If you’re after a motorhome that takes the stress out of driving whilst offering proper twin beds and a split bathroom, this 2007 Burstner Delfin Performance T 700 might just tick your boxes. At 7.2 metres long, it’s not exactly compact, but you’d be getting a lot of motorhome for your money, assuming you can find one, as these German-built machines from the mid-2000s are becoming increasingly rare.
The Delfin Performance range represented Burstner’s attempt to crack the premium end of the market, and this T 700 shows their ambition. With its automatic gearbox, comprehensive specification, and thoughtful layout, it was clearly aimed at buyers who wanted luxury without the usual manual transmission wrestling match that comes with most motorhomes of this era.
What makes this particular example interesting is its relatively low mileage of 35,000 – barely broken in for a 17-year-old motorhome. You’d be looking at a machine that’s likely spent more time parked up than pounding the motorways, which could be either a blessing or a concern depending on how well it’s been maintained during those dormant periods.
Size and Practicality of the Delfin Performance T 700
At 7.2 metres, the Burstner Delfin Performance T 700 sits firmly in the “proper motorhome” category rather than the “large van conversion” bracket. You’ll need to think carefully about where you plan to tour; those narrow Cornish lanes or Lake District passes might prove challenging, and you’d certainly want to recce your route before setting off.
The length does bring benefits though. You’d get a genuine sense of space inside, with room for a proper lounge area, full kitchen, split bathroom, and those twin single beds at the rear. It’s the sort of layout that works well for couples who value their own sleeping space or for friends touring together.
Parking would require some forward planning. You’d be looking for the longer spaces in supermarket car parks, and wild camping spots would need careful consideration. On the plus side, that 7.2-metre length means you’d have serious presence on the road. Other drivers tend to give larger motorhomes more respect and space.
Driving the Delfin Performance T 700
The automatic transmission is this Burstner’s trump card. Built on the Renault Master chassis with a 2.5 DTI automatic engine producing between 120-140 bhp, you’d have a much more relaxed driving experience than most motorhomes from this era. No clutch control on steep hills, no stalling at traffic lights, and no gear-hunting when overtaking, just select drive and go.
That said, you’d still be piloting 7.2 metres of motorhome, so don’t expect car-like agility. The automatic box would help with low-speed manoeuvring, particularly useful when you’re trying to squeeze into a tight pitch or navigate a busy campsite. The cruise control would be a godsend on long motorway stretches, helping to maintain steady speeds without constantly monitoring the speedometer.
The ESP and ABS systems provide additional safety margins, though you’d still need to adjust your driving style accordingly. Braking distances would be longer than a car, and crosswinds could affect stability, particularly on exposed stretches like the A1 through Northumberland or crossing the Pennines.
Living in the Delfin Performance T 700
Step inside and you’d find a layout that makes good use of that 7.2-metre length. The lounge area features two forward-facing seats, which is a nice touch – you’d actually be able to sit and look out of the front windows rather than staring at each other across a dinette table. The large sunroof would add to the sense of space and bring natural light flooding in.
Storage appears generous throughout, with cupboards above the lounge area and what sounds like a well-thought-out kitchen arrangement. The control panel for the whole motorhome would give you proper command over your systems, whilst the habitation air conditioning with remote control suggests this was specced for serious touring, possibly in warmer climates.
You’d find the interior feels more spacious than many motorhomes of similar external dimensions, thanks to the thoughtful layout and that generous glazing. The two forward-facing seats in the lounge would be perfect for relaxing with a cup of tea whilst watching the world go by, assuming you’re parked somewhere with a decent view.
Delfin Performance T 700 Sleeping Arrangements
The twin single beds at the rear are a real selling point. You’d each get your own proper mattress and space, without the compromises that come with a transverse bed or the nightly conversion ritual of a dinette setup. For couples who value their sleeping space or friends touring together, this arrangement would be ideal.
Storage above and below the beds means you’d have plenty of room for clothes and personal items without cluttering the living areas. The beds appear to be fixed rather than convertible, which means they’d likely be more comfortable than fold-down alternatives, though you’d lose the flexibility of having a rear lounge during the day.
The bedroom area would feel quite separate from the main living space, giving you proper privacy and the sense of having distinct areas within the motorhome. If one of you is an early riser, you could get up and about without disturbing your sleeping partner.
The Delfin Performance T 700 Kitchen
The kitchen appears to be comprehensively equipped with a full-length fridge, grill, and plenty of storage cupboards. You’d have proper cooking capabilities rather than the basic two-ring setup found in many smaller motorhomes. The full-length fridge would be particularly welcome on longer tours, giving you space for fresh food and proper meal planning.
Storage cupboards throughout the kitchen area suggest you’d be able to carry a decent selection of cooking equipment and provisions. The layout appears designed for people who take their food seriously rather than those content with endless pasta and tinned tomatoes.
The positioning within the overall layout means you’d have good access to both the lounge area and the rear of the motorhome, making it easy to serve meals or grab drinks without disrupting others who might be relaxing or sleeping.
Delfin Performance T 700 Bathroom
The split bathroom design is a significant advantage over the more common combined shower/toilet arrangements. You’d have a proper shower room separate from the toilet area, which means one person could be using the loo whilst another is getting washed, a real bonus on busy mornings or when you’re touring with friends.
The bathroom storage appears generous, with “lots of storage” mentioned specifically. You’d be able to keep toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies properly organised rather than balanced precariously on tiny shelves or stuffed into inadequate cupboards.
Having a separate shower area would also mean better ventilation and less chance of everything getting soaked every time someone has a wash. The split design suggests this Burstner was designed by people who actually understood how motorhomes get used in real life.
Power and Water in the Delfin Performance T 700
The 100-litre fresh water tank and 80-litre waste tank would give you decent independence from services. You’d be looking at several days of normal use before needing to find a service point, assuming you’re reasonably careful with water consumption. The 95 Ah leisure battery would provide adequate power for lighting and basic systems, though you’d want to be mindful of power-hungry devices.
The solar panel on the roof would help keep the battery topped up during sunny weather, extending your off-grid capabilities. Combined with the habitation air conditioning, this suggests the motorhome was specced for extended touring rather than just weekend breaks.
You’d find the systems well-integrated, with that central control panel giving you oversight of water levels, battery condition, and other vital statistics. It’s the sort of setup that would give you confidence when wild camping or staying on basic sites without electric hook-up.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Delfin Performance T 700 appeals but you’d prefer something more modern, the Burstner Lyseo Harmony Line T 690G Review: Premium Semi-Integrated Perfection offers a similar layout philosophy with contemporary systems and build quality.
For those wanting Burstner quality in a more compact package, the Compact Powerhouse: Our Complete Burstner Nexxo T660 Review provides many of the same features in a more manageable size, though you’d sacrifice some interior space.
Alternatively, the Budget Excellence Tested: Burstner Marano T595 Review – Big Value, Small Package represents the brand’s approach to the compact end of the market, offering Burstner build quality in a package that’s easier to live with day-to-day.
Final Thoughts
The 2007 Burstner Delfin Performance T 700 represents a fascinating snapshot of premium motorhome design from the mid-2000s. That automatic transmission alone would make it worth considering for many buyers, whilst the twin beds and split bathroom show thoughtful design for real-world use.
At 17 years old, you’d need to factor in potential maintenance costs and the challenges of finding parts for what was always a relatively low-volume model. The low mileage is encouraging, but you’d want a thorough inspection to ensure those long periods of inactivity haven’t caused hidden problems.
This would suit buyers who want a proper motorhome with luxury touches and don’t mind the size implications. If you’re planning extended tours, value automatic transmission, and need twin beds, it could be exactly what you’re looking for, assuming you can find one in good condition.
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