At first glance, you might wonder if cramming four sleeping spaces into a relatively compact motorhome means compromising on comfort. The Ixeo It 700’s approach is refreshingly honest: it gives you a proper French bed at the rear (no climbing over your partner at 2am) plus a drop-down bed above the cab for guests or children. With only 9,800 miles on the clock, this particular example has barely been run in, which could be either reassuring or slightly concerning depending on your perspective on mechanical exercise.
Size and Practicality of the Ixeo It 700
At 7.04 metres long and 2.3 metres wide, the Burstner Ixeo It 700 sits in that sweet spot where you can still navigate most UK roads without breaking into a cold sweat. The 2.7-metre height means you’ll clear most barriers, though you’d still want to double-check before diving under that tempting-looking bridge in the Cotswolds.
The 3.5-tonne gross vehicle weight keeps you legal on a standard car licence, though the 450kg payload requires some discipline. Once you’ve loaded water, gas, food, clothes, and your partner’s “essential” collection of walking boots, you’ll need to be selective about what else comes along. It’s not generous, but it’s workable if you’re organised.
Behind the Wheel of the Burstner
The Fiat Ducato 2.3 JTD engine with its six-speed gearbox was a solid choice in 2012, offering reasonable performance without drinking diesel like a thirsty horse. You’ll find cruise control fitted, which makes those long hauls to Scotland considerably more relaxing. The cab air conditioning is a blessing during summer touring, whilst electric mirrors and windows add a touch of convenience you’ll appreciate when manoeuvring into tight pitches.
The colour reversing camera should help with those nerve-wracking moments when you’re backing onto a pitch with expensive caravans lurking nearby. Combined with the electric step, you get the sense that Burstner was thinking about real-world usability rather than just ticking specification boxes.
Living in the Ixeo It 700
Step inside and you’ll discover an L-shaped seating area that transforms the front of the motorhome into a proper social space. The long bench seat provides comfortable lounging, whilst two forward-facing seats with proper seatbelts mean you can legally carry passengers whilst driving – handy for family trips.
The LED lighting throughout creates a bright, modern atmosphere that should age well, whilst climate control means you can maintain comfortable temperatures without constantly fiddling with heating controls. The sunroof adds an airy feel that helps combat any sense of claustrophobia in what is, let’s be honest, a relatively compact space.
Ixeo It 700 Sleeping Arrangements
The French bed configuration at the rear is where this Burstner really shows its thoughtfulness. You get proper access from both sides, meaning no more awkward climbing over sleeping partners for those midnight bathroom visits. The bed should accommodate most couples comfortably, though if either of you approaches six feet tall, you might find yourselves getting acquainted with the end wall.
The drop-down bed above the cab provides additional sleeping space for children or occasional guests. It’s not somewhere you’d want to spend every night if you’re over twelve years old, but it transforms the Ixeo It 700 from a couples’ motorhome into genuine four-berth accommodation when needed.
Kitchen Space in the Burstner
The kitchen centres around a three-burner hob and oven grill combination that should handle most cooking requirements. You’re not going to be preparing banquets, but for typical motorhome meals, it’s perfectly adequate. The kitchen sink provides the usual washing-up capabilities, though you’ll want to be economical with water usage given the tank capacity.
Storage around the kitchen area appears reasonable for a motorhome of this size, though you’ll need to think carefully about what cooking equipment you really need. That pasta machine might have to stay at home.
The Ixeo It 700’s Bathroom
The large bathroom deserves particular mention; it’s genuinely spacious by motorhome standards, with a proper shower, toilet, sink, and mirror. You won’t feel like you’re washing in a telephone box, which is more than can be said for some compact motorhomes. The separate shower area means you can actually have a proper wash without soaking the entire bathroom.
This is where the Ixeo It 700’s thoughtful design really shows. Rather than cramming in extra features, Burstner has prioritised making the essential spaces genuinely usable.
Ixeo It 700 Systems and Storage
The 104-litre fridge should keep your food fresh for reasonable periods, though you’ll need to plan shopping trips carefully for extended wild camping. The fresh water tank capacity appears to be 120 litres (though there’s some confusion in the documentation suggesting 90 litres), whilst the 90-litre waste tank provides reasonable capacity for a motorhome of this size.
Two 11-kilogram gas bottles give you good cooking and heating autonomy, whilst the full-length wardrobe provides proper hanging space for clothes. Storage above the cab adds useful space for lighter items, and the TV cabinet with sliding TV means entertainment is sorted for those rainy evenings.
The Burstner control panel should give you clear information about your water, battery, and gas levels; essential for confident wild camping or extended touring.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Ixeo It 700 has caught your attention, you might also want to consider the Dethleffs Magic Edition Black I1 Eb Compact Layout Solutions Review, which offers a different take on compact motorhome living with its own unique layout solutions.
The Hymer B584 Size Step-Up Build Quality Premium Review represents a step up in size and potentially build quality, though you’ll pay more for the privilege and lose some of the Ixeo’s manoeuvrability.
For a more modern Burstner alternative, the Burstner Lyseo Harmony Line T 690 G Modern Evolution Systems Review shows how the manufacturer’s thinking has evolved, potentially offering improved layouts and updated systems.
Final Thoughts
The 2012 Burstner Ixeo It 700 represents sensible German engineering applied to the challenge of creating a genuinely usable four-berth motorhome without the bulk that makes many owners nervous. The French bed layout, spacious bathroom, and thoughtful use of space suggest this was designed by people who actually use motorhomes rather than just draw them.
The low mileage could be seen as a bonus or a concern (whilst everything should be in excellent condition, you might wonder why it’s been used so little). Perhaps the original owners discovered they preferred hotels, or maybe they were simply careful weekend users.
For couples who occasionally need to accommodate guests or families with children who don’t mind the overhead bed, the Ixeo It 700 offers a practical solution. Just remember that 450kg payload and plan your packing accordingly; this isn’t a motorhome for those who like to bring everything including the kitchen sink. Though actually, the kitchen sink’s already fitted.
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