If you like the idea of seeing the world from the road but don't want to sacrifice the creature comforts of home, luxury motorhomes might be the ideal solution. Individuals who perceive RV travel as being just a step up from tenting are often pleasantly surprised when they learn about the amenities and style these villas on wheels can offer.
Newmar King Aire
These opulent recreational vehicles provide the highest quality materials and craftsmanship in every aspect of function and design. The base model of the Newmar King Aire starts at close to $1 million. This fully customizable palace on wheels boasts a large bedroom layout, a high quality sound system, and a truly lavish interior.
There are so many handy conveniences for the driver including a tablet for total control over everything inside the coach. The safety features are amazing, including a lane departure warning system, tire pressure monitoring, and electronic stability control. The adaptive cruise control system has been updated to feature collision mitigation technology too.
There was some trouble reported regarding a defect in the wall slide of the vehicle though (it was not level), so be sure to inquire about what the warranty will cover.
Foretravel ih-45
Fifty years of heritage and two years of design work resulted in the flagship coach of Foretravel called the ih-45. Selling for just over $1.3 million, this totally customizable coach boasts a smooth ride and a beautiful fit and finish that will be designed just for you. This coach is powered by the Cummins ISX engine and has an Allison 4000MHR transmission with retarder, an HWH Active Air System and independent front suspension.
Exterior features include an awning mounted to the roof, a patio with electric lights, carpeted storage bays and an easy view one-piece windshield. There are more than 15 dash and cockpit features that range from a dedicated driver monitor for rear and side cameras to a passenger monitor with DVD/GPS/satellite viewing.
This coach comes loaded with numerous appliances, electronics, and lights including CAT6 network cabling and even washer/dryer connections. Relax in the king bed with a slumber ease system, cook in the stainless steel kitchen, and dine in style with the natural quartz dinette table. The Vorad collision avoidance system keeps you safe and the myriad of customization options allow you to choose everything from the paint graphics on the patio awnings to the type of wood used for cabinetry.
For up-to-date information and issues with the Foretravel ih-45 and other coaches in the company lineup, it is best to visit the Fore Forums website. A story on Gadget Guru has some good insights too, including a factory tour and a video review.
Prevost H3-45 VIP
The Prevost H3-45 VIP sells for over $1.6 million. Because it is low to the ground, it has great agility. An interesting safety feature is electronic stability program that comes loaded into the computer system, providing the driver with additional handling and safety. This coach also has the longest wheelbase in the industry at 334.5 inches, providing an ultra-smooth ride.
Everything in this coach has been planned for comfort, including such features as a strong, level platform, optimal light and temperature control, and generous storage space . There are also many safety innovations like the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the Prevost AWARE Adaptive Cruise Braking System. You can also expect unsurpassed under floor storage, custom conversion space, a battery life-boosting power management system, and the environmentally-friendly Volvo D13 engine that exceeds EPA emission regulations for both clean air and fuel economy.
Reviews of the H3-45 VIP coach are very positive. The amount of space in the cargo area depends on the way this coach is finished and how it is equipped. This can affect everything from the width of stairs to the number of freshwater tanks.
Featherlite Vantare Platinum Plus
The Featherlite Vantare Platinum Plus is an extraordinary handcrafted coach that sells for around $2.5 million. A defining feature of the Platinum Plus is its triple slide configuration designed by Karen B. Horton. The cockpit of this coach is made like an airplane to help cut down on vibration. The interior is spacious and is composed of a selection of leather, granite, and marble that can be customized. Moving through this motor mansion, the space is decorated opulently with Swarovski crystals and fittings, marble steps, handmade glass tiles with embedded copper, pearlized Italian leather, and bronze and onyx appointments.
The main living area is just as opulent with a custom Italian sofa that reclines, a liquor cabinet stocked with signed crystal glasses by Michael Weems and a desk that has all the bells and whistles for a CEO on the go. The stateroom features a king bed with a plasma TV that lifts out of the footboard. The shower walls are onyx and there is even a glass sink. If you feel the need to exercise, the aft closet has a built-in treadmill with a 13-inch LCD television disappearing behind the mirror.
Many safety and tech features abound for this motorhome including an Avic N-2 GPS with real-time traffic and weather alerts, as well as many other passive and dynamic safety features. The garage slide out is especially notable.
These very expensive coaches do take a long time to build and sometimes construction can take longer than expected. In addition, there are some changes taking place in the service facilities of this company. It is best to keep up with online forums for the most up-to-date information. Some are worried about the devaluation of their coaches as the company has recently advertised conversions for under $1 million.
Marchi Mobile eleMMent Palazzo Superior
Made in Austria, the Marchi Mobile eleMMent Palazzo Superior is the most expensive coach on the market, recognized by over 190 countries as the most luxurious motorhome to date. This 45-foot-long motorhome sells for over $3 million and offers top-of-the-line technical innovations and comfort features. The cab's sports car design is as unusual as it is striking and is constructed out of high-performance carbon fiber materials.
Inspired by a jet cockpit but working like a luxury limousine, the control center of this palace on wheels has central digital instrumentation and multimedia interface (MMI) controls, making this easy to drive and navigate. It also boasts a panoramic windshield that can be darkened in two stages with the adjustable sun protection system. The slide-out room boasts a "Sky Lounge" with banquette seating that rises of the body. The net result is akin to a rooftop nightclub with wet bar, a mood-lit canopy, and an integrated sound system.
As otherworldly and elegant as this coach looks, with its robust structure and stability, it also performs well on extreme off-road terrains. This coach is built on a Volvo chassis and is powered by a 600-horsepower Volvo diesel engine. Be prepared for those fuel costs!
The list of specifications is impressive, from the unique air circulation system with oversized power capabilities and radiant floor heating to the kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, electronically adjustable water control system and a stovetop with a hood. There are also onboard media servers including a Steinway Lyngdorf world-class audio system.
Traveling in the Lap of Luxury
Innovation in these elite rarified vehicles continues to evolve with technology and comfort features. Many of these coaches are fully appointed with amenities as good as, or in some cases better than, what individuals have in their homes, making them the most comfortable and stylish way to tour the country. If you have hesitated to explore the possibilities of RV travel because you were concerned about giving up all the comforts of home, you might be pleasantly surprised by when you see what these luxurious recreational vehicles offer.
