Niesmann+Bischoff, renowned for their luxurious motorhomes, has once again raised the bar with their all-new Arto series. Known for crafting some of the most comfortable and stylish motorhomes, Niesmann+Bischoff have outdone themselves with the Arto, a Class A motorhome that blends functionality with high-end, yacht-like aesthetics. This latest model offers nearly 26,000 interior configurations, ensuring that every buyer can create a personalized mobile living space that meets their unique needs and tastes.
A generational shift: The first liner-class RV on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Arto marks a significant milestone for Niesmann+Bischoff as it transitions from the Fiat Ducato chassis to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This change is part of a broader generational shift within the company, which began with the iSmove small motorhome and the Flair flagship model. The Arto sits comfortably in the mid-tier range, offering a perfect balance between the two.
Hubert Brandl, Niesmann’s managing director, highlighted the importance of this shift during the Arto’s premiere. He emphasized that carrying over the successful design elements from the iSmove and Flair to the Arto was a natural decision. However, Niesmann+Bischoff went further by developing the first liner-class RV on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis, aiming to bring something special and unique to the market.
Luxurious and functional interior
The Arto 88, the larger of the two-model series, is designed to accommodate up to four travelers comfortably. Its 357-inch (907 cm) tandem-axle design provides a spacious living area, making it an ideal choice for those looking to live on the road full-time.
Bedroom
The rear of the Arto 88 features a large 80 x 83-inch (202 x 210 cm) bed, creating a dedicated bedroom space. This area is surrounded by felt walls, windows, and wraparound overhead cabinetry, providing a cozy and private environment. A sliding door at the foot of the two-step staircase and an optional tint-adjustable electrochromic glass front wall offer additional privacy, separating the bedroom from the rest of the motorhome.
Bathroom
One of the standout features of the Arto 88 is its dry bathroom, a luxury not found in smaller models like the Arto 78 or iSmove. The en suite bathroom includes a split-compartment design with a rainfall shower on the driver’s side and a stone-finished vanity sink across the aisle. Sliding doors provide privacy, making the bathroom a serene and private retreat.
Kitchen
Moving forward, the kitchen in the Arto 88 is particularly well-equipped and customizable. The standard setup includes a hybrid cooktop with two gas burners and a single induction hob, a deep rectangular sink with a pull-out mixer tap, and a fitted cutting board top. Buyers can further customize the kitchen with options like an under-counter dishwasher, an oven, a microwave, or additional drawer and cabinet space.
A backsplash compartment keeps the kitchen tidy by concealing a pop-up range hood and a pop-up coffeemaker compartment. When not in use, these compartments lower to create a clean, uniform look. The dual-door modular closet system across from the main kitchen block houses a 177-liter fridge/freezer and a large wardrobe, with customizable shelving, closet rod, and drawer configurations.
Lounge area
The forward lounge area in the Arto 88 is designed for both comfort and functionality. A swiveling bench can face forward to seat two passengers while driving, then swing around 90 degrees to join the passenger-side bench seat and swivel cab seats, creating a spacious full-width lounge with an adjustable dining table. A pop-up TV compartment can hold an available 32-inch smart TV, maintaining the clean, spacious feel of the interior.
Additional sleeping arrangements
For additional sleeping space, the Arto 88 includes a low-profile drop-down bed over the driver’s cab. This 74 x 50-inch (188 x 128 cm) double bed lowers from the headliner, providing a comfortable sleeping area for two passengers.
Advanced technology and customization options
The Arto 88 comes with a range of advanced technology and customization options. Standard features include a 150-Ah lithium battery with a management system and accompanying smart control app, a water heater, and Truma air heating. Buyers can also add options like a multimedia package with a sound system and satellite dish, expanded lithium battery capacity and solar charging, a rooftop air conditioner, and a 5G/Wi-Fi connectivity package.
Niesmann+Bischoff offers a variety of upholstery and trim options, allowing buyers to create a unique interior. In fact, the Arto 88 boasts a remarkable 25,920 possible interior configurations and 128 possible exteriors, ensuring that every owner can design a motorhome that reflects their personal style and preferences.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis
The Arto 88 is built on the latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, featuring a 148-hp 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission. This chassis brings a range of standard and available driver-assistance technologies, including Distronic active distance assist, active lane keeping, and traffic sign assist, enhancing both safety and convenience.
Pricing and availability
The Arto 88 made its world debut in early 2024 and is set to make a public debut at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon in late August and early September before arriving in dealerships in November. The motorhome starts at €132,000 (approximately US$142,605, before VAT). For those willing to opt for a slightly smaller model with fewer features, the Arto 78 is available starting at €116,800 (approximately US$126,185).
Source: Niesmann+Bischoff
