Article Highlights
- The Hymer Grand Canyon S is built on the Mercedes Sprinter platform and comes in two lengths, the 600 and the larger 700.
- Buyers can choose Rear Wheel Drive or the tougher Four Wheel Drive setup with off-road tires for rougher terrain.
- The layout includes a full kitchen, a fixed or swivel bathroom with a shower, and sleeping space for up to four people.
- Hymer Connect lets owners control the heating and hot water remotely through a smartphone app.
- Pricing sits in the premium camper van bracket, so it helps to compare it against a camper van rental before committing to a purchase.
Introduction
I have spent a good amount of time around Mercedes-based camper vans, and the Hymer Grand Canyon S keeps coming up in conversations with people who want a vehicle that can double as a daily driver and a proper home on wheels. This Hymer Grand Canyon S review looks at what the van actually offers once you get past the brochure photos, including how it drives, how it feels to live in, and whether the price makes sense compared to renting or buying a smaller alternative.
What Is the Hymer Grand Canyon S
The Hymer Grand Canyon S is a panel van conversion built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. It is part of Hymer’s Class B lineup, which means it keeps the compact footprint of a standard van while packing in a kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom. Unlike a boxy motorhome, the Hymer Grand Canyon S can fit into a normal parking space and still be driven like a regular van, which is a big part of its appeal for people who want to travel without towing anything or dealing with an oversized vehicle.
The Grand Canyon S comes in two body lengths. The Grand Canyon S 600 measures close to six meters, while the bigger Grand Canyon S 700 stretches closer to seven meters and offers more room for longer trips. Both versions share the same core mechanical setup from Mercedes, so the choice mostly comes down to how much living space a buyer actually needs.
Engine and Drivetrain Options
One thing that stands out in this Hymer Grand Canyon S review is the range of drivetrain choices. The standard rear wheel drive version uses a Mercedes diesel engine producing around 168 to 170 horsepower, paired with a 9G Tronic automatic transmission. That combination feels smooth on the highway and handles the weight of the conversion without much strain.
For buyers who want to go further off the beaten path, Hymer offers a Four Wheel Drive Grand Canyon S with a 190-horsepower engine and 16-inch off-road tires. This version is built for gravel roads, light trails, and unpredictable weather, and it gives the Hymer Grand Canyon S a genuine advantage over camper vans that only come in front-wheel or Rear Wheel Drive. If your travel plans involve mountain routes or remote campsites, the 4×4 option is worth the extra cost.
Interior Layout and Comfort
Step inside the Hymer Grand Canyon S, and the first thing you notice is how organized everything feels. The kitchen sits along one side with a two-burner hob, a sink, and a mid-height compressor refrigerator that holds around 90 liters. There is a flip-up counter extension for extra prep space, which is a small detail but genuinely useful when cooking for more than one person.
Storage is handled well throughout the van. Overhead lockers, a dedicated wardrobe, and multifunctional rails for spice racks and kitchen tools mean you are not constantly digging through bags to find what you need. The bathroom includes a toilet and shower, and on the longer Grand Canyon S 700, it uses a swivel design to save space. Sleeping arrangements depend on the configuration, but most versions of the Hymer Grand Canyon S sleep up to four people once you add the optional elevating roof with extra berths.
Headroom is another point worth mentioning. Some trims offer close to 192 centimeters of interior height, which makes a real difference for taller travelers who do not want to duck every time they move around inside.
Technology and Smart Features
The Hymer Grand Canyon S comes with Hymer Connect as standard, which is a smartphone app that lets you control the diesel heater and hot water boiler before you even step back into the van. Coming back from a hike to a warm cabin and hot water is a small luxury that makes a real difference on cold trips.
Later versions, including the Xperience special edition, add a 10.25-inch MBUX multimedia system with navigation and a reversing camera, along with a 5G WLAN router for staying connected on the road. Driver assistance features such as crosswind assist, lane departure warning, and distance assistance are also available, which brings the Hymer Grand Canyon S closer to what you would expect from a modern Mercedes passenger vehicle rather than a converted van.
Driving Experience
Because the Hymer Grand Canyon S is built on the Mercedes Sprinter platform, it drives more like a well-mannered van than a bulky motorhome. The 9G Tronic automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the diesel engine has enough torque to handle the added weight of the conversion without feeling strained on hills or highway merges.
The 4×4 version adds noticeable confidence on loose surfaces, and the higher ground clearance, combined with off-road tires, means you are not limited to paved campsites. For a vehicle of this size, the Hymer Grand Canyon S handles corners and lane changes better than most people expect from a camper van.
Pricing and Value
Pricing for the Hymer Grand Canyon S varies depending on the market, trim level, and optional extras like the pop-up roof or the Xperience package. Base prices for the Xperience special edition have been reported around 109,500 euros, while listings for other configurations have shown prices ranging higher depending on equipment and dealer markup. These figures are estimates and can shift based on region and current exchange rates, so it is worth confirming exact pricing with a local dealer before making a decision.
If the price feels like a big step, it makes sense to try a camper van rental first. Renting a similar Mercedes-based van for a week or two gives you a real sense of daily life inside the layout before committing to a purchase. Many people also look at a Mercedes camper van for sale on the used market, since a lightly used Hymer Grand Canyon S can offer most of the same comfort at a lower entry cost.
How It Compares to Other Mercedes Camper Vans
The camper van market built on the Mercedes Sprinter is competitive, with several brands offering similar layouts. What sets the Hymer Grand Canyon S apart is the combination of the 4×4 option, the Hymer Connect smart features, and the attention to interior storage. Not every competitor offers a proper off-road package, and fewer still match the fit and finish that Hymer brings to the kitchen and cabinetry.
That said, buyers who only plan to use paved roads and campgrounds might not need the 4×4 upgrade, and a simpler Rear Wheel Drive Mercedes camper van could save money without sacrificing much daily comfort. The right choice depends on where you plan to travel and how much you value the extra capability.
Who Should Consider the Hymer Grand Canyon S
The Hymer Grand Canyon S suits families who want a compact vehicle that can be driven daily and still handle multi-week trips. It also appeals to remote workers who need reliable connectivity on the road, thanks to the 5G router and smart control features. Adventure travelers who want to reach trailheads or backcountry campsites will get the most value from the 4×4 version with off-road tires.
If your travel style leans more toward relaxed weekend trips near paved roads, the standard Rear Wheel Drive Hymer Grand Canyon S should cover your needs without the added cost of the off-road package.
My Personal Opinion
After going through the specs, layout, and real-world feedback from owners, the Hymer Grand Canyon S earns its reputation as one of the more capable Mercedes camper vans on the market. It balances daily drivability with genuine off-road potential, and the interior layout feels thought through rather than squeezed in. Whether it is the single best option depends on your budget and travel style. Still, for buyers who want a Mercedes-based van that can go further than a typical campsite, the Hymer Grand Canyon S is one of the strongest choices available today.
At BOL Automotive, we always recommend testing a van in person or through a short rental before signing on a purchase, since a walkthrough tells you more than any spec sheet ever will.
Note: Pricing, availability, and exact specifications for the Hymer Grand Canyon S can vary by region, model year, and dealer. Readers should confirm current figures directly with Hymer or an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
