like a VW Bulli that has been gently persuaded into adopting motorhome duties. The familiar VW face remains, as do the compact proportions: at 5.89 meters long and just 2.17 meters wide, it slips easily through city streets and country lanes alike.
But from the B-pillar rearward, it’s all Knaus. The semi-integrated cabin sits tall and boxy, promising full standing height and proper living space inside. The van wears its two-part identity proudly, and this is both its greatest strength and, as I’d soon discover, a source of certain quirks.
Inside, the Tourer Van’s layout is surprisingly ambitious. You get a full rear transverse bed, an ingenious fold-away bathroom, a central kitchen block, and a dinette up front. Our test model even came with the optional fold-down bed above the cab, turning this compact camper into a potential four-berth machine.
With the van loaded and my route across the Deister planned, I set off, eager to see if this was truly a van with car-like qualities, or a clever but flawed experiment.
On the Move: Agility and Limitations Revealed
The Deister is an ideal proving ground for a vehicle like this. The roads leading up from Springe and Barsinghausen offer long, fast stretches, broken by tight, climbing hairpins. The ridge roads themselves are narrow, with occasional gravel sections and dense overhanging trees.
In this setting, the VW T6.1 base showed its strengths early. The 2.0 TDI diesel engine, producing 150 hp and 340 Nm of torque in our test van, delivered smooth, linear power. Mated to the excellent 7-speed DSG transmission, it made for effortless progress on the flat and impressive torque on climbs.
Around the Deister’s twisting B-roads, the Tourer Van initially felt agile enough. But as speeds rose and lane changes came quicker, its weaknesses emerged. The high center of gravity and the extra weight of the semi-integrated body resulted in pronounced body roll during fast transitions.
This effect was particularly evident on the long, sweeping curves of the B217 near Wennigsen, where the van leaned noticeably under load. Worse still, sharp gusts of crosswind on the ridge-top sections triggered frequent ESP interventions, the system working overtime to keep the tall body stable.
However, all was not lost. Our test van had recently been retrofitted with a full air suspension system by VB Airsuspension, and this transformed the experience. Once adjusted for firmer damping, the van felt significantly more composed on the same stretches. Lane changes were calmer, and the van tracked straighter under crosswind influence.
Yet, the air suspension could not fully mask the fundamental physics at play. This is still a tall, slab-sided vehicle on a light commercial chassis. Drivers coming from full motorhomes will find it impressively nimble. Those expecting true van-like dynamics will need to adjust expectations.
Living With It: An Origami Interior
Arriving at Nienstedt Pass, with its stunning views across the Calenberg countryside, I parked to explore the interior in detail. It is here that the Knaus Tourer Van reveals both its cleverness and its complexity.
The fold-away bathroom is the van’s signature feature. When not in use, the shower module folds neatly against the sidewall, freeing up precious space. The idea is sound, after all, in a compact van, you only need the shower occasionally.
In practice, however, using it can feel awkward. The rear bed partially overlaps the bathroom space, meaning that to unfold the shower, you must shift part of the mattress aside. For occasional use this is tolerable, but for those planning extended stays or frequent wash-ups, it will quickly become a chore.
The bathroom also revealed some minor flaws during our endurance test. The shower lock mechanism became increasingly stiff with time, and the sink drain was poorly designed, causing water to pool unnecessarily. These are perhaps forgivable in a pre-production model, but they mar an otherwise thoughtful concept.
Elsewhere, the van impressed and frustrated in equal measure. The rear bed, while spacious, was let down by a multi-piece mattress with pronounced edges. Comfort was acceptable, but not luxurious. The step leading up to the bed was also a source of amusement: too narrow for easy use, yet comically over-engineered, with a powerful gas spring causing it to lower in slow motion.
On the plus side, the kitchen area was well executed. Space is limited, inevitably so in such a compact van, but all essentials are present. Cooking for two is perfectly manageable; cooking for four would require careful planning and patience.
Real-World Usability: Compact Camper Meets the Deister’s Challenges
As a rolling testbed, the Tourer Van 500 MQ excelled in certain scenarios. Navigating through narrow Deister villages, Bredenbeck, Lemmie, Bad Münder, was a joy. The van’s modest footprint allowed me to slip through medieval alleys and park in spaces denied to larger motorhomes.
The visibility is excellent, aided by large mirrors and a well-designed cab. The assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and parking sensors, made life even easier. In this respect, the Tourer Van truly behaves like a car-derived vehicle, agile, manageable, and unintimidating.
Fuel consumption, however, was a mixed bag. Over two days of mixed Deister driving, including hill climbs, urban running, and motorway stints, the van returned an average of 12.0 l/100 km. This is higher than expected, and largely due to the aerodynamic penalties imposed by the tall body. Wind noise around the door seals also became intrusive above 100 km/h.
In winter conditions, the van performed admirably. The Truma Combi 4D diesel heater quickly warmed the well-insulated cabin during a frosty -5°C dawn at Deisterkamm. The only weak spot was a minor cold bridge near the body door, which allowed drafts to creep through in high winds. Overall, however, this is a genuinely four-season camper.
The Big Question: A Niche Solution or the Future of Compact Camping?
By the end of our Deister adventure, I had grown fond of the Knaus Tourer Van 500 MQ, despite its quirks. It is a bold, innovative design that delivers genuine compact camping versatility.
But it is not a perfect execution. The dynamic limitations, bathroom compromises, and high price (partly due to the VW T6.1 base and its extensive options) will give pause to some buyers. Those expecting a simple van conversion may find the Tourer Van’s complexity frustrating. Those seeking a full motorhome experience may find its space too limited.
Yet, for a certain kind of camper, one who values driving ease, city compatibility, and year-round usability, the Knaus Tourer Van offers something genuinely unique. It is an origami puzzle, yes, but one that rewards the patient and the curious.
Technical Specifications: Knaus Tourer Van 500 MQ
We use Knaus’s official website to get all technical details quickly and accurately.
| Specification | Detail |
| Base vehicle | Volkswagen T6.1 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter TDI diesel |
| Power output | 150 hp (110 kW) |
| Torque | 340 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Length | 5,890 mm |
| Width | 2,170 mm |
| Height | 2,760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000 mm |
| Gross vehicle weight | 3,200 kg |
| Payload | approx. 500–600 kg |
| Sleeping capacity | 2–4 persons (optional fold-down bed) |
| Fresh water tank | 100 liters |
| Waste water tank | 90 liters |
| Heating system | Truma Combi 4D diesel heater |
| Fuel consumption (tested) | 12.0 l/100 km |
| Base price (Germany) | from approx. €75,000 |
Conclusion: Clever, Frustrating, and Intriguing in Equal Measure
The Knaus Tourer Van 500 MQ is an engineering gamble, one that largely pays off, though not without caveats. In the Deister’s varied terrain, it proved itself a capable, versatile companion, blending city agility with surprising touring comfort.
Its innovative interior offers flexibility, but also demands patience. Its driving dynamics are much improved with air suspension, but still limited by physics. And its charm, which grows with time, will not appeal to all.
In the end, it is a niche vehicle with clear strengths and clear compromises. But in a market increasingly dominated by cookie-cutter campers, the Tourer Van’s spirit of innovation is refreshing. Hats off to Knaus for daring to be different.
Is the Knaus Tourer Van 500 MQ easy to drive?
Yes, especially in urban and rural settings. The VW T6.1 base and excellent assistance systems make it feel car-like in many situations.
How is the interior space in the Knaus Tourer Van 500 MQ?
Surprisingly good for the size. Four can sleep in the van, but extended stays with four adults may feel cramped.
Does the fold-away bathroom work well in the Knaus Tourer Van 500 MQ?
Conceptually, yes, but in practice, it can be fiddly and less convenient than a fixed bathroom.
