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If you’re in the market for a luxury motorhome, you’ve probably stumbled across the Airstream Atlas. After all, it’s one of the top touring coaches on the market and features many stunning amenities.
Nevertheless, the Atlas is expensive; and if you’re considering investing in a motorhome, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the Airstream Atlas, including its cost, features, pros, and cons.
Let’s dig in!
What Is the Airstream Atlas?
The Airstream Atlas is a luxury motorhome that Mercedes Benz and Airstream co-designed. It sits on a Sprinter 3500 cutaway chassis that opens up to a wider body that Airstream created.
The Atlas is technically a Class C because of its cutaway chassis. However, Airstream and others in the industry lovingly refer to this rig as a “Class B+,” since it has a van-like front with a Class C body.
Pro Tip: Most motorhomes are differentiated by the size of the motorized coach. We can help you understand the differences and names of each motorhome class.
Moreover, this lavish vehicle has a Mercedes-Benz 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine, 325 lbs of torque, Air Ride suspension, and eye-popping features that can provide you plenty of comforts away from home.
Okay, we know what you’re thinking: How much does this thing cost?
Well, we’re glad you asked. Let’s talk numbers.
How Much Does the Airstream Atlas Cost?
Starting at $260,260, the 2022 Airstream Atlas comes with a heavy price tag. It’s about the same price as a modestly built house.
Thankfully, the Airstream Atlas only has one add-on: an optional front bed system costing $1,150. This means that all its luxury features come with the base price.
Therefore, the most you’ll pay is $261,410.
Why Is the Atlas So Expensive?
Here’s something we’re all probably wondering: Why $260k?
Well, first and foremost, the two greats of the automotive and RVing industry have paired up. Both Mercedez-Benz and Airstream are iconic companies that have a reputation for producing top-quality products. The notoriety alone shoots up the price because they’re well-respected and have garnered trust with their customers.
Secondly, the Atlas is Airstream’s most luxurious touring coach yet. They’ve continued to improve on their original Class B (the Interstate) and thus created a “Class B+” with even more spaciousness, features, and comfort.
Thirdly, Airstream didn’t seem to skimp on anything. From the safety features to the floorplan, it’s easy to see that the Atlas was made with attention to detail and top-quality products.
Let’s check out the floor plan.
Airstream Atlas Floorplan
The Airstream Atlas has a unique and spacious floor plan. With only about 150 sq ft of living space, it’s surprising how much they pack into a small motorhome.
When you enter the side entry door, you’ll find yourself in the main living area. This features a power-reclining sofa that folds down to allow for a Murphy bed. On the other side of the living area, you’ll see a hideaway Samsung Smart TV, perfectly positioned for you to watch movies while you’re in bed or couch lounging.
The kitchen is next, as you work your way towards the back of the rig. It features a sink, a two-burner cook-top, and an electric refrigerator.
Then comes one of the most amazing aspects of the Atlas: its massive residential-style bathroom. Here you’ll find a toilet, a large stand-up shower, a sink, and ample storage space for your wardrobe and toiletries.
Maybe that’s why it’s $260k.
Specs of the Airstream Atlas
Now for the specs!
The Airstream Atlas sleeps up to two people and measures 24’9” long. It’s 10’6” high, 8’3” wide, and has an interior height of 6’6”, giving most of us plenty of headroom (sorry, Shaq).
As for the heated holding tanks? The freshwater tank holds 23 gallons, while the gray water tank holds 31 and the black tank holds 23. Moreover, the Atlas’s fuel tank holds 25.5 gallons of diesel and gets about 16-18 MPGs.
Now, let’s explore the unique features this motorhome has to offer.
Luxury Features of the Airstream Atlas
The luxury features of the Airstream Atlas are undoubtedly what makes this rig so expensive.
Beginning from the outside, the Atlas has a sleek, subtle exterior coated in BASF Metallic OE Paint with Cut & Buff finish. To keep with the smooth design, Airstream included power entry hidden steps into the design, as well as hidden-latch storage compartments.
They also included a 300-watt solar system, two 100-amp-hour deep cycle lithium Battle Born batteries, and a touch screen energy management system.
When it comes to safety, the Atlas has lane assist, collision assist, cameras on the side mirrors, and parking sensors on the back of the rig.
Furthermore, you’ll ride in comfort with an Air Ride suspension system and heated seats. Oh, and did I mention the windshield is heated, too?
Pro Tip: Whether you’re riding in an Atlas or a more affordable RV, you can enjoy these luxury RV accessories that are totally worth spending a bit extra on.
Pros and Cons of the Airstream Atlas Motorhome
The Atlas is a top competitor when it comes to luxury Class B and C motorhomes, but every rig comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Pros
At over 260k MSRP, you would hope the highlights are easy to spot. Luckily, Mercedes-Benz and Airstream know what the people want and they’ve delivered. Let’s look at the pros of the Airstream Atlas.
Easy to Drive and Maneuver
At only 24’9” long with a 170” wheelbase, the Atlas is much easier to drive than larger motorhomes. You can easily zip around cities and mountain roads with your entire home behind you.
Good Gas Mileage
As mentioned before, the Atlas gets about 16-18 MPGs, rivaling most campervans. This is actually pretty amazing, since many commuter vehicles have lower MPGs. Go Mercedes!
Versatile and Functional Floorplan
The openness that the slide-out and Murphy bed create truly makes the interior feel spacious. You can easily hide your bed away and set up your sofa for day use, providing you with plenty for floor place. This versatility also allows for very roomy bathroom and storage areas.
Cons
Just like any RV on the market, there’s always a give and take. No rig is perfect, and that includes The Airstream Atlas. Let’s take a look at the cons.
Expensive
Unfortunately, the $260k price tag excludes most RVers from enjoying this rig. And at this high price, parts and repairs will cost a pretty penny, as well. Even if you could afford the Atlas, would you have any money left over for travel? For these reasons, the cost is high on our list of cons.
Not Great for Large Families
Because the Atlas only sleeps 2 people, it’s not the best choice for larger families. At over $260k, you would think the design team could have found a way to add at least one other bed, right?
No Permanent Bed
As mentioned before, the Atlas contains a Murphy bed that must be folded up so the interior space can remain functional. Think about it: If one person likes to sleep in, but the other wants to get up and be productive, will that couple really be happy in this RV? Maybe not.
Is the Airstream Atlas Worth the Cost?
So, is the Airstream Atlas really worth over $260k?
The short answer is: It depends who you ask.
If you’re a person with deep pockets looking for the ultimate luxury adventure rig, this could be the rig for you. When it comes to amenities, the Airstream Atlas truly delivers. It’s clearly designed with the highest quality materials and latest technology, and it will surely make for a fantastic travel vehicle.
However, if you’re like the majority of us RVers with an average income, your answer is probably no. The reality is you could probably find a Class B or C motorhome with many similar features for much cheaper. Sure, you might not have the leather interior or a hideaway TV, but are those things really that important on the road?
It’s up to you to decide!
What do you think: Is the Airstream Atlas really worth the money? Let us know in the comments below!
What is the difference between the Airstream, Unity, and Regency Murphy Bed RV’s? 80-90 grand
We have an atlas it’s only one of many rv’s we’ve had and definitely the most fun .we dry camp a lot works great