What strikes you immediately about this particular model is how Burstner seems to have thought through the real-world compromises that plague many large motorhomes. The dual-access garage, separate shower and toilet, and that clever drop-down cab bed all suggest a manufacturer that’s actually listened to what families need when they’re living in 8 metres of vehicle for weeks at a time.
Size and Practicality of the Elegance i810G
At just over 8 metres long and built on a 5-tonne chassis, the Burstner Elegance i810G isn’t what you’d call compact. You’ll need to think carefully about where you’re planning to tour – those narrow Devon lanes that looked perfectly manageable in your previous 6.5-metre van might suddenly seem rather more challenging. The 12.4-metre turning radius means you’ll be doing three-point turns in car parks where you used to swing round in one smooth arc.
However, that size brings genuine benefits. The 860kg payload capacity (though some sources suggest it might be as high as 975kg) means you’re not constantly weighing every item that goes into the van. When you’re packing for a month-long European tour with the family, that extra capacity becomes genuinely valuable. You might actually be able to take proper walking boots for everyone without agonising over every kilogram.
The rear garage deserves particular mention, it’s genuinely substantial, with access doors on both sides. If you’re the sort of family that travels with bikes, golf clubs, fishing gear, and all the other paraphernalia that makes touring worthwhile, you’ll appreciate having somewhere to put it all that doesn’t involve Tetris-level packing skills.
Driving the Burstner Elegance i810G
The 3.0-litre Fiat Ducato engine producing 160bhp should provide adequate performance for a vehicle of this size and weight. You’re not going to be winning any traffic light grands prix, but you shouldn’t be holding up traffic on motorway slip roads either. The Comfortmatic automatic transmission is a genuine blessing when you’re manoeuvring something this size (particularly when you’re trying to reverse into a tight pitch with a queue of impatient caravanners watching your every move).
Cruise control and climate control come as standard, which makes sense in a vehicle of this class. Long motorway stretches through France become considerably more pleasant when you can set your speed and let the van get on with it. The satellite navigation system, while probably showing its age by now, would have been a useful addition when this was new, though you’ll likely want to update to a modern system or rely on your phone.
The ESP stability control and other Mercedes-derived safety systems suggest Burstner took the safety aspect seriously. When you’re piloting 4,160kg of motorhome down an Alpine pass, you want every electronic aid you can get.
Living in the Elegance i810G
The interior layout appears well thought out for family use. The lounge area converts to sleeping space, while the rear features twin beds that can be joined to form a double; useful flexibility depending on who’s travelling with you. The drop-down cab bed is a clever use of space, though you’ll want to consider whether you’re comfortable with the access arrangements, particularly if older family members are travelling with you.
Leather upholstery was standard, which sounds luxurious but might prove less practical than fabric if you’re touring with children or pets. Leather can be cold in winter and sticky in summer, though it’s certainly easier to wipe clean after muddy walks.
The TV above the lounge and that rather charming wine glass cupboard suggest Burstner understood that motorhoming isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about enjoying the journey and the destinations. Though you might question the wisdom of storing wine glasses in a moving vehicle, particularly if you’re planning any rough terrain.
Elegance i810G Kitchen Space
The kitchen features a three-burner hob, oven and grill, a proper cooking setup rather than the minimal arrangements you sometimes find in smaller vans. When you’re away for extended periods, the ability to cook proper meals becomes genuinely important. The 150-litre fridge (though some sources suggest it might be 177 litres) should provide adequate storage for a family, though you’ll still need to shop more frequently than you would at home.
The kitchen layout appears to offer reasonable workspace, though you’ll need to develop the motorhome cook’s skill of preparing meals in a space where everything needs to be secured before you move off. That wine glass cupboard might be more practical than it first appears, at least you know where your glassware is when the van’s in motion.
Burstner Elegance i810G Bathroom
The separate shower and toilet arrangement is a significant advantage over many motorhomes where you’re constantly converting between the two functions. When you’ve got a family of five, the ability for someone to use the toilet while someone else is showering becomes genuinely valuable. The partitioning doors add to the sense of privacy and separation.
The shower space should be adequate for most users, though you’ll still be learning the motorhome shower dance, that careful choreography of keeping dry clothes away from spray while trying to wash properly in a confined space. At least with the Alde heating system, you should have plenty of hot water and a warm bathroom to return to.
Power and Water in the Elegance i810G
The Alde heating system is excellent, probably one of the best heating systems you’ll find in any motorhome. It provides both space heating and hot water, and the even heat distribution means you won’t have the cold spots that plague many motorhomes. When you’re touring in Scotland in April or the Alps in October, proper heating becomes essential rather than just nice to have.
The 140-litre fresh water tank and 50-litre waste tank provide reasonable capacity for extended stays, though you’ll still need to plan your water usage carefully. The 92-litre fuel tank should give you decent range, important when you’re covering the sort of distances that a motorhome of this size suggests.
The standard 95Ah AGM battery would provide basic power for lighting and water pumps, though if you’re planning extended off-grid stays, you might want to consider upgrading to the optional 135Ah lithium battery. The satellite dish and reversing camera suggest this van was equipped for comfortable touring rather than basic transport.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Burstner Elegance i810G appeals but you want to explore alternatives, the Carthago Chic E Line I 51 QB DA Mercedes Based Luxury Choice offers similar premium German engineering with potentially different layout options.
The Dethleffs Magic Edition Black I1 EB Modern Premium Family Innovation might provide a more contemporary take on the premium family motorhome concept.
For those wanting to stay with integrated layouts, the Eura Mobil Integra 810 Integrated Layout Space Utilisation Expert Review could offer interesting comparison points in terms of space utilisation and features.
Final Thoughts
The Burstner Elegance i810G from 2013 appears to be a well-engineered motorhome that takes family touring seriously. The combination of proper sleeping arrangements, decent storage, separate bathroom facilities, and that excellent Alde heating system suggests a vehicle designed for extended use rather than weekend breaks.
However, you need to be realistic about what you’re taking on. This is a large, heavy motorhome that will limit where you can go and how easily you can get there. The running costs will be substantial, and you’ll need to factor in the complexity of the various systems when considering maintenance.
If you’re a family that genuinely tours extensively, values comfort over compactness, and has the experience to handle a vehicle of this size, the Elegance i810G could be an excellent choice. Just make sure you’ve honestly assessed whether you need this much motorhome, and whether you’re prepared for the realities of owning it.
Do you have a motorhome to sell? Call us on 01283 240237 or simply enter your reg number here to sell your motorhome!
