When you’re looking for a motorhome that doesn’t compromise on storage but won’t leave you wrestling with narrow country lanes, the Bürstner Aviano i640 G presents an intriguing proposition. At 6.79 metres, it’s compact enough for most UK touring yet packs in a proper garage, something that’s increasingly rare in this size category.
This German-built motorhome targets couples who want the flexibility of a garage for bikes, outdoor gear, or simply extra storage, without stepping up to a full-sized A-class. You’ll find it sits in that sweet spot where practicality meets manoeuvrability, though as with any compromise, there are trade-offs you’ll need to consider.
The champagne gold finish gives it a distinctive look on site, and with Bürstner’s reputation for solid build quality, you’d expect this to be a motorhome that’ll serve you well whether you’re weekend warriors or planning longer European adventures.
Size and Practicality of the Aviano i640 G
At 6.79 metres long and 2.3 metres wide, the Bürstner Aviano i640 G falls into that manageable size bracket that won’t have you breaking into a cold sweat when approaching a narrow Cotswolds village. The 2.8-metre height means you’ll clear most barriers, though you’ll still need to watch for those sneaky 2.7-metre restrictions that seem to pop up everywhere.
The 3,500kg MTPLM keeps you within standard driving licence territory, which is crucial for many buyers. However, with a payload of just 425kg, you’ll need to pack thoughtfully. That’s enough for two people’s clothes and essentials, but if you’re the type who likes to bring the kitchen sink (metaphorically speaking), you might find yourself making tough choices at the weighbridge.
The garage dimensions of 2.1m x 1.1m x 1.2m are genuinely useful (you could fit a couple of bikes in there) or use it for bulky items like awnings, chairs, and outdoor equipment. This storage space is what sets the i640 G apart from many motorhomes in this length category.
Driving the Bürstner Aviano i640 G
Under the bonnet, you’ll find Fiat’s proven 2.3-litre Multijet turbo diesel producing 130hp. This engine has powered thousands of motorhomes across Europe, and while it’s not going to set your pulse racing, it should provide adequate performance for most touring scenarios. The six-speed gearbox helps keep the engine in its sweet spot, particularly useful when you’re climbing those Alpine passes or tackling the hills of Scotland.
The inclusion of cruise control is a welcome touch for longer journeys, and you’d likely find it invaluable on those seemingly endless stretches of French autoroute. Air conditioning in the cab means you won’t arrive at your destination looking like you’ve been through a sauna, particularly important during those scorching Continental summers.
The reversing camera and screen setup addresses one of the key concerns with any motorhome – manoeuvring in tight spots. When you’re trying to squeeze into that perfect pitch with limited visibility, having electronic eyes makes all the difference.
Living Space in the Aviano i640 G
The interior layout makes clever use of the available space, though at 6.79 metres, you’re not going to have acres of room to spread out. The drop-down double bed above the cab is a space-efficient solution that gives you a proper double without eating into your living area during the day.
You’ll find forward-facing seats with proper seat belts, which means you can legally carry passengers while touring, something that’s not always possible in motorhomes with side-facing dinette seating. The living area would likely feel cosy rather than cramped for two people, though you might find it a squeeze if you’re entertaining guests.
Storage throughout the motorhome helps keep clutter at bay, though with the compact dimensions, you’ll need to be organised. Every cupboard and locker becomes precious real estate when you’re living in a space this size.
Aviano i640 G Sleeping Arrangements
The twin beds in the garage area are an interesting feature that sets this layout apart. These would likely be suitable for occasional use (perhaps for guests or children), though the garage location means they’re not going to be the most luxurious sleeping quarters. The drop-down bed above the cab serves as the main sleeping area, and while these cab-over beds can feel a bit bouncy when your partner moves around, they’re a tried-and-tested solution.
If you’re considering this motorhome, you’d want to think about whether the twin beds in the garage would actually get used. They do eat into your storage space, and if you’re primarily a couple touring together, you might prefer a layout that maximises garage capacity instead.
Kitchen Space in the Aviano i640 G
The kitchen area includes the essentials: hobs, grill, sink, and what appears to be a 90-litre fridge. In a motorhome this size, the kitchen is going to be compact, so you’ll be doing more food preparation than elaborate cooking. The layout would likely work well for simple meals and breakfast preparation, but if you’re planning to recreate Sunday roasts on the road, you might find the space limiting.
Storage around the kitchen area becomes crucial in a compact layout like this. You’d need to be selective about what cooking equipment you bring, focusing on multi-purpose items that earn their space.
The Aviano i640 G Bathroom
The wetroom-style bathroom with toilet, shower, and washbasin is typical for this size of motorhome. You’ll have everything you need, but space will be at a premium. The wetroom design means everything gets wet when you shower, so you’d need to be organised about where you leave toiletries and towels.
For weekend trips or short tours, this setup would be perfectly adequate. For longer adventures, you might find yourself using campsite facilities more often, particularly if you value a bit more elbow room when getting ready in the morning.
Power and Water Systems
The 90-litre fuel tank gives you decent range, though with the 2.3-litre engine, you’d likely see fuel consumption in the region of 25-30mpg depending on driving conditions. The 30-litre fresh water tank is on the smaller side, so you’d need to plan your water usage carefully or ensure regular top-ups.
The 100W solar panel (specifications vary between sources) would help keep your leisure battery topped up during sunny weather, though you’d likely need hookup for extended off-grid stays. The 2,000W inverter provides decent power for running 240V appliances when you’re not on hookup.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Bürstner Aviano i640 G has caught your attention, you might also want to look at the Dethleffs Magic Edition Black I1 EB German Engineering Meets Bold Design Review, which offers a different take on compact touring with distinctive styling and potentially different layout options.
The Hymer B584 Size Category Build Quality Champion represents another approach to this size category, with Hymer’s reputation for quality construction and potentially different interior arrangements that might suit your needs better.
For those considering a step up in luxury, the Carthago Chic E Line I 51 QB Premium German Engineering Luxury Review offers premium German engineering with potentially more sophisticated systems and finishes, though likely at a higher price point.
Final Thoughts
The Bürstner Aviano i640 G occupies an interesting niche in the motorhome market. If you value having a proper garage for storage but don’t want to step up to a larger, less manoeuvrable motorhome, it could be exactly what you’re looking for. The compact dimensions make it suitable for exploring narrow lanes and smaller campsites, while the garage provides storage flexibility that many similar-sized motorhomes can’t match.
However, you’d need to be realistic about the compromises. The 425kg payload requires careful packing, the living space is cosy rather than spacious, and the twin beds in the garage might not suit everyone’s needs. If you’re primarily a touring couple who values storage space and manoeuvrability over interior space, the Aviano i640 G could be a smart choice. Just make sure you’ve thought through how you’d actually use that garage space; it’s the motorhome’s key selling point, so it needs to work for your specific touring style.
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