Photo: Burstner (Composite)
The future should be bright and exciting, and if Burstner has any say, it will be for towable vehicles. That's the Talis, a trailer concept that Burstner has developed as a proposal for the “caravan of the future.”
Nowadays, it is not uncommon for companies and marketers to use phrases like “of the future”, “of tomorrow”, or anything like that to drum up interest in an upcoming product that may or may not live up to expectations. But while the practice has gotten a little boring, it's still put to good use in this case.
Burstner, part of the Hymer AG group since 1998, looks to the future of campers and paints a very optimistic picture. The Talis is that picture: light and incredibly easy to tow, modular, comfortable and self-sufficient. This last part is not directly stated, but is implied.
The Talis concept also exists beyond the virtual map. A full-scale prototype incorporating all the features is now on display at the 2024 Dusseldorf Caravan Show, as a means of assessing reception with a view to bringing it to series production. You can see a full on-site tour in the second video available at the bottom of the page.
Photo: YouTube/Andrew Ditton
In recent years, Burstner has worked on integrating the concept of “feeling at home away from home” in their various products through various means. Some products employ modularity to achieve this, while others favor a transformable form factor, whether pop-up or slide-out.
The Talis gets both the Air-Xtension and EasyFlex names, so it can live much larger than you might expect from a travel trailer when camping. At the time of writing, Burstner hasn't revealed any specifics of the trailer concept, but it's small enough to fit on a single axle. “Swiss Cheese”-type of frame that fits the company motto of “Travel small, live large.”
The two highlights are the two features that allow it to transform into a true family camper at the campsite. The Air-Xtension is a rather futuristic-looking, fully insulated inflatable rear extension that essentially takes the main bed outside without exposing the occupants to the elements.
Photo: YouTube/Andrew Ditton
In travel mode, the rear bed can still accommodate two people, albeit more comfortably and in a horizontal arrangement. When camping, the bed expands outwards and, thanks to its dimensions of 200 x 170 cm (79 x 67 inches), can comfortably accommodate two adults lengthwise.
Under the master bed is the first example of what Burstner calls EasyFlex spaces, which are essentially modular, multifunctional areas: a children’s den that can transform into an enclosed garage with a simple folding motion of the mattress and the wooden slats underneath, turning the entire assembly into a wall.
As a kids' bedroom, though, this space seems like a paradise for two little ones. With enough room to sleep flat, it also boasts a bit of storage and, instead of windows to the outside, soft lighting. It even has a privacy curtain, which can effectively turn it into the neatest playroom on the campsite.
Photo: YouTube/Andrew Ditton
Thanks to the trick of the expandable bed and the bunk layout, the Talis still has room for a dining area for four, consisting of two benches and a fold-out table. Every element here, from the benches to the table, the overhead storage, and even the lighting fixture, can be removed from its position for use outside, thus expanding the available outdoor space.
The kitchen and full bathroom are located up front, with a mid-sized refrigerator conveniently nestled between them. They’re also great examples of the kind of modularity Burstner has in mind for the future camper: the two-burner induction electric cooktop can be removed and used outside as an outdoor kitchen, and the bathroom features hidden cubbies that hold the fold-down sink and any other toilet options.
Finishes range from wood paneling, which doubles as soundproofing as well as adding a very homey feel to the space, to hardwearing fabrics and faux tiles. The Talis strikes a good balance between functionality and good looks, with a minimalist yet modern interior that’s still welcoming.
Photo: YouTube/Andrew Ditton
Storage options are not immediately obvious at first glance, but they are there. In addition to the removable containers at the top, there is more storage space in the kitchen and under the dinette benches, as well as in a special compartment with shelves at the front, accessible only from the outside.
According to Burstner, the exterior design was directly inspired by the shape of a fish because their goal from the beginning was to create a towable vehicle that was as light and aerodynamic as possible so that it could be towed even by a Electric vehicle without too much of a stressful impact on the range. The design studio StudioSyn takes full credit for how it came out, after countless tests through the virtual wind tunnel software.
Photo: Burstner
“Electric towing vehicles, low fuel consumption and lightweight construction are becoming increasingly important,” Jens Kromer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Burstner, stated this in a statement. “Almost any car can tow the Talis, including electric ones.”
The big “if” here is how the concept will be received by the public.
