Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 88 LF: Penthouse on wheels
Niesmann+Bischoff is a camper manufacturer in the highest segment. The producer delivers several hundred luxury campers annually, each with a top-class finish and rich equipment. For model year 2019, 'individualization' is the magic word: with Niesmann+Bischoff you can get your new camper in any color you want.
Even if you want it in Hello Kitty pink: it's possible with Niesmann+Bischoff. However, customers will behave more modestly, with subtle stripings for which the manufacturer already has some color examples in the brochures. Perhaps even more important news is that the Arto can now also be ordered with a light wood color. This gives this top camper a completely different atmosphere inside. In this test we look at the new Arto 88 LF, with the new 'modern line' interior.
Exterior Arto 88 LF
First the exterior: the Arto is built on a Fiat Ducato with an Al-Ko Twin chassis, with a tandem axle at the rear. These double wheels not only provide better handling, but because the wheels are placed one behind the other ('tandem'), it is also possible to build a more spacious layout than with a 'twin wheel' version, where the double rear wheels are placed next to each other. Niesmann+Bischoff therefore deliberately opts for tandem axles. The camper is supplied as standard with a manual 2.3 Multijet Ducato 130 hp, but fortunately most vehicles are delivered with a 150 or preferably 180 hp automatic.
The test model is executed in 'cashmere silver metallic' with carbon striping. The walls are made of aluminum, insulated with styrofoam and the roof is made of polyester/aluminum. The Dometic windows have a smart one-button operation that makes opening and closing easy. Technical installations and water tanks are concealed in the double floor. Frost-free, because the pipes of the Alde heating also run through here. The large garage offers space for camping furniture and you still have plenty of space left for e-bikes or a scooter.
Living, eating, sleeping
The entrance to the camper is high, despite the electric step. But you immediately forget that as soon as you are inside: the 'modern line' interior overwhelms, with its modern, light appearance - an enormous metamorphosis if you compare it with the familiar dark wood colors of Niesmann+Bischoff, which are still available in the 'classic line'. The floor seems to be made of natural stone tiles and as wood color the manufacturer chooses 'verade oak' in combination with high-gloss (or optionally: matte) white cabinet doors. In terms of furniture upholstery there are many more choices, up to and including buffalo leather.
The benches are excellent and so are the swivel SKA cabin seats, which are also electrically adjustable. Indirect LED lighting is neatly concealed throughout the interior. The kitchen is placed in a corner position, which provides a lot of workspace. The worktop is made of a type of Corian and offers space for a large and a small sink and a Thetford gas stove. Opposite is the Dometic Tec Tower, whose doors can be opened on both sides, thanks to innovative hinge constructions.
Sense of space in bedroom
If we walk to the sleeping area of this Niesmann+Bischoff, we still encounter a step, in the otherwise flat floor. You have to get used to that. Striking is the sense of space in the bedroom with a 'queen bed' that you can enter from both sides. This sense of space is created because, for example, instead of cabinets, beautiful light panels have been placed on both sides of the headboard. Between the bedroom and the living area, we find the large shower and sink (right) and the toilet room plus wardrobe (left).
Conclusion test Niesmann+Bischoff
The Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 88 LF is a worthy successor to the 88 F, with the larger bedroom and the more spacious bathroom with comfortable shower as advantages. The 'modern line' interior is a welcome upheaval by Niesmann+Bischoff standards, and due to the well-thought-out layout, the Arto feels more like a penthouse than a camper.
Technical installations (with high-quality components), cables and pipes are neatly concealed. One point of attention: throughout the entire camper, we only find one USB connection. That is definitely too few. But that is also the only thing we have to criticize about this top product.
Pros & Cons
+ bathroom
+ interior
– step in bathroom
– only 1 USB
Specifications Arto 88 LF
Chassis Fiat Ducato Al-Ko AMC Twin chassis (tandem axle)
Engine 2.3 Multijet (from 130 hp) Multijet Power
Max power 96kW (130hp) at 3,600rpm
Max torque 320Nm at 1,500rpm
Number of seats/berths: 4/4
Queen bed rear 190/150 cm
Lift bed front 191/132
Dimensions
Length 876 cm
Width 232 cm
Height 295 cm
Headroom 198 cm
Wheelbase 4,500 mm
Weights
Maximum mass 5000 kg
Ready-to-drive weight 4300 kg
Payload 700 kg
Price from: € 130.550
For more information, visit www.niesmannbischoff.nl
