Winnebago Chases Off-Road and Off-Grid Living Dream With New AWD Ekko Sprinter

Ladies and gentlemen, for the past few years, Winnebago has been offering a motorhome lineup dubbed the Ekko. It's the sort of RV that "combines the efficiency of a camper van, the added capacity of a Class C coach, and the enhanced capability of AWD," in the process giving rise to a "different" kind of machine. Until recently, the Ford Transit chassis was used to craft these habitats.

Well, this time around, Winnebago has announced its newest floorplan, the 23B layout, designed to accommodate up to five guests (with an optional pop-top roof) and a highly modular interior suitable for meeting the needs of various group sizes and activities. But this one is built around a Mercedes-Benz AWD Sprinter chassis. Oh, and before we go on, you better start putting some cash aside because we're expected to drop at least $235,738 (€216K at current exchange rates) on the most basic 23B.

Now, for this level of bucks, you'll be buying yourself a mobile habitat that may cost as much as some homes, but that's kind of the idea: to get your hands on a six-wheeled home, one where the name Mercedes-Benz is your foundation.

Furthermore, a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine with nine speeds and automatic transmission is behind the power to get you moving. It sounds small, but the 23B can even handle a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) trailer hitched up behind it for a total of 15,250 lbs (6,917 kg). It's a Benz; what did you expect?

From here, Winnebago goes to town crafting the rather mean and rugged exterior and shell. It's not entirely clear how the manufacturer built the enclosure, but my experience tells me that aluminum and composite materials are king here. After all, the last thing you want from an RV priced over $200K is for it to start peeling apart after the first storm.

That shell is then studded with countless bays and lockers where you'll be hiding all the gear, toys, and tools you might need on trips, but my favorite is the heated garage with an L-track system hiding at the very rear. Do you have an e-bike or two? This is where you'll be loading them up. Maybe grab a bike rack instead and reserve this space for other goodies like inflatable kayaks and outdoor camping equipment.

One aspect of the 23B that I found rather neat is the pop-top roof option. That's right; we can extend interior space with this feature and even add extra bedding, but be sure to weigh your options as this feature does limit the presence of others, like the luggage rack and ladder for accessing the roof.

Now, with an idea of what to expect from the exterior - be sure to check out the video below - let's head inside and explore a bit of what Winnebago has in store this time around. This starts with us entering the unit via the passenger side, placing us smack-dab in the center of the living space; the rear is reserved for nothing other than two elevated single beds that unite to create a beam-to-beam experience.

From the bedroom, the left side of the unit includes a wet bath with a pivoting sink wall to free up space as you shower and keep things dry, while the right side houses the galley block, ready with a portable range, oven, fridge/freezer, and plenty of storage for spices, pasta, and other goodies.

The front of the living space is all about socializing, dining, squeezing in a tad of work, and even sleeping. All of these events and actions are possible because of the modular layout Winnebago planned for this unit. By manipulating the lounge and table and adjacent sofa, you'll access a bed, entertain guests, or get that paper (making money/working). The driver and passenger seats also swivel, so there's no worrying about seating capacity.

Since this is an off-grid-living machine, the manufacturer also added features like solar panels - up to 535 W - inverters, batteries, and even a generator. LP tanks and 50 gals (189 liters) of freshwater are also in place, just to name a few. The water service center is also heated, hinting at those ski trips.

For the remainder of your time with us today, I'd like you to simply relax your body and mind and picture yourself in the center of all we've discussed. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sounds of birds in trees and a brook flowing nearby. Moments later, the aroma of coffee fills the air, and the smell of bacon accompanies it; all the while, two little humanoids begin to crawl down from their rooftop perch. Have breakfast and get ready for the day's activities.

This may include things like exploring the local landscape with e-bikes, taking a kayak ride around some hidden lake or down a river, or simply hanging out on a rocky ledge overlooking the valley below. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset, make fires, roast marshmallows and sausages, and make some memories to last a lifetime. I think that's worth over $200K any day.