2025 HYMER ML-T CrossOver

Built for those who love the road less travelled, the HYMER ML-T 570 CrossOver combines serious off-road capability with premium European design. Motorhome writer and editor Claire Smith takes a closer look at what makes this motorhome stand out.

When it comes to motorhoming in New Zealand, everyone has their own idea of the perfect getaway. For some, it’s about finding a peaceful campsite, setting up the outdoor chairs, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life on the road. And then there are those who spot a winding gravel road or a remote high-country track and think: Yeah, let’s see where that goes. If you’re in the second camp, keep reading – because the HYMER ML-T 570 CrossOver might just be your dream machine.

Grit meets glamour

Exclusively available in New Zealand through Wilderness Motorhomes, HYMER is all about luxury and precision German engineering. These motorhomes aren’t just well-built – they’re packed with smart design and cutting-edge tech, making life on the road – and off it – as effortless and enjoyable as possible. And the CrossOver? Well, this is where HYMER steps things up a notch – combining all-terrain capability with premium comfort for those who want to venture further off the beaten track.

With a powerful 190hp Mercedes-Benz engine, all-wheel drive, and enough off-grid tech to keep you self-sufficient for up to 10 days, the CrossOver is not just a park-up-and-chill motorhome. It’s a true adventure machine, built for hunting out the best fishing spots, reaching remote hiking trails, and unloading kayaks by a secluded lake. And at the end of the day, it still delivers a five-star experience wherever you call home for the night.

Inside, the layout is designed for both practicality and comfort with elevated twin beds at the rear that convert into a king, a cosy lounge and dining area up front, and a compact yet fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom’s swivel-wall design separates wet and dry areas, while a large rear garage provides loads of storage for outdoor gear.

Perfect harmony

Step inside and the first thing that hits you is the sense of quality craftsmanship. From the soft-close cabinetry to the sleek finishes, everything feels solid, well-built, and made to last. The interior is modern but inviting, with a harmonious palette of greys and whites, warmed up by a timber-look splashback and feature walls that add just the right amount of texture. A nice little detail? The leather pull tags on the drawers and cabinets. Not only do they look good, adding a subtle touch of character, but they’re also practical – easy to grab, with no bulky handles getting in the way.

Meals on the move

Whether you’re frying up your fresh catch, tossing together a quick salad, or just pouring a well-earned glass of wine, the CrossOver’s kitchen is designed to make cooking on the road easy.

Like any motorhome with a permanent bed, space is compact – but every inch is put to good use. The three-burner gas hob has a glass lid that doubles as a flame guard, which is great if you’re whipping up something with a bit of sizzle. Need extra prep space? Just slide out the benchtop extension.

Storage is well thought out, with extra-wide soft-close drawers and overhead lockers that keep everything secure (and quiet) while you’re on the move. The 154L compressor fridge with an 18L freezer means you can stock up on plenty of supplies and not have to rely on the nearest dairy for extra milk or more ice.

In the dining area, a plush L-shaped seat wraps around an adjustable table, giving you plenty of room to spread out. Both cab seats swivel around, turning the space into a proper gathering spot – perfect for sharing a meal or planning the next leg of your adventure. And with two large skylights above, there’s plenty of natural light streaming in, making the space feel bright and airy.

Bathroom brilliance

When you’re off-grid, a good bathroom is a game-changer, and the CrossOver’s bathroom ticks all the boxes – smart, space-saving, and practical, so you can enjoy a proper shower and a dry, well-ventilated space wherever you set up camp.

The standout feature here is the swivelling bathroom wall, which is one of those ‘why doesn’t everyone do this?’ designs. With a simple turn, it separates the toilet from the shower, meaning you get all the benefits of a proper dry bathroom without sacrificing space. No soggy toilet paper, no damp walls, just a clever, well-thought-out layout that works.

The shower is height adjustable, too, making it comfortable whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between. It’s powered by a high-performance water pump, so you get decent pressure, and when you’re done, the electric wastewater drainage system takes care of the rest.

Fixtures and fittings are sleek and modern, with black tapware and accents giving the space a contemporary edge. Importantly, there’s plenty of storage for toiletries, keeping everything neat and within reach. An overhead vent and skylight help with airflow and natural light, and a Thetford cassette toilet with an electric flush rounds off the setup.

Fit for a king

Although I didn’t indulge in a sleepover during my review, I must admit – I seriously considered locking the doors, stretching out on the bed and forgetting about deadlines and emails for the afternoon (or perhaps the week).

The CrossOver’s rear bedroom is just so inviting. With the sun streaming through the skylight and windows, and a bed that looks far too comfy for its own good, the temptation to switch off and take an afternoon nap was real.

Two generously sized single beds (186cm x 77cm and 190cm x 77cm) can stay separate or be easily combined into a spacious king (with enough room for a tired toddler in the middle if need be). And, unlike some motorhome beds that feel like an afterthought, this one is designed for proper, all-night comfort with disc-spring bed frames that adjust to your body’s pressure points and multi-zone memory foam mattresses and plush toppers. It’s the kind of luxury you’d expect in a high-end hotel – only this one comes with a much better view.

There’s plenty of room to store your gear in here too. Overhead lockers provide easy access to everyday essentials, while large under-bed compartments are perfect for stashing away bulky jackets and boots.

Tough, capable, and ruggedly handsome

If you’re after a motorhome that looks as good as it drives, the CrossOver definitely delivers. There’s not a hint of your stock-standard white here – instead, it sports a sleek, adventure-ready design that wouldn’t look out of place on an overland expedition.

At the rear, the extra-large garage is big enough for all your must-haves – bikes, fishing rods, inflatable kayaks – you name it. With two large doors, you can load up from either side without awkward manoeuvring, and inside, a checker-plate floor and tie-down anchor points keep everything secure. There’s even a built-in exterior shower – perfect for cleaning dirty gear or giving the dog a decent wash-off.

The electric habitation doorstep and extra-wide entry door make coming and going a whole lot easier, while the roll-out awning with built-in LED lights creates the perfect outdoor setup. And up top, a roof rack with ladder provides extra storage for big and bulky items.

All the bells and whistles

To be honest, I’m not usually the driver on our motorhome road trips. I’m more than happy to sit in the passenger seat and make helpful suggestions about when to turn (back there!) while taking control of the music, air conditioning, and snacks.

But in the CrossOver, I’d make an exception. With 190hp under the hood and a silky-smooth 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, driving feels effortless. Whether you’re cruising the highway or winding your way up a gravel road, it’s powerful, stable, and surprisingly easy to handle.

The chassis upgrade to 4100kg is a practical bonus, giving you plenty of payload to pack everything you need without stressing about weight limits. And if you are the one in the driver’s seat, Mercedes has you covered with just about every safety and driver-assist feature you could ask for – lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, crosswind assist, hill start assist, the list goes on. There’s even traffic sign recognition, which is handy if you miss a speed limit change.

For long-haul driving, adaptive cruise control takes the effort out of the highway miles. The keyless start with ECO start-stop is a small but welcome touch, and smartphone wireless charging means no more digging around for cables when your phone battery inevitably hits 2%.

Go off-road, and stay there

With all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, the CrossOver eats up gravel tracks, rutted roads, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. But getting there is only half the story. Long-term self-sufficiency is where the CrossOver really shines. It comes equipped with a 120L freshwater and 100L wastewater tank, meaning you can stay put for days without worrying about refills or dumping.

High-capacity lithium batteries, dual 95W factory-fitted solar panels, and an 1800W inverter keep everything running smoothly, so there’s no need to ration power or cut your trip short. When the temperature drops, the 6kW diesel heater keeps things warm and dry, even when there’s frost on the ground.

Summary

The HYMER ML-T 570 CrossOver goes beyond highlights and holiday parks. This is a motorhome for those who’d rather wake up by a remote river with a fishing rod at the ready, explore New Zealand’s national parks, or take the long way around just because it looks interesting.

Sure, it’s an investment, but if you want the freedom to chase adventure without constantly worrying about your next power hookup or hot shower, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re off to find the perfect surf break, the best hiking trail, or just a slice of paradise all to yourself, the CrossOver lets you do it your way.

This review was written by Claire Smith and originally published in the Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations (MCD) magazine on 8 March 2025. We're republishing the review with the magazine's permission.