Airstream Debuts 2011 Interstate 3500, Mercedes-Based

Travel trailer manufacturer Airstream has recently took the wraps off its latest creation, which is based on a Mercedes-Benz chassis. The 2011 Interstate 3500 Class B motorhome therefore combines the legendary quality and design of the Airstream brand with the comfort, control and luxury of Mercedes-Benz, according to a news release.

The Class B touring coach has seating for eight, a kitchen, bathroom and a lounge area that at night becomes a bed for two. Bucket seats in the cockpit swivel to face a removable table that seats four at mealtime, and a 19-inch flat panel HD LCD/DVD provides on-board entertainment.

The galley features a 1.2-cubic-foot convection-microwave oven and a stainless-steel two-burner cook top flush-mounted under a glass cover. A 3.1-cubic-foot refrigerator is cooled by an AC/DC compressor that is said to use 90 percent less power than conventional RV models. Additional energy efficiency is obtained by using interior LED lighting.

The Interstate is equipped with a high-efficiency 13,500-BTU Dometic roof-mounted air conditioner, an optional 2.5-kilowatt Onan propane generator and a 26-gallon fresh-water tank.

The Interstate also features an optional 5.5-inch LCD screen mounted in the driver’s compartment to display the area behind the van when in reverse. The vehicle is powered by a 3.0-liter Blue Efficiency V6 diesel engine that produces 188 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque from 1,200 to 2,400 rpm. Most importantly, the engine gets 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine.

The 2011 Interstate 3500 is available in both twin and lounge floorplans, with two interior options - Onyx and Sand Pearl - and two exterior colors – silver and white. Pricing starts at $121,274.