When you’re hunting for a motorhome that doesn’t compromise on comfort despite its compact footprint, the 2017 Elddis Majestic 254 presents an intriguing proposition. This four-berth model sits in that sweet spot where you get proper touring manoeuvrability without sacrificing the luxury of a transverse island bed – something that’s increasingly rare in sub-6-metre motorhomes.
What makes this particular example rather special is its remarkably low mileage, less than 1,000 miles on the clock suggests it’s barely been run in. You’d be looking at what’s essentially a nearly-new motorhome with three years of depreciation already absorbed by the previous owner. The Majestic 254 builds on Elddis’s Encore platform but adds dealer-specified upgrades that push it into premium territory.The 160 BHP turbocharged diesel engine represents a significant upgrade from the standard 130 BHP unit, giving you that extra punch when tackling steep climbs in the Lake District or navigating busy motorway slip roads with a full load.
Size and Practicality of the Majestic 254
At 2.82 metres tall, the Elddis Majestic 254 slips under most height barriers you’ll encounter around Britain, though you’ll still need to duck under some car park entrances and be mindful of overhanging branches on narrow country lanes. The 3,500kg MTPLM keeps you firmly in standard driving licence territory, whilst the 450kg payload gives you reasonable scope for loading up with clothes, food, and touring essentials.
You’d find this size particularly appealing if you’re stepping up from caravanning but don’t want the intimidation factor of a larger A-class. The Peugeot Boxer chassis provides a familiar driving experience (it’s essentially a large van rather than a truck, so you won’t feel completely out of your depth on your first outing).
The compact dimensions mean you can realistically consider wild camping spots that would be off-limits to larger motorhomes, and you’ll have far more choice when it comes to ferry bookings or campsite pitches across Europe.
Behind the Wheel of the Elddis Majestic 254
That 160 BHP upgrade transforms the driving experience compared to the standard engine. You’d notice the difference immediately when pulling away from roundabouts or overtaking slower traffic on A-roads. The six-speed manual gearbox gives you proper control over the power delivery, though some might prefer an automatic for stop-start touring.
The Peugeot cab comes well-equipped with cruise control, invaluable for maintaining legal speeds on long motorway stretches – plus electric windows and mirrors that make daily adjustments effortless. The satellite navigation system means you won’t need to fumble with phone mounts, though you’d probably want to update the maps given this is a 2017 system.
Air conditioning in the cab is a genuine blessing during summer touring, particularly when you’re stuck in traffic jams heading to popular destinations like Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands. The reversing camera takes much of the stress out of backing into tight pitches, though you’d still want to have someone guide you when space is really tight.
Living in the Majestic 254
The interior layout maximises every inch of available space, with storage lockers positioned both above and below the seating areas. You’d find the large roof light above the cab creates an unexpectedly airy feel for such a compact motorhome, preventing that claustrophobic sensation you might experience in some smaller models.
The clever bed arrangement sees the transverse island bed fold up into the wall when not needed, creating a proper living space with a table for daytime use. This dual-purpose design means you’re not constantly climbing over beds or rearranging furniture, a common frustration in compact motorhomes.
Solar panels keep your leisure battery topped up during sunny spells, whilst the awning extends your living space outdoors when weather permits. The external barbecue point is a thoughtful touch that lets you cook outside without dragging equipment through the interior.
Majestic 254 Sleeping Arrangements
The transverse island bed is the star feature here, offering proper double-bed comfort without the compromises of a dinette conversion or awkward corner bed. When you fold it up during the day, you’d have a surprisingly spacious living area that doesn’t feel cramped even with four people aboard.
The bed positioning means both occupants can get up during the night without disturbing each other, a significant advantage over fixed beds that trap one person against the wall. The anti-bacterial mattress technology, if fitted, would be particularly welcome for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Additional sleeping space comes from converting the dinette area, giving you genuine four-berth capability when needed. You’d probably find this arrangement works well for couples with occasional guests or families with younger children who don’t mind the converted seating.
The Majestic 254’s Kitchen Layout
The kitchen packs impressive functionality into a compact space, with a full-length fridge providing proper food storage capacity for extended tours. The combination of hob, oven, grill, and microwave gives you genuine cooking flexibility. You could realistically prepare proper meals rather than relying on simple one-pot dishes.
The sink positioning and workspace layout would let you prepare food efficiently, though you’d need to be organised about washing up to avoid clutter building up. Storage space appears well-planned, with dedicated areas for crockery, cutlery, and cooking equipment.
You’d appreciate having the microwave for quick reheating and defrosting, particularly useful when you’re trying to get breakfast ready quickly before setting off to explore somewhere new.
Shower and Toilet in the Majestic 254
The full bathroom represents a significant advantage over motorhomes that compromise with cassette toilets or shower-over-toilet arrangements. Having a proper shower cubicle means you can wash properly after hiking or cycling, whilst the full-length mirror in the bathroom area helps with daily grooming routines.
The separate toilet compartment provides privacy and prevents the entire bathroom getting wet during showers. You’d find this arrangement particularly valuable during longer tours when proper washing facilities become essential for comfort and hygiene.
The bathroom size would be adequate for most people, though taller individuals might find the headroom restrictive. The layout appears practical for daily use without feeling cramped.
Majestic 254 – Power and Water Systems
The Alde 3020 heating system, if fitted, represents a significant upgrade over basic blown-air heating. This wet heating system provides more even temperature distribution and operates more quietly, important considerations when you’re trying to sleep in chilly conditions or when neighbours are close by on busy campsites.
Grade 3 insulation helps retain heat during colder months, potentially extending your touring season into shoulder periods when sites are quieter and prices lower. The combination of solar panels and mains hook-up capability gives you flexibility between wild camping and serviced pitches.
The Thatcham alarm and GPS tracker provide security peace of mind, particularly important given the value of motorhomes and their vulnerability when parked in remote locations or overnight stops.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
The Elddis Autoquest 175 Review: Affordable Elddis Comfort for Two offers a more budget-friendly entry point into Elddis ownership, though you’d sacrifice some of the premium features and space of the Majestic 254.
If you’re drawn to the island bed concept but want more space, the Bessacarr E560: Spacious Island Bed Luxury Review provides a larger footprint with similar sleeping arrangements, though you’d need to accept reduced manoeuvrability and higher running costs.
The Swift Bolero 630EW: Compact Touring with a Unique Layout Review represents a different approach to compact touring, with alternative layout solutions that might suit different touring styles or family compositions.
Final Thoughts
The 2017 Elddis Majestic 254 appears to strike an appealing balance between compact touring practicality and genuine comfort features. The transverse island bed in such a manageable package is genuinely unusual, whilst the low mileage makes this particular example especially attractive.
You’d suit this motorhome if you want the freedom to explore narrow lanes and wild camping spots without sacrificing sleeping comfort or basic amenities. The 160 BHP engine upgrade addresses one of the main criticisms of smaller motorhomes – lack of power when loaded.
However, you’d need to accept that four-berth capacity is optimistic for adult use, and storage space requires careful management. The compact dimensions mean compromises are inevitable, though the clever layout appears to minimise these better than many rivals.
For couples seeking a well-equipped touring base that won’t intimidate or bankrupt them, the Majestic 254 deserves serious consideration, particularly this low-mileage example that offers nearly-new condition at a more palatable price point.
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