Hymer Exsis-i 588: Success number
With much – justified – fanfare, Hymer introduced the B-class 'Dynamic Line' in 2017. The weight reduction of that series was downright spectacular, because all parts were redeveloped, from chassis to door handles. We see many of these elements in the Hymer Exsis-i 588.
Hymer initiated innovation with the development of the B-DL, a narrow version of the popular B-class: 222 versus 230 centimeters. That makes it more manageable in traffic and is also the biggest cause of the downsizing. It saves quite a few kilos if you make a camper eight centimeters narrower over its full length. But in addition, hundreds of parts have ended up on the drawing board again, with only one goal: to make them lighter, without compromising on quality.
The Hymer Exsis-i 588 also benefits from this diet. And when they stand next to each other, you really have to look twice: the Exsis-i and the B-Dynamic Line look like twin brothers. Only the height difference reveals that the Exsis-i has to do without the double bottom of the Dynamic Line: this makes it almost 20 cm lower and that also saves weight: 150 kilos.
Exterior Hymer Exsis-i 588
For this camper test we look at the Hymer Exsis-i 588: the popular model with single beds in the rear. This layout has a lot to do with the large full-width garage, which can easily accommodate two (electric) bicycles and camping chairs. The garage is easily accessible on both sides through large doors in the side walls.
The 60 cm wide entry into the living area has an electric step that you operate with a switch. For the front door you can opt for the same step, but one that automatically extends and retracts when opening and closing the driver's door - useful for smaller people, because the step is large. Another useful option in the test vehicle is the sliding drawer in the gas box. This way you can pull out both gas bottles without lifting.
PUAL sandwich panels
What is special about Hymer is the construction method with the 34 mm thick, wood-free PUAL sandwich panels that have been used for years in the factory in Bad Waldsee, Bavaria. Where 'PU' stands for the polyurethane insulation material and 'AL' for the aluminum outer cladding. What is new is that from model year 2018, aluminum sheet is now also used for the inner wall, creating a rigid, durable construction.
Getting used to
Because the Exsis-i does not have a double floor, there are steps to the cabin and to the sleeping area - stumbling points that you as a future user will have to get used to. The swivel cabin seats quickly create a cozy seating area for four people. The Exsis-i is available with two different furniture decors and upholstery variants.
Modest kitchen
The indirect LED lighting along the ceilings, near the fold-down bed in the cabin and under the kitchen counter is beautiful. The kitchen is not large: the Smev hob and sink, which are covered with white glass plates, take up almost the entire countertop. A fold-out countertop extension offers more work space, but limits the step outside. Three large drawers with soft-close are mounted under the countertop. The upper cabinets have a hidden lock in the handles. Directly next to the kitchen unit is the slim Dometic fridge/freezer combination plus oven.
Bathroom
Opposite we find the combined toilet/shower with Thetford bank toilet and sink. Furniture panels also provide a luxurious appearance here. When showering, a plastic folding door prevents a wet toilet area and – clever! – the wooden entrance door is covered with plastic to prevent splashes.
sleeping area
The high single beds are located in the rear of the Hymer Exsis-i 588, accessible with steps where small items can be stored. You can quickly transform the two sleeping places – with a filler piece (optional) – into a spacious double mattress measuring two by two meters. Getting in is a bit more difficult, with a staircase. An additional place to sleep is the double fold-down bed in the cabin, which you can lower manually (optionally: electrically) above the front seats. A wooden staircase allows you to climb in.
Technique
The Hymer Exsis-i 588 is built on Fiat Ducato with the familiar 2.3 liter MultiJet diesel engine (130 or 150 hp) with Euro 6 approval. In the technical field, Hymer is known for its large number of safety features that are standard on board. Of course ABS, but also ESP (stability system), a system against wheel slip (ASR) and EBD that distributes the braking force among the four wheels. The Hill Holder also prevents the camper from sinking backwards when accelerating on slopes.
The water tanks (drinking water and waste water) are mounted between the chassis beams and easily accessible from the camper via floor hatches. Under the dinette bench we find the heart of the electrical installation and the Truma 6 combination (stove and boiler). Pipes and cables are neatly laid and concealed in Exsis-i. It is nice that there are power points and USB connections everywhere in the camper. The 230 Volt socket in the garage shows that – just like with the B-class Dynamic Line – every detail has been thought through: useful for charging the e-bikes.
The price
Finally: the price tag. The Hymer Exsis-i 588 is about 10 grand cheaper than its big brother. Hymer thus creates a formidable competitor within the integrated camper segment. Also for its own B-class Dynamic Line.
Conclusion camper test Hymer Exsis-i 588
Plus minus
+ lightweight construction
+ a lot of loading capacity
+ ample 230V & 12V sockets plus USB connections
– steps at front seats and beds
– second airbag not standard
Facts & Figures
(manufacturer's statement)
MOTORIZATION
Chassis Fiat Ducato with AL-KO AMC chassis
Engine 2.3 MultiJet2, 4 cylinder diesel
Maximum power 96 kW (130 hp) at 3.600 rpm
Maximum torque 320 Nm at 1.500 rpm
DIMENSIONS
Length 699 cm
Width cm 222
Height 277 cm
Standing height 184/198 cm
Wheelbase 3.300 mm
Maximum mass 3.500 kg
Curb weight 2.840 kg
Loading capacity 660 kg
Number of seats/sleeping places 4/4
Dimensions single beds 200/190x80cm
Dimensions fold-down bed 188x150cm
Price from: €86.690 (including transport, registration and delivery costs)
Offer Hymer campers
Curious about which Hymer campers and caravans are currently for sale? Click here for the offer
