Basis for a small off-road camper: Mercedes T-Class from Iglhaut

Finding robust all-wheel drive vehicles that don’t directly blow up garages and carports with their dimensions is not that easy. Sure – the VW T 6.1 is available in numerous variants, maybe the Mercedes-Benz Vito. However, the range of compact all-wheel drive vehicles is not really broad.

Mercedes T-Class Iglhaut conversion

Against this background, the fact that 4×4 specialist Iglhaut is now taking on the brand-new T-Class from Mercedes-Benz does not sound surprising. And anyone who knows Iglhaut knows that there are no half measures here. Consequently, the high-roof station wagon, which Mercedes classifies as a premium small van, comes with everything that off-road fans appreciate with a knowing nod.

However, that could end abruptly – because Iglhaut does not give the T-Class a four-wheel drive. This is probably due to the lack of willingness on the part of Mercedes. The Stuttgart-based company delivers the T-Class with a choice of manual or automatic transmission, but always with front-wheel drive.

Performance increase and elevation

Nevertheless: After the performance conversion by Iglhaut, the car is 83 millimeters higher! This is achieved on the one hand by raising the chassis (+60 millimeters) and by changing the tires to 225/65 R17 (+23 millimeters). The whole thing comes in a package with aluminum rims developed by the manufacturer and of course the manufacturer takes care of the necessary speedometer adjustment.

And there is also an increase in performance of the rather tame factory diesel with 116 hp. Iglhaut donates another 19 hp, so that the performance increases to 135 hp. A distinctive Top Air snorkel, front wheel axle protection and a personal protection bar complete the look.

You shouldn’t venture into very deep terrain with the T-Class, even after the Iglhaut conversion. But as is well known, tires and skilful handling of the accelerator pedal are responsible for most of the off-road driving, the all-wheel drive is rarely really used.

The manufacturer has not yet given prices for the individual components as part of the adventure all-wheel drive in Bad Kissingen. VanEssa offers a “more civil” conversion of the commercial vehicle version of the T-Class. Also on display at the Abenteuer Allrad in Bad Kissingen is the interesting off-road folding caravan from ALiner, whose low price knocked our socks off. You can read more news from the camping sector here on Netzwelt.