Frankia M-Line 7 GD Neo: newcomer in the higher segment

We know Frankia from the luxury campers from the larger liner segment. But for the 2020 model year, the German manufacturer has developed a completely new semi-integrated camper, based on Mercedes and: suitable for the normal B driving license. We take a look at the Frankia M-Line 7 GD NEO.

Last year, Mercedes introduced its long-awaited Sprinter with front-wheel drive. In model year 2019, only Hymer used this interesting camper configuration, but from model year 2020, Frankia also has the Mercedes front-wheel drive in its portfolio, with the Neo semi-integrated.

Weight saving

Frankia is a relatively small camper manufacturer that builds high-quality products, up to and including large, luxurious liners that you can only drive with a C driver's license. For the Neo semi-integrated, Frankia developed a completely new lightweight construction method, without making concessions to typical Frankia features such as the winter-proof double floor and the large tailgate at the garage - useful for the bicycles.

Weight savings have been achieved, among other things, through aluminum side walls (instead of polyester), a modern AL-KO chassis and a new method of furniture construction. Most kilos have been saved by keeping the car a bit narrower. And that also makes the Neo very agile in city traffic and on winding roads.

Light interior

Inside, the bright interior is immediately noticeable. The furniture and wall cabinets are made in matte white combined with taupe color surfaces - the traditional wood tones are missing and that gives the Frankia M-Line 7 GD Neo a modern look. The top cabinet flaps with their beautiful, angular design are also different. With the cabin seats turned around, a seating area for four or even five people is created, if you also include the handy bench right next to the door. This is an ideal footrest for lazily reading a book or taking a nap from the passenger seat.

The kitchen

The double table (with rotating extension) and the worktop in the kitchen have a gray stone structure that matches well with the rest of the camper, such as the furniture upholstery and curtains. The kitchen is equipped with a two-burner stove and an integrated sink. Under the worktop we see a 69 liter compressor refrigerator from Dometic and there is plenty of space for cooking utensils in the three kitchen drawers. The sink cover is useful, which can be inserted into the countertop for extra work space.

Bathroom and sleeping area

Opposite the kitchen we find the bathroom, with a smart interior: here we see a large shower tray of almost 1 meter by 70 centimeters - more than enough for a shower. This space is created by a retractable sink and a retractable Thetford bank toilet, with space for toiletries above it behind the mirror doors.

The Neo has two single beds in the back that can be turned into a large double bed, with a pharmacy cabinet under one foot end (left) and a hanging cupboard for clothes under the right foot end. The upper cabinets are equipped with indirect lighting and we see a similar lighting strip under the kitchen countertop: they call it 'ambient' lighting in the camper industry, to make it cozy in the camper in the evening.

Installations

The Frankia M-Line 7 GD NEO has a heated double floor in which the drinking and waste water tanks plus technical installations are housed frost-free. Piping, water and air hoses (for heating) are neatly concealed. The so-called load-through storage space over the full width is also nice, which is perfect for skis, for example. With a capacity of 69 liters, the Dometic refrigerator is a bit on the small side.

Conclusion Frankia Neo

The Neo is an excellently built, winter-proof camper with which Frankia is taking a big step into the higher segment of semi-integrated campers that are also suitable for the B driving license. Its fresh interior distinguishes it from peers and the front-wheel drive Mercedes drives fantastic, especially if you opt for the 177 hp version with 9-speed automatic transmission.

Plus minus

+ modern interior
+ smart bathroom
+ accessible garage

Specifications

CHASSIS/ENGINE
Chassis Mercedes Benz Sprinter 414 CDI
Engine 143 PS EURO-6-BlueTec-Motor (standard)
Maximum power 105kW/143 at 3.800 rpm
Maximum torque 330Nm at 1.200 rpm

DIMENSIONS
Length: 698 cm
Width: cm 224
Height: 290 cm
Headroom: 200 cm

WEIGHTS
Curb weight: 3.055 kg
Maximum mass: 3.500 kg (optional 4.500 kg)
Load capacity: 445 kg

SIT* & SLEEP
Number of seats/berths: 4/4
Rear beds: 2x 198x80cm
dinette: 198x134cm
(*seats with seat belts)

Price from €88.050
More info: www.raemacampers.nl

Curious which Frankia campers are currently for sale? look at it current offering here. Or would you rather check out some other camper tests first? You do that here.