8 Minutes
Big Comfort in a Sub-6m Campervan
The Karmann Dexter 560 4x4 is a clever exercise in efficient motorhome design: a fully specified, all-wheel-drive camper built on a Ford Transit chassis that measures just 5.99 meters (19.65 feet) long yet still offers full standing height and a proper bathroom. For couples who want an agile, year-round RV that can handle rough tracks as well as city parking, this ultra-compact campervan stakes a strong claim.
Brand background and model overview
Karmann Mobil is a German recreational vehicle specialist founded in 1977, with a dedicated focus on campervans since 2011. The company developed the Dexter and Davis model lines as its flagship ranges, offering multiple variants to suit different needs. The Dexter 560 sits in the Allroad family, meaning it adds four-wheel-drive capability and off-grid features to the familiar Dexter floorplan.
Packaging and interior layout
Designed primarily as a couple's RV, the Dexter 560 makes smart use of every centimeter. The general layout places a dinette up front, bathroom and kitchen amidships, and the sleeping area at the rear, with a generous garage below the fixed bed. Despite its sub-6m footprint the Dexter includes a dinette for four (with three belted seats), a compact galley kitchen, a fixed double bed, substantial storage and a wet bathroom with a cassette toilet — an impressive package for a vehicle that still fits on a standard B driving licence in many markets.
Dinette and living area
The front lounge combines a forward-facing bench with storage, plus the two swivel cab seats, and a sectional dining table with an optional extension so four adults can dine comfortably. Karmann adds storage wherever space permits: fabric pockets on the bench sides, overhead cupboards with open shelving, and more storage above the cab. Interior finishes in the higher-spec versions include faux leather upholstery, leather-look wall panels and indirect ambient lighting that creates a premium feel despite the compact dimensions.
Kitchen: style vs. practicality
The galley is a single-block unit optimized for a small footprint. Equipment includes a two-burner gas hob (not fitted with a glass cover), a round stainless steel sink with cover, and a 50-liter two-way fridge mounted beside the kitchen block. Storage is available under the countertop, plus a slide-out mini-pantry/spice rack and limited overhead lockers. While the kitchen matches the elegant interior styling, the modest countertop area and absence of a counter extension make meal prep tighter than in larger campervans.
Bathroom: a surprising highlight
The wet bathroom is one of the Dexter 560s standout features. Rather than a cramped wetroom with a combined sink-shower arrangement, Karmann provides a two-fold partition that isolates the toilet and sink while you shower. The partition hides the shower wand, delivering a genuine shower experience. The bathroom also includes a cassette toilet, a fold-down sink that offers more basin area than you might expect in this class, and several storage pockets and shelves — a well-engineered solution for travelers who prioritize onboard comfort.
Bedroom and garage flexibility
The fixed rear sleeping area is a modular double bed constructed from three separable sections. These can be moved aside to expand garage volume for bulky gear, bicycles, or motorbikes, which makes the Dexter 560 flexible for longer adventures and varied payloads. Overhead storage and a wardrobe with a hanging rail complete the sleeping area storage options.
Technical specifications and performance
The full name is Karmann Dexter 4x4 DE 560 AW, and it is based on the Ford Transit platform. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel producing around 130 hp, with higher-output engines offered as options in many markets. The Allroad 4x4 package adds mechanical upgrades and features tailored for rough-road capability and year-round use.
Key specifications
- Chassis: Ford Transit base
- Engine: 2.0-liter diesel (standard 130 hp, optional higher tunes available)
- Length: 5.99 m (19.65 ft)
- Internal standing height: full interior height
- Drive: all-wheel drive / 4x4 (Allroad series)
- Fresh water tank: 100 liters (26.4 gal)
- Wastewater tank: 60 liters (15.8 gal), heated option available
- Heating: Combi D4 diesel (upgradable to hybrid D 6E)
- Electrical: optional 120 Ah lithium battery in Allroad package
- Fridge: 50 liters, two-way
- Maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW): 3,500 kg standard (upgrade kits available)
On-road and off-road behavior
On paved roads the Ford Transit underpinnings deliver predictable handling and comfort for a vehicle of this size. With the Allroad 4x4 hardware engaged, the Dexter is prepared for rough tracks and poor weather, expanding the range of viable camping spots beyond the beaten path. The diesel heating and optional lithium battery make it suitable for extended stays and winter camping.
Options, packages and pricing
Karmann offers a variety of optional equipment to tailor the Dexter 560 to personal travel styles. The Allroad package is one of the most attractive options for buyers seeking off-grid independence: it includes a 120 Ah lithium battery, electric step, dining table extension, heated wastewater tank and a rearview camera. Other common upgrades include a chassis weight increase, hybrid heating, and higher engine output.
List prices depend heavily on specification and dealer territory. As an example, a fully optioned unit recently shown at a trade fair had a list price slightly above €90,000, and with a limited show discount was offered for €76,200 — roughly $105,000 and $88,900 respectively at the exchange rate at that time. Typical pricing will compete with similar compact, premium campervans on the market.
Market positioning and competitors
The Dexter 560 targets buyers who want a compact, stylish, and capable two-person motorhome that is also practical for year-round travel. Its combination of a full wet bathroom, fixed bed, garage flexibility, and AWD capability places it in a niche alongside other premium, sub-6m campervans aimed at active couples and overlanders. Competitors include compact models from established European van conversions and factory motorhome ranges, but few manage the same balance of off-road readiness and interior completeness in such a short overall length.
Who should consider the Dexter 560?
Recommended buyers include couples who want a compact motorhome that can serve as a long-term mobile base, adventurers who need 4x4 capability without upsizing to a large motorhome, and enthusiasts who value a proper bathroom and a usable garage in a very short footprint. If you prioritize maneuverability, year-round comfort and the ability to explore remote routes, the Dexter 560 merits a test drive and a careful look at available option packs.
Final thoughts
The Karmann Dexter 560 4x4 is a compelling choice for drivers who want the convenience of a Ford Transit base combined with clever German packaging and off-road capability. It proves that a sub-6m campervan can be a true home on wheels, delivering a surprising amount of functionality and comfort in a compact, well-finished package. For buyers balancing size, comfort, and all-terrain potential, the Dexter offers a polished solution.
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