9 Reasons Why Bürstner Motorhome Owners are Brand Loyal

If you’re looking for a leading innovator in developing German RVs with a similar standing to Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz with German automobiles, the name Bürstner stands out.

Bürstner's debut recreational vehicle, the Delfin caravan, quickly gained popularity among European caravanners. Its quality construction and innovative design details set it apart from competitors.

The original Delfin featured innovation, quality and ease of ownership — company hallmarks fully reinforced when Bürstner entered the motorhome sector in 1986. Not long after, Bürstner revolutionised motorhome design by releasing the world’s first semi-integrated model.

The innovations kept coming — with pioneering drop-down beds and double floors in motorhomes. More recently, there’s the space-expanding inflatable alcove above the cab of some models, and Bürstner became one of the first RV manufacturers to put a fully electric campervan into series production.

Bürstner isn’t a motorhome maker prepared to rest on its rich history or laurels. In this blog, we highlight nine reasons why Bürstner owners are so loyal and why the brand's reputation continues to be a magnet for those who aspire to own one.

Almost a century ago, cabinet maker Jakob Bürstner won the contract to fit out train stations for Deutsche Bahn — and to build hundreds of homes for railway workers alongside them.

Jakob's son, Gerhardt Bürstner, sought a new direction in 1958 and began developing caravans with a local chassis maker, recognising the potential for touring holidays.

With that, the legacy of Bürstner recreational vehicles began — as did the reasons why Bürstner motorhome owners became brand loyal.

1. German engineering and build quality — plus a touch of French flair

The exceptional engineering and build quality often associated with German products, sometimes complemented by French flair in design, are key factors in their global appeal.

This strength is deeply rooted in Germany’s tertiary education system, which significantly emphasises science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). As a result, the nation is always developing a reliable supply of talented young scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians.

A constant influx of new brain power keeps German companies at the forefront of precision engineering, robust construction and durable build quality. Bürstner proudly upholds this tradition by continuing to build its recreational vehicles in Kehl am Rhein — the very German town where the company founder established his initial cabinet-making workshop.

Located alongside the Rhine, it faces the larger French city of Strasbourg on the opposite bank. The river might always stay true to its course, but the border it currently defines for the two nations has fluctuated throughout history.

Such proximity fosters a unique blend of cultures, and this Rhineland mix of French and German culture arguably influences the design of Bürstner motorhomes as they’re built with:

• All the precise execution that the phrase made in Germany implies
  
  

• A certain je ne sais quoi — an indefinable French quality or charm to the interior design and furnishings.

This French touch is further emphasised by the fact that Bürstner has a dedicated facility in France where its soft furnishings are crafted.

2. Constructed on the best motorhome platform

Bürstner builds its range of recreational vehicles, including those sold in New Zealand, on the consistently award-winning Fiat Ducato platform.

For almost two decades, Fiat Ducato has been recognised and frequently awarded the title of the best base for motorhome platforms by readers of Promobil — Germany’s leading motorhome magazine.

The New Zealand market also reflects this preference for the Fiat Ducato. Not only has it been the best-selling motorhome platform for at least the last six years, it’s also outsold the next most popular chassis, Ford — by more than double.

This widespread recognition speaks volumes about the Ducato's suitability and reliability as a foundation for quality motorhomes.

Series 8 Fiat Ducato

Fiat introduced a much revised eighth-generation Ducato in Europe a few years ago. This kept Fiat at the top of the pops, enabling it to fend off strong challenges for the award from upgraded versions of the Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter.

The Series 8 Ducato employs a range of new 2.2L turbo-diesel engines — with outputs ranging from 120hp to 180hp. These engines comply with Euro 6 emission standards with the help of AdBlue exhaust gas injection.

They come hooked up to an innovative nine-speed automatic. This transmission has already been a proven performer for Jeep and Land Rover products — capable of absorbing all the wear and tear potential of those SUV brands' generous tow ratings.

The coming together of this robust and smart transmission with Fiat’s state-of-the-art turbo-diesel engine range creates some of the smoothest and most efficient powertrains in the motorhome sector.

The Series 8 Ducato:

• Uses about ten percent less fuel than the Series 7 it replaced
  
  

• Offers a satisfying increase in driving force despite engine capacity being lowered by 100cc
  
  

• Is a quiet achiever thanks to the reduced noise, vibration and harshness levels.

Find out more about the Fiat Ducato Series 8 motorhome platform.

Enhancements in safety

The other great leap forward that Ducato recently made was enabling more advanced driving aid systems (ADAS). Besides ABS brakes and traction control, Fiat added more to the essential safety systems, including:

• Radar-enhanced cruise control — to automatically regulate speed based on surrounding traffic
  
  

• Automatic emergency braking — that can even sense when collisions with pedestrians and cyclists are imminent
  
  

• Lane departure warning — to help drivers stay within their lanes
  
  

• A more sophisticated grip aid called traction plus — which brakes individual wheels when they lose grip
  
  

• A stability system with a hill holder function — to assist take-offs on uphill gradients.

Learn more about the safety features of Bürstner motorhomes.

3. Innovative and functional design

Bürstner motorhomes are celebrated for their clever interior designs, which go beyond warm aesthetics to enhance your overall travel experience. A key element of this philosophy is the focus on modern design for comfortable living — to help you feel at home on the road.

The Bürstner thermo double floor

One innovation that has helped Bürstner stand out from the competition is the use of a thermo double floor, which:

• Improves insulation — contributing to a comfier internal temperature in both hot and cold climates
  
  

• Creates winterproof locations for water tanks — to protect them from freezing temperatures
  
  

• Enables the upper floor to be on one continuous level throughout the cabin — significantly reducing your likelihood of tripping and improving ease of movement
  
  

• Quietens road noise — when you’re on the move.

Compared to single floor RVs, the interiors of double floor motorhomes are also relatively free of squeaks and rattles while travelling on the road.

Maximum garage space

Bürstner continues to refine its garage designs, often adding features like:

• Secure tie-down points — so equipment remains safely in place during travel
  
  

• Easy-to-clean, durable surfaces — designed to withstand the rigours of storage
  
  

• Integrated lighting — providing visibility in conditions with low light.

This focus on maximising garage space underscores Bürstner's understanding of the practical needs of motorhome owners, allowing them to bring everything they require for extended and enjoyable adventures.

4. Intelligent interior layouts for enhanced space and comfort

Bürstner's commitment to thoughtful design extends beyond practical features like the double floor and garage storage to the overall layout and aesthetic of the living space. The company's designers demonstrably prioritise functionality and visual appeal — crafting interiors that are as spacious as they are comfortable.

The precise stitching of the full leather upholstery and the accurate and tight fit of the cabinetry joints demonstrate that Bürstner’s talent for design has been followed up by careful execution.

From the moment you step inside a Bürstner, the wow factor is readily apparent — so be sure to examine each model's interior layout closely..

Useful L-shaped kitchen

Bürstner’s designers appreciate that space is the ultimate luxury and lay out the cabins to create more of it. For example, one side of the kitchen usually comprises an L-shaped alcove to not take up more floor area, with a multi-burner gas stove for preparing more elaborate meals on the road.

On the other side of the inverted alcove, a benchtop area sits above some large drawers that:

• Slide out smoothly without noticeable friction on their metal runners
  
  

• Soft-close when you return them to the unit — securing themselves with a satisfying click.

Versatile couch-couch design

A popular feature in some Bürstner models is the couch-couch design, which maximises the social and living space in the front lounge.

This layout usually features two comfortable sofas or benches facing each other along the sides of the motorhome. The space can be easily adapted for dining by swivelling the cab seats and table. This design promotes an open and inviting environment for relaxing or conversing.

Pioneering drop down bed

Most Bürstner models sold in New Zealand feature two double beds — usually a permanent island bed in the rear and a drop down bed above the front lounge area.

As expected, the innovator of the drop down bed has engineered it to be seamless. It lowers and raises smoothly at the push of a button and is two metres long despite traversing across the cabin.

It can also be locked into the storage position for extra security when travelling. If the lounge table is lowered completely, the bed can follow suit, creating access and egress comparable to a home bedroom.

Wohnfühlen

Central to Bürstner’s development of all its models is the Wohnfühlen concept of a home away from home. It set the template for all the motorhomes that followed the introduction of the Bürstner I series in 1996.

This philosophy emphasises creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, focusing on aspects like:

• Natural light
• Harmonious colour palettes
• High-quality materials
• Flexible living spaces.

It's about designing a motorhome that feels less like a vehicle and more like a stylish, well-appointed apartment.

The Wohnfühlen design target has led to Bürstner possessing a bulging trophy cabinet full of independently judged RV awards. For example, in 2022 the brand won the European Innovation Award for its Lyseo Gallery interior design and received silver in the Promobil Motorhome of the Year Awards for the Lyseo TD.

5. Changing the game

With a long list of RV world firsts proving its innovative spirit, Bürstner constantly invests in research and development to create new motorhome features that enhance the mobile lifestyle.

The brand is also no stranger to shifting the goalposts, as it recently demonstrated by introducing a groundbreaking innovation to the market — the new Bürstner Lyseo Gallery TD.

The gallery in the name refers to an inflatable alcove above the cab. When deployed at the push of a button, it creates a second level of living space complete with a comfortable double bed and a workstation.

This alcove enables some Lyseo Gallery TD models to have more spacious lounges and facilities. While other motorhomes may have a bed count of two doubles, the alcove can increase accommodation to six berths.

The Lyseo Gallery TD models showcase that revolutionary designs remain a strong focus for Bürstner. If you wish to buy a motorhome at the cutting edge of RV technology, a Bürstner showroom is a great place to start looking for one.

6. Focus on safety and reliability

Peace of mind is essential when investing in your dream motorhome. Both Bürstner and Fiat, the foundation of many models, adhere to the rigorous ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard.

This means their design, production and management undergo independent audits every three years. It’s essentially like having two extra independent checks on the quality of your investment for:

• The van platform upon which the motorhome is based
  
  

• Checking the quality of the manufacture and finessing of Bürstner’s work.

The Fiat Ducato chassis has a two year mechanical warranty — provided you follow the recommended servicing schedule.

Above this robust base, Bürstner provides comprehensive protection in the form of a:

• Ten year warranty for water ingress
  
  

• Two year warranty on the expert fitout of the living space
  
  

• Six year warranty with the onboard batteries.

Find out more about Bürstner warranties and guarantees.

To keep this valuable protection valid, you must ensure that independent, easily accessible water tightness checks are carried out annually. It's a small requirement for long term confidence in your road trip adventures.

Learn how to prevent water damage in your motorhome.

7. Strong Bürstner resale value

Are you considering the top-tier German motorhome brands within the EHG? If Hymer is the Mercedes-Maybach, then Bürstner is the Porsche.

With a reputation for exceptional quality and long-lasting durability from the Kehl am Rhein manufacturer, there’s strong demand for pre-owned models — ensuring robust resale prices for Bürstner owners.

This solid resale value makes upgrading to a newer Bürstner a financially sound decision. Such seamless continuity is one reason Bürstner owners demonstrate strong brand loyalty.

Ultimately, the enduring popularity of used Bürstner motorhomes comes from their ability to retain value better than many other brands.

8. Long term New Zealand-based support 

A reliable dealer and service network serves Bürstner owners in New Zealand — providing easy access to expert support.

Bürstner's commitment to the owners of its motorhomes extends beyond the initial purchase. They guarantee the availability of genuine Bürstner parts for a remarkable ten years after the year of manufacture. This long term parts availability is a significant advantage — offering you double the guaranteed period provided by some rival motorhome manufacturers.

Knowing that you can readily source the specific components you need, even for older models, provides unparalleled reassurance and helps protect your investment for years to come. This commitment minimises downtime and ensures that maintaining and repairing your Bürstner remains straightforward and cost-effective over the long run.

You can find experienced technicians in New Zealand with the expertise to handle any servicing or repair needs your Bürstner may require — like routine maintenance, warranty work or more complex technical issues.

This local support network gives you access to the specific knowledge and skills needed to keep your Bürstner performing at its best.

Try a Bürstner motorhome before you buy to see if it’s the right fit for your travel lifestyle.

9. The Bürstner community

Bürstner is one of the few motorhome brands in New Zealand with an owners’ group. It’s a reflection of the passion many feel for their:

• Choice of recreational vehicle
  
  

• Willingness to share the experience with like-minded people.

Owners and enthusiasts can access various Bürstner online forums, group chats and events. The private Bürstner Motorhome Owners New Zealand group on Facebook has been chatting and posting there since 2015 and has more than 650 members.

Find out everything you need to know about Bürstner motorhomes.