Niesmann+Bischoff Arto 88 LF: Penthouse on wheels
Niesmann+Bischoff is a camper manufacturer from the highest segment. The manufacturer delivers several hundred luxury campers every year, all with a top-class finish and rich equipment. For the 2019 model year, 'individualization' is the magic word: at Niesmann+Bischoff you can get your new camper in any color you want.
Even if you want it in Hello Kitty pink: it is possible at Niesmann+Bischoff. However, customers will behave more modestly, with subtle striping 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 in 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
Honors the exterior: the Arto is built on a Fiat Ducato with Al-Ko Twin chassis, with a tandem axle at the rear. These double wheels not only ensure better driving behavior, but because the wheels are placed one behind the other ('tandem'), it is also possible to build a more spacious layout than with a 'double wheel' version, where the double rear wheels are placed next to each other. Niesmann+Bischoff therefore consciously chooses tandem axles. The camper is supplied as standard with a manual 2.3 Multijet Ducato 130 hp, but fortunately most cars are delivered with a 150 or preferably 180 hp automatic transmission.
The test model is finished in 'cashmere silver metallic' with carbon striping. The walls are made of aluminum, insulated with styrofoam and the roof is made of polyester/aluminium. The Dometic windows have a smart one-button control that makes opening and closing easy. Technical installations and water tanks are concealed in the double bottom. 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 room 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 enter: the 'modern line' interior is overwhelming, with its modern, light appearance – a huge metamorphosis if you compare it with the familiar dark wood colors of Niesmann+Bischoff, which are still available in the 'classic line'. The floor appears to be made of natural stone tiles and the manufacturer chooses 'verade oak' as the wood color in combination with high-gloss (or optionally: matte) white cupboard flaps. There are many more options in terms of furniture upholstery, including buffalo leather.
The benches are excellent and this also applies to the swiveling 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 plenty of work space. 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 through innovative hinge constructions.
Sense of space in bedroom
When we walk to the sleeping area of this Niesmann+Bischoff, we come across a step in the otherwise flat floor. You have to get used to that. The feeling of space in the bedroom with a 'queen bed' where you can enter from both sides is striking. This feeling of space is created by, for example, instead of cabinets, beautiful light panels have been placed on either side of the headboard. Between the bedroom and living area we find the large shower and sink (right) and the toilet room plus hanging/cupboard (left).
Conclusion of Niesmann+Bischoff test
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 landslide by Niesmann+Bischoff standards and the well-thought-out layout makes the Arto feel more like a penthouse than a camper.
Technical installations (with high-quality components), cables and pipes are neatly concealed. One point of attention: we only find one USB connection in the entire camper. That is definitely too little. But that is the only thing we have to say about this top product.
Plus minus
+ bathroom
+ interior
– bathroom step
– 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 at the rear 190/150 cm
Lift-down bed for 191/132
Dimensions
Length 876 cm
Width cm 232
Height 295 cm
Headroom 198 cm
Wheelbase 4.500 mm
Weight
Maximum mass 5000 kg
Curb weight 4300 kg
Loading capacity 700 kg
Price from: €130.550
For more information on www.niesmannbischoff.nl
