The I51 QB DA is designed for discerning couples who value space, comfort, and quality over budget constraints. With its island queen-size bed layout and comprehensive facilities, it’s particularly suited to extended touring rather than weekend getaways.
How Big Is The Carthago I51 QB DA?
You’ll find the Chic E-Line I51 QB DA strikes an impressive balance between internal space and external dimensions. At 7.91 metres long, it’s substantial without being unwieldy. The Mercedes chassis provides a stable platform, though at 4,500kg, you’ll need a C1 driving licence to operate it legally in the UK.
The double-floor construction offers practical benefits beyond just insulation. You’ll appreciate the additional storage space this creates, with 70cm of vertical clearance in some areas. This clever design allows you to store bulkier items without sacrificing living space.
When parked up, the I51 QB DA’s footprint gives you generous internal dimensions without requiring oversized pitches. The exterior storage is particularly impressive, with a rear garage capable of handling up to 450kg of equipment.
Driving The Mercedes-Based I51 QB DA
You’ll immediately notice the difference the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis makes. The wide dashboard screen provides clear information, while the ergonomic driving position reduces fatigue on longer journeys. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine delivers 170 horsepower, providing confident acceleration even when fully loaded.
The 9G-Tronic automatic transmission shifts smoothly, adapting to your driving style for optimal efficiency. Advanced driver assistance systems, including DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control and Active Brake Assist, enhance safety on long motorway stretches.
Despite its size, the I51 QB DA handles remarkably well, with precise steering and minimal body roll through corners. The double-wishbone front suspension and tandem rear axles contribute to a driving experience that feels more car-like than you might expect from a vehicle of this size.
Living Inside This Luxury Motorhome
When you step inside the I51 QB DA, you’ll be greeted by a thoughtfully designed living area. The headroom extends to 211cm, creating an airy, spacious feel. The L-shaped dinette provides comfortable seating, complemented by a luxury table that serves as the social hub of the motorhome.
You’ll appreciate the abundance of lighting options, with both downlights and LED strips creating ambiance according to your preference. The curved furniture designs and high-quality finishes reflect Carthago’s “emotional” design philosophy, avoiding the clinical feel some motorhomes can have.
The swivel cab seats integrate seamlessly with the living area, creating additional seating when you’re parked. Clever storage solutions, including a swivel-out shoe cabinet, help maintain a clutter-free environment even during extended trips.
Where Do You Sleep In The I51 QB DA?
You’ll find two distinct sleeping areas in the I51 QB DA. The rear features a generous queen-size island bed that allows access from both sides which is a significant advantage for couples. The 7-zone cold foam mattress with breathable climate quilting provides excellent support for restful nights.
At the front, there’s a manual drop-down bed positioned above the dinette area. While spacious at 195 x 160cm, the manual operation might be considered a drawback at this price point. You’ll need to physically lower and raise it, rather than using the electric systems found in some competitors.
The skylight above the rear bed floods the sleeping area with natural light during the day, while the comprehensive blackout blinds ensure darkness when needed. Under-bed storage drawers provide convenient access to clothing without disturbing your partner.
Cooking In The Carthago’s Compact Kitchen
You’ll find the galley kitchen compact but well-equipped. The curved Corian worktop maximises preparation space, while the “Profi Gourmet” three-ring hob includes a cast-iron trivet for stability and even heat distribution.
The 153-litre dual-access fridge with separate freezer compartment provides plenty of food storage for extended trips. It’s worth noting that the oven is an optional extra rather than standard equipment – something to consider when comparing with competitors.
An ingenious feature is the electric central locking system that automatically secures drawers and cabinets while driving. This thoughtful touch prevents contents from shifting and potentially causing damage during transit.
Does The I51 QB DA Have A Proper Bathroom?
You’ll appreciate the well-designed bathroom area, which includes a separate shower cubicle; a luxury in motorhome terms. The waterfall shower provides a home-like experience, enhanced by the generous 235-litre freshwater tank capacity.
The washbasin is a good size, with mirrored cabinets providing ample storage for toiletries. The ceramic toilet offers extended legroom compared to many motorhome facilities, adding to the comfort factor.
The bathroom’s layout efficiently uses the available space without feeling cramped. The waterproof shower tray is removable for cleaning, addressing a common maintenance challenge in motorhomes.
Power and Heating Systems
You’ll find the I51 QB DA well-equipped for extended periods off-grid. The comprehensive electrical system supports multiple devices, while the lighting system offers various options from practical to ambient.
The waste water system is thoughtfully designed for easy management, with accessible controls and clear indicators. The underfloor storage includes dedicated compartments for systems access, simplifying maintenance.
For climate control, the optional Alde wet heating system provides consistent warmth throughout the vehicle, though it represents an additional investment beyond the base price.
Storage Solutions Throughout
You’ll be impressed by the storage solutions in the I51 QB DA. The double floor incorporates heated compartments accessible from both inside and outside the vehicle. This design protects plumbing from freezing while creating valuable additional storage space.
The rear garage offers 124cm of loading height, easily accommodating bicycles, outdoor furniture, or sports equipment. With a 450kg capacity, you won’t need to leave essential items behind.
Inside, clever storage solutions abound, from the slide-out pantry adjacent to the fridge to concealed cabinets integrated into the furniture. The underfloor storage is particularly useful for items you don’t need daily access to.
Who Should Buy The Carthago I51 QB DA?
You’ll find the I51 QB DA particularly well-suited to extended touring. Its combination of comfort, storage capacity, and self-sufficiency makes it ideal for longer trips where you’ll appreciate the thoughtful design touches.
For couples, the layout offers generous personal space and privacy options.
The island bed configuration means neither person needs to climb over the other during night-time bathroom visits; a small but significant comfort factor.
While it can sleep four with the drop-down bed, the I51 QB DA is optimised for two people travelling in luxury rather than family holidays. The premium appointments and sophisticated systems are geared toward adult travellers rather than family groups.
Other Premium Motorhomes To Consider
Budget-Friendly Bürstner Lyseo Review – Offers similar layouts at lower price points, though with less comprehensive build quality and shorter warranty coverage.
Other Carthago models – For example, The I52 QB provides a larger lounge area if that’s a priority, though at a higher price point.
Mercedes-based competitors – Several manufacturers offer Mercedes Sprinter-based motorhomes, though few match Carthago’s build quality and 10-year water ingress warranty.
Is The I51 QB DA Worth £126,180?
The Carthago Chic E-Line I51 QB DA represents a significant investment at £126,180, but delivers exceptional quality and thoughtful design in return. You’re paying for the Mercedes driving experience, Carthago’s build quality, and innovative storage solutions that enhance long-term livability.
The manual drop-down bed may be a sticking point for some buyers, especially given the premium positioning. However, this is balanced by the excellent rear bedroom, comprehensive facilities, and outstanding build quality.
If you’re a couple seeking a premium touring experience with the reassurance of German engineering excellence, the I51 QB DA deserves serious consideration. Its combination of driving dynamics, living comfort, and practical features creates a compelling package for discerning motorhome enthusiasts.
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