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

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

Last year, Mercedes introduced its long-awaited front-wheel drive Sprinter. 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, including large, luxurious liners that you can only drive with a C driving license. For the Neo semi-integrated, Frankia developed a completely new lightweight construction method, without compromising on typical Frankia features such as the winter-proof double floor and the large tailgate at the garage - handy for 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 of the kilos have been saved by keeping the vehicle somewhat narrower. And that also makes the Neo wonderfully agile in city traffic and on winding roads.

Light interior

Inside, the light interior immediately stands out. The furniture and overhead cabinets are finished in matte white combined with taupe color panels - the traditional wood tones are absent, giving the Frankia M-Line 7 GD Neo a modern look. Also different are the overhead cabinet doors with their beautiful, angular design. 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 also an ideal footrest for comfortably reading a book or taking a nap from the passenger seat.

The kitchen

The double table (with swivel extension) and the kitchen worktop have a grey stone structure that matches well with the rest of the camper, such as the furniture upholstery and the curtains. The kitchen is equipped with a two-burner hob and an integrated sink. Under the worktop, we see a 69-liter Dometic compressor refrigerator, and the three kitchen drawers offer ample space for cooking utensils. The sink cover is handy, as it can be inserted into the countertop for extra workspace.

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 – ample space for showering. This space is created by a retractable washbasin and a retractable Thetford bench toilet, with space above it behind the mirrored doors for toiletries.

The Neo has two single beds at the back that can be converted into a large double bed, with a pull-out pantry under one foot end (left) and a wardrobe for clothes under the right foot end. The overhead cabinets are equipped with indirect lighting, and we see a similar lighting strip under the kitchen countertop: 'ambient' lighting, as they call it 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 fresh and waste water tanks plus technical installations are frost-free. Piping, water and air hoses (for heating) are neatly concealed. Also nice is the so-called full-width pass-through storage space, 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 takes a big step into the higher segment of semi-integrated campers that are also suitable for a B driving license. Its fresh interior distinguishes it from its peers and the front-wheel drive Mercedes drives fantastically, especially if you opt for the 177hp version with 9-speed automatic transmission.

Plus & Min

+ modern interior
+ smart bathroom
+ accessible garage

Technical data

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: 224 cm
Height: 290 cm
Headroom: 200 cm

WEIGHTS
Ready-to-drive weight: 3,055 kg
Maximum mass: 3,500 kg (optional 4,500 kg)
Payload: 445 kg

SEATING* & SLEEPING
Number of seats/berths: 4/4
Rear beds: 2x 198x80cm
dinette: 198x134cm
(*seats with seatbelts)

Price from € 88,050
More info: www.raemacampers.nl

Curious which Frankia campers are currently for sale? View the current offer here. Or would you prefer to view some other camper tests first? You can do that here.