You know that moment when you’re browsing motorhomes and stumble across something that makes you think “now that’s clever”? The Bürstner Ixeo IT 728G might just be one of those moments. This German-built motorhome takes the traditional A-class layout and gives it a proper shake-up with an electric drop-down bed that transforms your living space at the touch of a button.
If you’re the sort of buyer who wants the space and comfort of a larger motorhome but doesn’t fancy being locked into a fixed bed arrangement, this 2016 Ixeo could be worth a closer look. At 7.49 metres long, it’s not exactly compact, but that length brings genuine benefits when you’re settled for the evening. The question is whether Bürstner’s approach to flexible living works in practice.
Size and Practicality of the Ixeo IT 728G
At 7.49 metres long and 2.3 metres wide, the Bürstner Ixeo IT 728G sits firmly in the “proper motorhome” category rather than the “easy to park” one. You’ll be looking at height barriers with some care too; at around 2.9 metres tall, this isn’t a motorhome that’ll slip under every car park barrier without a second thought.
The 3.5-tonne gross vehicle weight keeps you within standard driving licence territory, though with a payload that appears to be around 325kg, you’ll need to pack thoughtfully. That’s not generous by modern standards, particularly when you factor in two people, clothes, food, and all the bits and pieces that somehow multiply when you’re touring.
When you’re manoeuvring the Ixeo IT 728G around British roads, that length will make itself known. Reversing into a pitch at a busy site might require a bit more planning than you’d need with a shorter van, though the reversing camera should help take some of the guesswork out of tight spots.
Behind the Wheel of the Bürstner
The Fiat Ducato 2.3-litre engine with 130bhp provides the motivation, and while that might not sound like a lot for a 3.5-tonne motorhome, it’s pretty much the standard setup for this class of vehicle. You’d likely find it adequate for most UK touring, though you might need to plan your overtaking manoeuvres on A-roads rather than expecting instant acceleration.
The Ducato cab is familiar territory if you’ve driven other motorhomes, it’s functional rather than luxurious, but it does the job. Four belted seats mean you can legally carry four people, though whether you’d want to with that payload limit is another question entirely.
If you’re planning to tour Scotland’s more challenging roads or tackle some of the steeper climbs in Wales, you might find yourself using the gears more actively than you would in a lighter van. But for general touring around the UK, the combination should prove perfectly workable.
Living in the Ixeo IT 728G
Here’s where the Bürstner Ixeo IT 728G gets interesting. During the day, you’ve got a proper lounge area with the drop-down bed tucked away above your head. Press a button, and down comes your double bed, transforming the space entirely. It’s the sort of feature that sounds gimmicky until you actually live with it for a few days.
The lounge area benefits from that 7.49-metre length, giving you room to actually relax rather than just perch. The seating arrangement should accommodate four people comfortably, though you’ll want to check the exact layout to see if it suits your typical travelling party.
What you’re getting here is genuine flexibility, a proper lounge during the day that becomes a bedroom at night, without the compromises you’d normally expect from either arrangement. Whether you’d use this flexibility depends on your touring style, but it’s undeniably clever.
Ixeo IT 728G Sleeping Arrangements
The electric drop-down bed is clearly the star of the show, but it’s not the only sleeping option. You’ll also find twin rear beds positioned over the garage area, which means this motorhome could theoretically sleep four people.
The drop-down bed arrangement means you’re not climbing over anyone to get to the loo in the middle of the night, a genuine advantage over some fixed bed layouts. The bed should be a proper double size when lowered, though you’ll want to check the exact dimensions to ensure it suits your sleeping preferences.
Those rear beds over the garage might work well for children or shorter adults, but they’re unlikely to be the most comfortable option for two full-sized adults on a long tour. Still, having the option is useful, particularly if you occasionally travel with family or friends.
The Ixeo’s Kitchen Space
The kitchen in the Ixeo IT 728G appears to follow the typical German approach, functional and well-thought-out rather than flashy. You’ll find a Dometic fridge that should provide adequate cooling for a couple touring, though if the 145-litre capacity mentioned is accurate, it’s not going to handle extended periods off-grid for larger groups.
The kitchen layout should give you proper workspace for meal preparation, though you’ll need to work around the drop-down bed mechanism above. When the bed is lowered, your kitchen access might be somewhat restricted, which is worth considering if you’re the sort who likes a late-night snack.
Storage in the kitchen area should be reasonable, though you’ll want to secure everything properly given that drop-down bed mechanism. You don’t want tins of beans raining down when you lower the bed after a day’s driving.
Shower and Toilet in the Ixeo
The bathroom appears to feature a fold-out shower compartment, which is a common solution in motorhomes of this era. When you need a shower, you unfold the shower area; when you don’t, you’ve got more space for getting dressed or using the toilet.
The cassette toilet is standard fare for this type of motorhome, reliable and familiar to anyone who’s toured in a motorhome before. The bathroom size should be adequate for most people, though if you’re particularly tall or broad, you might find it a bit snug.
Water capacity appears to be around 120 litres fresh and 90 litres waste, which should be sufficient for a couple touring for several days between services. The fold-out shower arrangement means you can have a proper wash without flooding the entire bathroom, which is always appreciated.
Power and Water Systems
The Ixeo IT 728G appears to run on a Truma heating system, which is good news; Truma kit is generally reliable and well-supported in the UK. The system should keep you comfortable in shoulder season touring, though you might want to pack extra blankets for winter adventures.
If the research information is accurate, you might find a 120W solar panel fitted, which would provide some battery charging during sunny weather. Combined with what appears to be a 120Ah leisure battery, you should have reasonable independence for wild camping or sites without electric hookup.
The electric step and other conveniences will draw power, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your battery levels if you’re planning extended periods off-grid. The side awning provides extra living space when the weather’s decent, extending your outdoor options.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Bürstner Ixeo IT 728G has caught your interest but you’d like to explore alternatives, the Dethleffs Magic Edition Black I1 EB: A Sleek Low-Profile with Smart Storage and Style offers a different take on German engineering with its own unique features and layout solutions.
The Bürstner Lyseo Harmony Line T 690 G: Compact Comfort Without Compromise provides another Bürstner option that’s slightly shorter and might offer different compromises between space and manoeuvrability.
For a different approach entirely, the Hymer B584: Timeless A-Class Innovation in a Compact Frame Review represents another premium German manufacturer’s take on the A-class motorhome concept, potentially with different strengths and weaknesses.
Final Thoughts
The Bürstner Ixeo IT 728G 2016 is fundamentally about that drop-down bed system; if the concept appeals to you, this motorhome could be genuinely transformative for your touring experience. The ability to have a proper lounge during the day and a comfortable bed at night without the usual compromises is genuinely clever.
However, you’ll need to be realistic about the practicalities. At 7.49 metres long, this isn’t a motorhome for nervous drivers or those who prefer to explore narrow country lanes. The payload appears modest, so careful packing will be essential.
If you’re a couple who values living space and flexibility over ultimate manoeuvrability, and you’re comfortable with the size and weight implications, the Ixeo IT 728G could prove an excellent touring companion. Just make sure you’ve had a proper look at that drop-down bed mechanism in action – it’s the feature that makes or breaks this motorhome’s appeal.
Do you have a motorhome to sell? Call us on 01283 240237 or simply enter your reg number here to sell your motorhome!
