What sets this particular example apart is the comprehensive specification – from the rear garage with its 200kg capacity to the roof-mounted air conditioning, this feels like a motorhome specced by someone who understood what continental touring actually demands.
Size and Space in the Charisma I 750 H
At 7.8 metres, the Charisma I 750 H sits in that sweet spot where you get proper living space without needing an HGV licence. The 3.3-metre height means you’ll need to watch for low bridges, but it also allows for that generous drop-down bed above the cab, something you’d struggle to achieve in a lower-profile van conversion.
When you’re manoeuvring this Concorde around British car parks, you’ll appreciate that Mercedes Sprinter base. The automatic gearbox takes the stress out of tight spots, whilst the reverse camera (a luxury in 2002) helps with those tricky backing manoeuvres. The 4,950kg gross vehicle weight means you’re well within normal driving licence limits, though you’ll want to be mindful of loading given that generous 200kg garage capacity.
Driving the Concorde Charisma
Behind the wheel, you’d expect the Mercedes 2.7 CDI to deliver the sort of refined performance that made these Sprinter-based motorhomes so popular. The 6-speed automatic gearbox would have been cutting-edge technology in 2002, offering smooth progression whether you’re climbing Alpine passes or cruising down the M5 to Cornwall.
The cab air conditioning becomes invaluable during summer touring, whilst cruise control makes those long continental drives far less tiring. You’ll find the heated windscreen particularly useful during British winters; no more scraping ice whilst your neighbours are still fumbling for their scrapers.
The swivelling driver and passenger seats transform the cab into part of the living space, effectively giving you six seats when stationary. That elevating floor system means the cab integrates properly with the main living area rather than feeling like an afterthought.
Living Areas in the Charisma I 750 H
The L-shaped dinette forms the heart of the Charisma’s living space, upholstered in leather that should have aged well if properly maintained. You’ll find this layout works particularly well for families, offering proper seating for four around the table whilst maintaining good sight lines throughout the motorhome.
The Concorde control panel puts all your systems at your fingertips, whilst the satellite dish means you can keep up with the news whether you’re parked in the Dordogne or the Lake District. The TV cupboard suggests thoughtful design, no awkward wall-mounting here, just a proper dedicated space for your entertainment.
Those roof lights flood the interior with natural light, crucial in a motorhome where you might spend entire days inside during poor weather. The Thatcham Category 1 alarm system provides peace of mind when you’re exploring local attractions.
Charisma I 750 H Sleeping Arrangements
With four berths spread across two distinct sleeping areas, the Charisma offers proper separation for families or couples sharing with friends. The large drop-down bed above the cab would typically accommodate two adults, though you’d want to check the weight rating if you’re both on the generous side.
The double bed above the rear garage represents clever use of space, turning what might otherwise be dead area into a proper bedroom. This arrangement means the main living area remains uncompromised during the day (no need to convert dinettes or rearrange cushions every evening).
You’d likely find the rear bedroom particularly appealing if you’re touring with teenagers who value their privacy, or if one of you is an early riser who doesn’t want to disturb a sleeping partner.
Kitchen Space in the Concorde
The kitchen layout appears well-considered for a 2002 motorhome, with that large 140-litre fridge providing genuine family-sized storage. The three-burner hob gives you proper cooking flexibility, whilst the oven and grill mean you’re not limited to simple one-pot meals.
The sink retains its original cover (a small detail that suggests careful ownership) whilst the draining board provides essential prep space. You’ll appreciate having a proper work surface when you’re preparing meals for four people, something often compromised in smaller motorhomes.
That 250-litre fresh water tank means extended wild camping becomes genuinely feasible, particularly important if you’re planning to explore areas where campsite density is low.
Bathroom and Shower Facilities
The separate shower represents a significant advantage over many motorhomes of this era, where combined shower/toilet compartments were the norm. You’d find this arrangement far more practical for family use, allowing one person to shower whilst another uses the ceramic toilet.
The electric flush toilet was relatively sophisticated for 2002, offering more civilised operation than the manual pumps common in many contemporaries. The roof light ensures adequate ventilation, crucial in any motorhome bathroom.
The heating controls suggest the bathroom benefits from the same Alde wet central heating system that warms the rest of the motorhome, meaning no chilly morning ablutions even in winter.
Power and Water Systems
The Mastervolt electrical system represents quality kit, designed for extended off-grid use. The leisure batteries housed in the rear garage keep the living area tidy whilst providing the power storage essential for wild camping.
The generator opens up possibilities for extended stays away from mains hookups, particularly valuable if you’re planning extended continental tours where campsites might be sparse. Combined with that substantial fresh water capacity, you’d have genuine freedom to explore.
The LPG tank compatibility means you can take advantage of cheaper continental gas supplies, whilst the double-floor insulation suggests this Charisma was built for year-round use rather than fair-weather touring only.
Storage and Practicality
That rear garage with its 200kg capacity and nearside door access represents one of the Charisma’s strongest practical features. You’d find space for bikes, outdoor furniture, or simply the accumulated detritus of extended touring without compromising interior living space.
The multiple lockers throughout the motorhome suggest Concorde understood that storage needs to be distributed rather than concentrated in one area. The roof rack adds external carrying capacity for bulky items like kayaks or additional luggage.
The tow bar opens up possibilities for bringing a small car for local exploration, particularly valuable when you’re staying on larger campsites where the motorhome might feel excessive for popping to local shops.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Charisma I 750 H appeals but you’d prefer something more modern, the Carthago Chic E Line I 51 Qb Da Review: Premium German A-Class Engineering Excellence offers contemporary German engineering with similar attention to detail.
For those seeking innovative design, the Dethleffs Magic Edition Black I1 Eb Review: Stunning Modern Design Meets A-Class Innovation brings modern styling to the integrated motorhome concept.
Alternatively, the Eura Mobil Integra 810 Review: Robust German Family Motorhome Built for All-Season Touring provides another German perspective on family touring.
Final Thoughts
The 2002 Concorde Charisma I 750 H represents motorhoming from an era when build quality often trumped flashy features. You’d be buying into proven Mercedes reliability combined with Germanic attention to detail, wrapped in a package that offers genuine touring capability.
At over 20 years old, you’d want to budget for maintenance and potential system updates, but the fundamental design remains sound. This feels like a motorhome for buyers who prioritise substance over style, practical touring over glamping pretensions.
If you’re seeking a proper family tourer with the space and systems for extended continental adventures, the Charisma I 750 H deserves serious consideration, assuming you can find one that’s been properly maintained through its two decades of life.
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