BURSTNER IXEO 645

Daring, exciting and good to look at

Words & photos by John Page

Innovation and excitement are the hallmarks of this builder of motorhomes from Kehl on the banks of the mighty river Rhine. And for 2011 the buzz is the all-new layout plan that incorporates a fold down double bed within a low profile shape with its aerodynamic advantages. Hitherto this has only been possible as part of an overcab or A-Class Motorhome. In essence the bed is central to the design, located immediately above the lounge. The body shape is pleasing to the eye and the overall internal configuration has resulted in a companionable lounge, and simply brilliant galley and washroom. Unbelievably this is contained within a body length of only 6.69m. In Germany competition has never been tougher and the buying public never so discriminating; the spur for Burstner and their vigorous European competitors to go the extra mile in what has become the toughest marketplace in the history of Motor Caravans. Camper UK of Lincoln made the Ixeo 645 available to us for an all too brief spell of superb weather in late June when the Clumber Park Campsite was positively lush and the bird life in reproductive overdrive and who forgot the binoculars? My mind was full of the logistics.

CONSTRUCTION

Ubiquitous Fiat supply the wide low build Motorhome chassis for the Ixeo complete with cab seats to which Burstner adds their tough fabric. Aluminium is the trusty raw material for the body shell and the skirts – lighter than GRP and simple to repair or replace. Insulation throughout is by Styrofoam and the floor has removable carpets above an attractive vinyl floor covering. Wall coverings are of a wood grain effect with fabric panel surrounds for the lounge windows. Cushion fabrics in brown and beige feel as warm as they look and suggest the material used is as tough as old boots. Reassuringly absent are skimpy frilled curtains and a pseudo walnut dashboard. The décor includes two clusters of ceiling spotlights on a curved wood grain surround, all in the best possible taste. Just two roof lockers slung beneath the fold down bed are supplemented by the most comprehensive and thoughtful stowage arrangements throughout ever seen in a Motorhome of such modest dimension. Read on and be amazed as we were.

IN MOTION

Given the chance to use lanes, A-roads and Motorways for a spell we were able to form a reasonable idea of just how well the 645 performed. Bearing in mind its low swept back appearance optimism was the mood. Another factor of course is weight distribution bearing in mind the double bed slung above the lounge. Power comes from 130bhp channelled though six gears and with ultra flexible torque when demanded. No slouch this machine especially when you need to overtake the frequent groups of trucks that are now a constant of our trunk roads. Here was a feel good factor that had to do with positive but light steering and minimal sway on tight roundabouts or sweeping bends. Strangely the noise level was not as subdued as expected but then I’m a touch hyper critical and bear in mind that we were extremely light of load, with carpet un-laid and minimal personal tackle.

All round visibility is very good, from the large two-section mirrors and height to see above and beyond all saloon cars and bulky SUVs. Congratulations to Fiat for the anatomically kind cab seat structure and Burstner for their resilient fabric upholstery. Yes, this machine would be a joy on the long hauls as well as a quiet carriage sauntering the lesser known tracks that the UK is blessed with. I would though willingly pay for the optional spare wheel to reassure on those out of the way places that we are fortunate enough to explore. And by the way the passenger airbag, ABS and ASR all come as standard.

IXEO’S CERTAIN STYLE

Sat in the lounge there’s an immediate impression of space in this generous dimension lounge. Six adults could feel totally at ease around the splendid table that glides smoothly in any direction and also lowers to form a bed base should you elect for the four-berth version 645. Here is a relatively compact Motorhome with a seating layout that does not do double duty as a bed and consequently acquires this truly spacious central living area. Furniture, fabrics and wall coverings are all in harmony with warm tones of brown and beige and long panoramic windows on both sides. A wide access through to the galley and cab chairs rotated up front all add to the open plan effect. Twin banks of LED spotlights make for almost shadowless illumination after dark.

Cushion fabrics are of a soft feel micro fibre material of Nova Amber colour description that maintains a comfortable temperature independent of the ambient figure. In short, Ixeo has arrived and the concept is here to stay.

SLEEPING UPSTAIRS

Study the picture and you’ll see how the bed looks in its lowered position. Getting it there is a relatively simple procedure of pushing it up a little and pressing the release button. Backrest cushions in the lounge need to be flattened to allow the bed to reach its designed position. Unusual is an access ladder with broad treads for a safer climb to the Ixeo bedroom. Downstairs, with the optional cushions added and the table lowered a second double bed is created. The overall concept is undoubtedly ingenious

and will no doubt spawn similar lookalikes. Our only reservation concerned the steep angle of the ladder, a detail that the enthusiastic team at Camper UK will undoubtedly rectify to make it totally comfortable.

KITCHEN

This is where one can see some of the very real advantages of the Ixeo idea – with a spacious and well-planned kitchen to put the duty chef in creative mode. Space is the key, to work without hassle, with extraordinary stowage space – for the tackle, for the food and all in light airy comfort. Immediately below the worktop is a large drawer with another within and yet another below it. It’s not complicated, it’s surprisingly simple and very ingenious. Waste bins in Motorhomes are essential, yet often ignored or at best only partially adequate but here in Ixeo 645 there are twin bins for recyclable and organic waste, sliding out from their own compartment in the base unit. Gas isolator taps are immediately accessible at anytime and the large capacity fridge is located at a comfortable height above floor level. Ventilation is good and the main entrance door is to one side so that the crew can exit or enter without distracting the food wizard.

WASHROOM

Another minor triumph where that extra space has been used advantageously for a washroom with excellent stowage arrangements, a potentially safe duck-boarded floor and neat conversion to shower cubicle. The swivelling hand basin also works well. A roof vent of course and general stowing space to take account that washrooms need space for towels, canisters, bottles, unguents and paper gear as well as toothbrushes. All told – a thorough approach to the little room necessities.

STOWAGE

Oddly enough there are just two roof lockers suspended beneath the movable bed base.The reason though is obvious with such generous alternatives throughout; from the large locker under the offside bench seat accessible indoors or out, a massive wardrobe and a variety of wall lockers tucked in wherever space occurs. Our only criticism in this regard is the oven sited above the fridge with a potential for accidents whether handling hot food or even when stowing pans etcetera in the oven.

SUMMARY

There’s no doubting the Burstner talent for creating new ideas and exciting body shapes with striking graphics. This time design wise they’re going into fresh territory where beds have not previously ventured. What that does for the rest of the vehicle is quite something, as you will now have read. Super as a two-berth undoubtedly but as a four berth the sleeping area for the two persons underneath is of a somewhat restricted height. For price the figure of  £51,495 is competitive.

Altogether Ixeo 645 is a very interesting machine and its direct competition would be a fixed bed Profile of similar length that would lose out on space in lounge, kitchen and washroom. Or an A-Class that inevitably cost more. Ixeo’s trump card or rather trump cards, are the superbly sociable lounge, great kitchen and washroom plus a general open plan feel to the machine at large. Don’t take my word for it. Try it and its beds and you’ll know.

TECHNICAL DATA

Vehicle specification:  Burstner Ixeo 645, two-berth Profile Motorhome

Price of vehicle tested: £51,495

Vehicle kindly loaned for testing by: Camper UK,

CONVERSION

Overall length:  6.69m

Overall width:  2.30m

Overall height:  2.75m

MPTLM: 3500kg

Payload:  455kg

Construction: Aluminium body and side skirts with Styrofoam insulation.

Fresh water capacity:  120-litres

Waste water capacity: 90-litres

Gas storage capacity:  two x 11kg cylinders

Auxiliary battery:  90 Ah

Refrigerator:  capacity  Dometic 104-litre fridge/freezer

Water heater: Truma Combi 4 combined space and water heater

Lighting:  all LED spotlighting

Upholstery: Nova Amber

BASE VEHICLE

Type:  Fiat low-frame, wide track Motorhome chassis

Power unit: 2.3-litre multijet turbo diesel

Maximum power: 130bhp @ 3600rpm

Maximum torque: 320Nm @ 2000-3000 rpm

Transmission: six-speed manual to front wheels

Steering: power assisted rack and pinion

Braking: servo  assisted system to disc brakes with ABS

PERFORMANCE

Fuel consumption: 26-mpg estimated

Maximum speed: 85mph estimated

Comfortable cruising speed 65-70mph