In a world where most things are straightforward, the Starvan Rebel 4×4 defies expectations by transforming into a surprisingly versatile mobile home. According to an article by autorevolution, the RV industry has seen a variety of slide-outs, pop-ups, and pullouts, both manual and automatic, over the years.
Advances in technology and construction have eliminated the reliability issues and shorter life cycles that plagued earlier models. Today’s expandable RVs are robust, weatherproof, and offer the same comfort as their non-expanding counterparts.
Despite these advancements, the Rebel 4×4 stands out. Amidst the #vanlife trend, which has popularized van conversions globally, few would expect a standard van to feature significant expanding capabilities beyond simple awnings or tents. The Rebel 4×4, however, offers much more.
Based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Rebel 4×4 features an expandable bedroom that creates what the builder humorously calls “a room to dance in.” While still compact, this space exceeds what typical van conversions offer, providing ample room for two adventurers on their travels.
Image by Starvan via starvan.eu
The Rebel 4×4, a newcomer to the RV market, boasts a patented automatic pullout system in Europe since 2017, leading to the creation of Starvan. Since its debut at trade events late last year, the Rebel 4×4 has toured Europe, showcasing two layout options: a 2-person and a 4-person lounge, with or without an expandable bathroom.
Image by Starvan via starvan.eu
This expandable bathroom is not a minor feature. The Rebel 4×4 can extend by 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) to fit a large queen bed in the rear. Additionally, its central bathroom module can move toward the rear to double the shower space, offering a unique solution for van-based living.
The Rebel 4×4 includes a comprehensive standard equipment package: a 160W roof-mounted solar panel, a 6kW Truma diesel heater, a medium-sized fridge, a full kitchen, and a large garage. The front seats swivel to form a customizable dining area, and the kitchen can be tailored with gas or electric cooktops, with the fridge location adjustable for outside access.
Image by Starvan via starvan.eu
When the bedroom extension is deployed, it accommodates a 1.4-by-2.1-meter (4.6-by-6.9-foot) bed made of two folding parts. Even with the bed set up, there is still some space to move around the cabin. The large garage under the bed moves with the extension and is only accessible from outside.
Each Rebel 4×4 is built to order, allowing for extensive customization. However, this comes at a cost. Starting at €140,000 (approximately $152,000), the base model is ready to go upon delivery, but additional features like a larger solar array or a composting toilet will increase the price.
Image by Starvan via starvan.eu
In June 2024, Starvan will introduce the Cruiser motorhome, maintaining the Rebel’s layout in a rear-wheel-drive format. To accommodate smaller budgets, Starvan also offers conversion services for existing Sprinter 907 owners, significantly reducing costs. However, with demand high, the lead time for a new Rebel 4×4 is about 18 months.
The Starvan Rebel 4×4 is poised to make a significant impact on the RV industry, blending innovative design with practical functionality and offering a unique and customizable mobile living experience that sets new standards for expandability, comfort, and trend alignment in van-based living, while potentially influencing future trends and developments in the RV market.
Featured Image by Starvan via starvan.eu