Knaus Live I 650 MEG: Motorhome test

D.his hot cut also convinced the readers of AUTO BILD REISEMOBIL: The new Knaus Live I won the GOLDEN REISEMOBIL 2020 readers’ choice first place among the fully integrated. This is called a made-to-measure debut! It’s no wonder that the new Jandelsbrunn motorhome with its dynamic look, modern interior and attractive Purchase price of just over 60,000 euros but a clear counterpart to the rather sedate models of the competitors. Therefore, from now on, a Live I 650 MEG will show in our endurance test whether the advance praise was deserved.

That’s him: From a purely objective point of view, the smallest integrated model from the Knaus entry-level Live series. Almost seven meters long, weighs 3.5 tons and with space for four as standard. There are also two other models: the 700 MEG (7.53 meters, from 64,490 euros) and the 900 LEG, which even drives up as a three-axle vehicle at 8.61 meters (from 79,990 euros). All layouts have single beds in the rear, a fold-down bed in the front and do not have a double floor. Together with the classic wall structure (with PU strips it costs 1670 euros extra), this explains the low entry price, the only 4100 euros above that of the comparable semi-integrated Live TI 650 MEG is located. From a subjective point of view, advancement to the integrated class is more difficult. This is also due to the fact that the Live I appears larger than its external dimensions suggest. With the side seat to the right of the body door the dinette also invites five to socialize. The bathroom on the driver’s side makes the most of the available space with the swivel wall and, in addition to a shelf, offers plenty of storage space in a tall cupboard. Opposite is the kitchen with fold-out work surface, three large drawers, two overhead cupboards and a slim tower refrigerator. This is followed by two wardrobes in the rear under the adjustable foot ends of the comfortable beds. We like the open shelves here, which make the area look nice and airy. Last but not least, it is convincing Rear storage space with its enormous volume and the big doors.

He has: A very modern look, paired with tangible advantages. The LED headlights on the front, for example, not only ensure the striking look, but also one great light output. And the One-hand operation of the flaps is practical and chic at the same time. There are also goodies such as the standard driver’s door, the combined diesel-AdBlue filler flap, retractable dinette headrests or the practical lighting concept. The coolest extra is the e.hit for 2804 euros, an electrically extending transport system at the rear. It is combined with a detachable trailer hitch and takes the bike rack (which can then be loaded at bumper height to protect your back) or a transport box. Knaus offers some packages with a price advantage of up to 1627 euros – such as the Live-I package with insect protection door, Truma iNet, insulated waste water tank, etc. for 1890 euros.

This is how he drives: Thanks to the forward-sloping dashboard and large mirrors the overview is great – A reversing camera is of course still required (for example in the media package with navigation system and head-up display for a reasonable 2030 euros). In our “moose test” this is not the case fast acting ESP positive – just like the sensitive chassis and direct steering, which, according to our driving dynamics expert Tim Dahlgaard, the optional 17-inch wheels play their part. Here, too, optics and functionality go hand in hand.

Conclusion: The Live I already performed well in our super test. In particular, his good-natured behavior in all driving dynamics tests inspires confidence. Driving comfort is also high and operation is easy. Many practical solutions make life on board easy. We are looking forward to the coming months!