These five ‘land yachts’ show how luxurious RVs have become
Starting at $1.1 million, these models are the epitome of RV luxury. One was even dubbed ‘best flightless private jet’
Article content
Out of all the activities that affluent Canadians embraced during the COVID lockdowns — skiing, yachting, golf and so on — RVing may be the biggest surprise.
We’ve seen plenty of examples of famous folk, such as pop superstar Justin Bieber and pro golfer Bubba Watson, hitting the road during the pandemic in what are colloquially known as “land yachts.” The 43-per-cent jump in Canadian motorhome sales between the start and end of 2021 indicates a wider surge in demand for the “Class A” vehicles that are the largest and most lavishly equipped type of recreational vehicle.
This has predictably led to vehicle shortages and, in turn, higher prices. If price is no object, however, the five models that follow represent the epitome of RV luxury:
EleMMent Palazzo Superior by Marchi Mobile: $4 million
This futuristic custom-made RV won a GQ magazine award for “best flightless private jet,” and it’s easy to see why: Its fishbowl-inspired front end, complete with auto-tinting glass, is sure to turn heads on the road and at campsites, while the instrument-strewn cockpit looks like something out of Star Wars.
As striking as it is from the outside, the EleMMent Palazzo Superior’s double-decker design is really about providing enough room — 730 square feet of it — for opulent features ranging from a built-in wine cabinet and a spa-like bathroom with rainfall shower to a four-metre-long leather sofa.
One feature that no private jet can offer is the rooftop lounge. Accessed via stairs inside the vehicle, it includes a pop-up sun shield, leather couch and heated floor, with a Steinway Lyngdorf sound system accompanied by nightclub-esque LED lighting.
The 45-foot-long motorhome is powered by a 600-horsepower Volvo engine and comes with 200-gallon fresh water and gray water tanks, as well as a 65-gallon black water tank. An automated sun canopy with lights and audio deploys from one side, and exterior basement storage provides ample space for luggage and supplies.
Cornerstone, from Entegra Coach: $1.1 million
At the other end of the super-deluxe RV spectrum, the Cornerstone provides relatively prosaic forms of style, comfort, reliability and performance.
The driver and co-pilot have heated and cooled leather massage chairs; behind them is more plush leather furniture for passengers. The vehicle’s interior is adorned with hand-laid porcelain-tile floors, ceiling fans and LED lighting. Entertainment features include a Bose sound system and bar area with a beverage chiller, as well as three onboard TVs, an electric fireplace and a king-size bed.
The kitchen is home to a microwave, dishwasher, induction stovetop and residential-size refrigerator with icemaker and water dispenser. Outdoor amenities include dual roof-mounted awnings and an exterior freezer.
Powered by a 605-hp Cummins engine, the Cornerstone comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring, a 15-inch digital dash with an integrated 360-degree camera, and disc brakes on every axle.
Presidential Series Realm FS605, from Foretravel Motorcoach: $1.8 million
The 45-foot-long FS605 is a luxury vacation home on wheels. The larger of its two bathrooms features a custom-built vanity and the option of a bathtub with spa jets.
In the kitchen area, custom cabinets and quartz countertops join a pair of dining tables that extend or retract automatically, a stacked washer and dryer, and appliances including a convection microwave, a two-burner induction stove, a residential-size refrigerator and a dishwasher.
A king bed graces the primary bedroom, and a queen-sized airbed emerges from a leather sofa. High-end entertainment options abound, with three 4K TVs, a built-in Wi-Fi router, a Blu-ray player and a surround-sound stereo system in the living room.
There’s also a built-in vacuum cleaner, electric window shades and a fireplace.
The FS605 is eye-catching inside and out, with hundreds of LEDs illuminating the luxe interior, and 750 man-hours devoted to a range of custom paint jobs. There’s substance as well as style, with adjustable air suspension providing a smooth ride and a Cummins X15 engine delivering 605 horsepower and 1,950 pound-feet of torque.
Four hydraulic leveling points allow the motor coach to sit neatly at any campsite, while two awnings extend the living space outdoors.
King Aire, by Newmar: $2 million
Another lavish 45-footer, the King Aire is all about comfort and elegance. The interior is appointed with Italian leather seating — some of which is heated with a massage function — while the kitchen boasts quartz countertops, oak cabinets, a full-size Viking refrigerator and other top-end appliances.
Entertainment features include four TVs, including a 55-inch 8K unit in the king-bed-equipped primary bedroom, built-in Wi-Fi and a Bose sound system.
Safety features include smart locks, exterior lighting and a camera system.
The King Aire comes with three individual air-conditioning units with heat pumps, electric radiant heating and a diesel generator and solar panels for power. If that sounds like a lot to keep tabs on, don’t fret: The RV also includes a tablet for remotely controlling all its systems.
Newmar says its exclusive “STAR Foundation” steel superstructure is designed to improve chassis strength and durability while delivering an especially stable and quiet ride. The King Aire offers plenty of power and control, too, with a 605-horsepower Cummins X15 diesel engine and adaptive steering in the mix.
P50, from Newell Coach: $1.6 million
The P50 does the little things especially well. A built-in power washer helps you keep the 45-foot RV clean, the built-in security system includes multiple cameras and monitors, sliding storage bays provide copious space, and there are heated tile floors throughout.
That said, the big-ticket features are all there in spades. Its cabin is kept cool by four roof-mounted air-conditioning units, and a 20-kilowatt generator provides power. It has four 4K TVs, a Marantz audio receiver, integrated surround-sound speakers and wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
Four slide-outs expand the primary bedroom suite and kitchen/living room area, providing plenty of square footage for the two-burner induction stove, convection oven, microwave, garbage disposal, dishwasher, quartz counters in the kitchen and bathrooms, and a king-size bed with nightstands on either side.
Underneath it all there’s an air suspension system, a 605-horsepower Cummins engine and an automatic leveling system.
More from Canadian Family Offices:
- Where to invest $1 million right now
- A piece of a private jet: the fractional ownership model
- Business owners, what should you pay yourself in 2023?
- Money and relationships: Power dynamics can unravel the knot
Please visit here to see information about our standards of journalistic excellence.