2020 Sunlight XV Edition T69L motorhome

German for value

A Dethleffs motorhome too fancy? How about something from its sub-brand Sunlight? You get German build quality and keener pricing. And thanks to a number of models marked XV Edition, you don’t lose out on specification.

This year (2020) saw Sunlight celebrating its 15^th anniversary, with its two most popular low-profile coachbuilt motorhomes given the XV Edition treatment.

But, it’s also arguably the floorplan du jour for a low-profile coachbuilt – with its main island double bed at the back set over a generous garage storage area. And yes, lots of manufacturers – UK and continental – include such a format in their motorhome line-ups.

In standard trim, then, you could easily argue the Sunlight T69L has its work cut out competing with rivals that are either better equipped or more keenly priced – or even both. The XV Edition version, however, is a complete gamechanger.

Not only is it well made – Sunlight might be a budget brand in its native Germany, but its build quality bears up well – its appeal is certainly strengthened by all the extra kit. That starts on the outside, with a black theme – the front grille, awning, bike rack, cab and alloy wheels are all in this colour, contrasting with the silver bodywork finish.

Other premium indicators include flush-fitting windows, Teleco satellite TV aerial (which also includes a 22in screen) and multi-media pack incorporating twin-camera rear view system – perfect for a small motorhome insurance discount! The only surprise is Sunlight hasn’t gone further and added a window to the habitation door, which is on the UK offside.

Inside the Sunlight XV Edition T69L motorhome, there are no layout surprises – it’s very much proven, starting with a front lounge that, like so many, uses both cab seats swivelled to join an inward-facing single seat on the offside and a forward-facing double travel seat on the nearside.

There’s a decent sized table top on a pedestal leg, with adjustment for fore and aft movement as well as height. The leather upholstery is standard.

The 167-litre fridge/freezer tops the kitchen specification.

But, you also get a Spinflo Duplex oven/grill, three-ring gas hob, and a circular sink – all in an L-shaped unit that helps offer some permanent worktop – unfortunately, there’s no extension.

Storage fares better, though, with a full cutlery drawer, single overhead locker (big enough for shelving and a divider), lockers over and under the fridge and a shelved lower locker that also houses a waste bin.

Other noteworthy kitchen details in this Sunlight XV Edition T69L motorhome include two mains sockets, splash panel and a short section of rail that comes with adjustable hooks.

Washroom facilities separate the kitchen from the rear bedroom. Typical for this kind of floorplan, the shower cubicle and toilet room are opposite each other – the former is all-plastic lined, with its showerhead on a riser bar for adjustability and wooden duckboarding.

The toilet room features Thetford’s near-ubiquitous swivel-blow toilet, along with a fixed corner basin. Storage here is impressive – a tall, shelved locker plus a cupboard under the basin – as is the provision of hooks and rails.

At 1.95m x 1.50m, the island double in the Sunlight XV Edition T69L is that bit bigger than many, yet it still allows for wardrobes either side, as well as ledges, and overhead lockers on the back wall. Not forgetting there’s all that garage storage area below.

Taking the full berthing allowance up to four, there’s a manually operated drop-down double over the lounge. A ladder provides access here (the bed doesn’t fully drop down), and do note it can partly block access via the habitation door.

As standard, the XV Edition comes on Fiat’s Camper chassis with 120bhp engine and options to upgrade to 140bhp and automatic transmission. In XV Edition trim, the T69L has a kerbweight of some 3,045kg, so there’s still a decent amount of payload.

It’s not all about the specification, either (although that will always sway sales). Throughout the Sunlight XV Edition T69L, there’s a feel of solid build that’s also kept largely free of frills – and that’s what seals the deal on this particular motorhome model.

Verdict: Extra kit makes this a winner

Plus: German build quality, well-priced

Minus: No shortage of rivals, act fast to get one

In-a-nutshell: A shining light

There’s more information on the XV Edition range on the Sunlight website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Adria Matrix Supreme 670SC , Auto-Trail Imala 730, Bailey Autograph 79-4, Rapido 696F, Swift Escape 694