When you’re looking for a motorhome that combines German build quality with practical living space, the Dethleffs Esprit I7090 deserves your attention. This 2013 A-class model offers a thoughtful balance of comfort, storage and driving dynamics that make it particularly suitable for couples who occasionally host family or friends. At 7.35 metres long, the Esprit I7090 sits in the sweet spot between compact city-friendly motorhomes and larger luxury models. You’ll find it provides generous living space without becoming unwieldy on European roads or difficult to find parking for. The white exterior with blue accent stripes gives it a contemporary appearance that has aged well over the years.
Esprit I7090 Dimensions and AL-KO Chassis
You’ll immediately notice the Esprit’s commanding road presence, with its 7.35m length, 2.33m width and 2.87m height creating a substantial but manageable footprint. The AL-KO chassis modification to the Fiat Ducato base provides improved stability and handling compared to standard chassis motorhomes.
When parked up, the full-length Omnistor awning extends your living space outdoors, while the 4-bike rack at the rear accommodates your cycling adventures. The practical exterior storage includes a full-length garage on one side that’s perfect for outdoor furniture, sports equipment or travel essentials.
With a verified payload of 703kg (not the 5-7kg erroneously mentioned in some listings), you’ll have ample capacity for clothing, food, and equipment for extended trips. Twin gas lockers accommodate two 11kg bottles, giving you plenty of cooking and heating capacity between refills.
How Does This German A-Class Drive?
You’ll find the Fiat Ducato 2.3-litre MultiJet engine with 130bhp provides sufficient power for confident motorway cruising and hill climbing. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers good flexibility across different driving conditions, while cruise control makes longer journeys less tiring.
The cab is well-equipped with driver and passenger airbags, Bluetooth connectivity, CD system, and air conditioning. The bus-style heated wing mirrors provide excellent visibility, compensating somewhat for the absence of a driver’s door (a common feature in continental A-class designs).
With approximately 12,500 miles on the clock (based on the example reviewed), these 2013 models typically show relatively low mileage for their age, suggesting careful use by previous owners. The twin reversing cameras make manoeuvring this 7.35m motorhome considerably easier in tight spaces.
Seven-Seat Lounge with Light Interior
When you step inside, the Esprit I7090 reveals its clever space utilisation. The L-shaped lounge area comfortably seats up to 7 people, making it ideal for entertaining. The light-coloured upholstery and brown wood finishes create a warm, inviting atmosphere enhanced by multiple skylights.
The control panel positioned above the habitation door provides easy access to battery monitoring, water levels, heating controls, and clock functions. You’ll also find controls for the satellite system if you’re looking to stay connected while touring.
Two forward-facing seats with seatbelts in the dinette area, combined with the swivelling cab seats, allow four people to travel safely. The passenger door provides convenient access directly into the living area, a practical touch when you’re parked in busy areas.
Drop-Down Bed Plus French Bed Layout
You’ll have flexible sleeping arrangements with the Esprit’s 4-berth configuration. The drop-down double bed above the cab area provides a generous sleeping space that lowers electronically at the turn of a knob. Skylights above this area ensure good ventilation and natural light.
The permanent French bed at the rear offers a comfortable and convenient sleeping option without the need for daily conversion. Storage underneath this bed maximises space efficiency, while cupboards above provide additional storage for clothing and personal items.
This arrangement works particularly well for couples who occasionally travel with guests, as the drop-down bed can remain stowed during the day, keeping the main living area spacious and uncluttered.
Practical Kitchen with 190-Litre Fridge
The kitchen area, while compact, offers all the essentials for self-catering. You’ll find a three-burner hob, combination oven and grill, and a sink with mixer tap. The integrated bin on the worktop is a thoughtful addition that helps keep the living space tidy. Across from the kitchen, the 190-litre fridge/freezer provides ample food storage for extended trips. Additional storage cupboards above and around the kitchen area allow for good organisation of cooking equipment and supplies.
Two electrical sockets in the kitchen area ensure you can use countertop appliances like kettles or toasters when connected to hookup. While counter space is somewhat limited, the practical layout makes good use of the available area.
Separate Shower Corner Bathroom
The rear corner bathroom configuration offers a practical solution with separate facilities. You’ll find a toilet, sink with storage underneath, and a separate shower cubicle that provides good space compared to combined wet rooms in many motorhomes of this size.
Two mirrors in the bathroom enhance the sense of space, with one positioned in front of additional storage. The bathroom’s location adjacent to the bedroom creates a practical night-time arrangement, while its position at the rear ensures privacy from the main living area.
The separate shower is particularly valuable for longer trips, offering a more home-like experience than the combined facilities found in many motorhomes. The shower is quite spacious, nice, and wide, an important consideration for comfortable touring.
Twin Solar Panels and Power Management
You’ll benefit from twin solar panels on the roof, providing valuable off-grid charging capability for the leisure batteries. This setup is ideal for extended stays away from hookup, particularly during summer months when solar generation is at its peak. The comprehensive control panel allows you to monitor battery levels, water tank status, and control heating systems with ease. While specific details about the heating system aren’t fully verified, Dethleffs motorhomes of this era typically feature Truma heating systems with good efficiency.
The satellite system controls suggest this model is equipped for television reception, with a TV mounting point noted in the bedroom area, perfect for relaxing viewing before sleep.
Excellent Storage Inside and Out
Storage is a particular strength of the Esprit I7090. You’ll find overhead lockers throughout the living space, under-bed storage in the rear bedroom, and wardrobe space opposite the French bed that doubles as a dressing area with a mirror.
The external storage includes the previously mentioned full-length garage, plus additional lockers under the offside rear window. This combination of internal and external storage makes the Esprit well-suited to longer tours where you need to bring more equipment. The verified 703kg payload allows you to make full use of this storage without concerns about exceeding weight limits, a significant advantage over some competitors with more restricted carrying capacity.
Perfect For Couples with Occasional Guests
You’ll find the Esprit I7090 particularly well-suited to couples who enjoy extended touring with occasional guests. The combination of permanent rear bed and drop-down double bed provides flexibility without daily bed conversion.
For those who enjoy wild camping or off-grid stays, the solar panels and generous storage capacity make this a practical choice. The comprehensive kitchen facilities support self-catering, while the separate shower enhances comfort for longer trips.
Weekend travellers will appreciate the easy-to-drive nature of the Fiat base vehicle and the quick setup once on site. However, at 7.35m long, this isn’t the most suitable vehicle for frequent city centre visits or very small campsites with limited pitch sizes.
German A-Class Alternatives from 2013
If you’re considering the Dethleffs Esprit I7090, you might also want to look at:
The Carthago C-Tourer from the same era, which offers similar build quality with slightly different interior layouts.
The Hymer B-Class models, which compete directly in terms of quality and features.
The Bürstner Elegance, another German-built A-class with comparable specifications with popular models like Bürstner Elegance i810 G: First Impressions That Last or Bürstner Elegance i821 G: Reality Check.
Each offers different strengths in terms of layout, storage and driving characteristics, so viewing several models will help you determine which best meets your specific requirements.
Why This Dethleffs Remains Desirable
The 2013 Dethleffs Esprit I7090 represents a well-balanced package for discerning motorhome buyers. You’ll appreciate its solid German construction, practical layout, and thoughtful features that enhance both touring and living experiences. With its 4-berth, 4-travel seat configuration, it offers flexibility for different travel groups while maintaining comfort. The verified 703kg payload ensures you won’t need to compromise on what you bring along, while the solar panels support extended stays away from facilities.
For couples looking for a motorhome that can accommodate occasional guests without feeling excessive for everyday use, the Esprit I7090 makes a compelling case. Its combination of driving comfort, practical living space, and quality construction has helped it maintain both appeal and value in the pre-owned market.
Do you have a motorhome to sell? Call us on 01283 240237 or simply enter your reg number here to sell your motorhome!
