Are you buying a new motorhome in the price range up to €60,000? You will be hard-pressed to find a motorhome that offers more in this price bracket than the Benimar Mileo!
Most people considering buying a motorhome first think of Adria. But do you really get the most for your money with Adria? We have conducted a detailed analysis and comparison of Benimar with the models offered by Adria that fall within the same price range. For the comparison, we chose the currently most sought-after layout and motorhome design – a semi-integrated vehicle with longitudinal rear beds. At this price point, Adria offers a choice between the Matrix Axess M670 SL or the entry-level Lido M 50 SL, sold under the SunLiving brand.
COMPARISON:
If we look at the comparison, we can see that the basic Matrix Axess model is quite “stripped down”, and from the outset we are forced to add a few thousand euros more for the motorhome to meet today’s standards (cab air conditioning, speakers, radio, passenger airbag, etc.).
From the table, you can judge for yourself which motorhome offers the most for the price. To summarise the key differences: Benimar has higher-quality windows, and the materials in the living area are already more expensive (white high-gloss finish, 3D wood imitation). A wood-free construction is very important in the long run. Wood can be very problematic in older motorhomes; if it absorbs water, it swells and eventually deteriorates. Benimar also has a polyester wall on the inside, as well as a thicker roof and floor. Adria’s models do have a double floor in the lounge area, which can be seen as an advantage; however, in my opinion Benimar’s thicker insulation across the entire floor outweighs the section of double floor in the Adria, which can also be inconvenient, as it raises that part slightly and creates a step inside the motorhome between the kitchen and the lounge area (Benimar has a raised section only by the cab). In addition, in Benimar’s basic configuration you already get the original Fiat touchscreen car radio with Bluetooth, USB, AUX and hands-free calling, as well as steering-wheel controls. The car radio also works excellently with Apple devices. Central locking for the cab and the entrance door to the living area.
If we view a motorhome as a vehicle made up of various components, Benimar, at this price point, includes higher-quality—and therefore more expensive—components/materials. With Benimar (Mileo range), it is difficult to find a part of the motorhome where you could say: “They have cut corners here.” There are plenty of drawers (their built-in cost is higher than, for example, cupboards or empty storage space), and all drawers and cupboards feature soft-close, which is truly impressive and not found even in many motorhomes that cost more than €20,000 extra. Even the blind corner under the kitchen is utilised, as additional service doors are added from the outside, providing extra storage space.
From a design perspective, the motorhome is also at a very high level. White gloss combined with greyish-brown wooden elements creates a fresh, modern look. The bathroom, with plexiglass materials combined with silver finishes, provides a serious, elegant appearance. LED ambient lighting with night-time blue lights is the finishing touch. You will only start to appreciate all these details and small touches in use. The ambient lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere while driving, without being distracting for the driver. The small blue LED lights will be especially appreciated by those who get up several times at night to use the toilet—they illuminate the floor just enough for you to see, and the blue light will not dazzle you or wake anyone up.
Our comparison was based on price. If we compared the quality of the installed parts, materials, and the vehicle itself, we would have to compare the Benimar Mileo 263 with the Adria Matrix Plus 670 SL. The price of this base model is already over €66,000, and if we add equipment that is almost indispensable today (cab air conditioning, speakers, radio, passenger airbag) and a few other extras, we quickly reach a price of around €70,000.
Therefore, if we look at the price-to-quality ratio—i.e., what you get for the money—Benimar ranks among the very best motorhomes.
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