- there's nothing quite like a government-issued lockdown to get us dreaming about a future camping trip in airstream's redesigned atlas rv.
- this luxury motor coach seems like the perfect rolling home to escape to far-flung locales and appreciate the open road.
- mercedes-benz's new sprinter 3500 is the donor chassis, but airstream has luxed up the interior with all the trappings of a modern, upscale home.
the current coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdowns and quarantines is making us stir crazy, but it's airstream's newly redesigned 2020 atlas motor coach that has our wanderlust at fever pitch. the updated atlas rides atop the mercedes-benz sprinter 3500 chassis, which was all-new for 2019 and features more modern styling, an upgraded 10.3-inch infotainment display with mercedes's new mbux interface, an air suspension, and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel v-6.
airstream's classic silver bodywork, borrowed from the brand's iconic camper trailers, pairs well with the sprinter's more aerodynamically shaped nose. together, they make the atlas look far classier than rival motorhomes that often rely on bold graphics to add texture to their boxy appearances. inside, the atlas does its best to replicate a modern luxury home, with a hideaway flat-screen tv, a residential-style kitchenette, cedar-lined closets, and a full-size bathroom with a large walk-in shower.
a pop-out panel on the driver's side of the atlas allows for a slightly roomier interior when the vehicle is parked overnight. airstream has cleverly hidden a murphy bed that pulls down from the wall of the pop-out panel, turning the atlas's living room into a roomy sleeping suite for two. with the bed stowed, a comfy couch provides a perfect space to relax and watch television; guests can relax in the driver's or passenger's seat, since both swivel around toward the living space and even provide attached footrests.
an onboard diesel generator and a 300-watt solar panel array provide electricity while off the grid for the atlas's appliances and climate control system; the atlas also comes prewired for satellite television and onboard wi-fi. a small refrigerator, a convection microwave oven, and a deep stainless steel sink make basic cooking a possibility while on the road, but don't plan any huge feasts as there's not a ton of counter space.
the bathroom is located at the very back and runs the width of the atlas's cabin. it features a walk-in shower with wood detailing, a ceramic commode, a vanity with a stainless steel sink, and a large closet for storing clothes, towels, and other over-the-road necessities.
we're dreaming of the days when our nation can get back to normal, vacations can be planned without threat of cancellation, and sights from outside our homes can be appreciated. we're also dreaming of being able to road trip in a luxury motor coach like the atlas. but, unfortunately for most would-be vacationers, it will likely remain a dream, as the atlas carries a staggering price tag of $238,071. those who can't envision living the #vanlife on this scale should check out airstream's lineup of less expensive camper trailers.