Motorhome Rapido M66 based on Mercedes - innovation and charm

With the appearance of the "M" series based on the new Sprinter in 2020, Rapido, after years of absence from the offer of vehicles under the star's sign, decided to establish itself in the camper segment for really demanding customers.

The new base provided many design possibilities, but also improved the quality of travel. Currently, the vehicle range includes two models with different bed arrangements and equipment. Today we will look at the version with separate beds - namely the M66 in the 2023 version.

The size of a camper, the comfort of a passenger car

Measuring 754 cm in length, 235 cm in width and 295 cm in height, the camper is not a compact vehicle, but it is not a monstrous cruiser either - maneuvering is not difficult.

The huge windshield and excellent visibility (as befits a premium integrated car) combined with the dashboard and driver assistance systems straight from passenger cars make the journey a thoroughly pleasant experience.

The shape is modern, and the uncompromising quality of the construction and its insulation confirm that we are dealing with the highest league.

The chassis is a marriage of two solutions - from Mercedes and from AL-KO. Advantages? Confident, safe driving in all conditions, wide rear track and additional cargo space in the floor . Depending on the version, the car can take up to 4 people on board and has the same number of sleeping places.

A proven camper layout in a luxurious version

There are basically no revolutionary solutions inside - the manufacturer focuses on a proven and practical system. In the front there are traditional swivel seats, side sofas in a face-to-face arrangement, and above the table there is a drop-down bed measuring 140x191 cm - 2 people can sleep comfortably here.

The kitchen located behind the living room is equipped with a two-burner stove, a stainless steel sink with a chrome spout, cabinets and drawers with high-quality fittings (soft-close, self-closing mechanisms). The 171-litre absorption tower fridge can be supplemented with an optional oven.

The bathroom can function as two separate sanitary modules on both sides of the vehicle. By closing the doors to the living room and the bedroom at the back, we gain a large bathroom. The ergonomics here are exemplary, and there is a lot of space in the shower cabin itself.

The icing on the cake is the rear bedroom with raised single beds. At the base - the leg space - there is space for two large wardrobes for clothes. Central steps lead to the resting places, and each bed measures 85x210 cm. Of course, we have the option of combining them.

At the back of the vehicle, along the entire wall, the designers managed to fit large-capacity cabinets, with additional shelves and spot lighting for reading on their tops.

In general, the lighting in this camper is tastefully designed - various light scenes - including indirect ones, as well as dimmers in the zones make a really great impression.

4.5 tons = practical camper load capacity and autonomy

The camper is available in two tonnage versions with a GVM of 3.5 and 4.5 tons, respectively. With the curb weight specified by the manufacturer at 3,175 kg (standard equipment, data in accordance with the standard), the lighter version seems to be a very "unrealistic" proposition from the very beginning.

The heavier version at 4,500 kg gives us quite considerable reserves in terms of load capacity and will successfully accommodate an entire adventurous family or a group of friends, allowing complete freedom when packing.

Speaking of packing, the amount of space for storing luggage, provisions and all kinds of holiday essentials may be impressive.

A large garage at the back under the beds with convenient access from both sides, a double floor with access from the outside and inside, as well as a huge number of cabinets and drawers inside - all this gives a lot of possibilities.

It is worth mentioning the media protection - 130 liters of clean water, 110 liters of gray water and 2 large gas cylinders - these are the nominal parameters of the Rapido M66 camper. Of course, a factory electrical installation for solar panels was considered.

The battery in the living area of the camper is a traditional 100 Ah unit, which can optionally be replaced with an AGM version with a capacity of 92 Ah. Of course, the energy storage can be doubled upon request. What is worth emphasizing - there are 7 USB ports inside - this will certainly facilitate everyday charging of mobile devices.

The Rapido M66 camper is in its element in winter

The above-mentioned wall and floor insulation, as befits a car of this class, is made of a stiffened sandwich structure without the use of wood or polystyrene - extruded polystyrene (XPS) combined with aluminum and composites ensure flawless tightness and thermal insulation of the shell.

Standard heating is provided by the top-class ALDE gas system, which distributes heat evenly and pleasantly throughout the interior. Winter caravanning enthusiasts will especially appreciate this solution, the main advantage of which, apart from high efficiency, is the fact that heat is emitted through a system with circulating liquid (like underfloor heating/radiator), rather than blowing dry, warm air known from traditional campers.

Bonuses resulting from the use of this type of heating in the case of Rapido campers also include a heated table leg in the living room and an engine preheating system.

One thing is certain - anyone who once experiences thermal comfort in a camper equipped with an ALDE solution immediately notices the difference and becomes its fan. Returning to winter amenities, the M66 has double glazing, a thermally insulating internal roller blind for the windshield and a heat buffer in the form of a double floor.

Summary

Rapido is dripping with luxury and well-thought-out solutions. Regardless of the color version (Nacarat / Duna) of the interior, it remains cozy and visually spacious. A 2-liter drive unit in Poland means a lower excise tax than in the case of Fiat Ducato-based cars, which largely reduces the price difference compared to many competitive models.

The base version offers 150 horsepower and works with a manual gearbox or the brilliant 9G automatic transmission. An optional, more powerful version with 170 HP is available only with an automatic transmission.

The overall impression and value for money basically make you fall in love with this vehicle at first sight. Families, but also couples who can afford such a luxury, will certainly not experience disappointment. Significant cargo reserves and excellent insulation are additional advantages of this camper.

If you are interested in this offer, it is worth obtaining additional information from the source - the representatives of the Rapido brand are M-CAMP Dzierżoniów , M-Camp Kutno and CAMEL CAMP from Poznań .