Stone Offroad Design (SOD) of Germany has extensive experience in transforming Volkswagen Grand California campervans into various levels of aggressive off-road chaotic machines, through its new Rise 4x4 super large all-terrain camping game. The unique adventure RV requires the Mercedes-Benz Unimog to carry a stylish pop-up four-person mini-apartment in order to settle on the most dangerous terrain on and off the map. The result is one of the world's most convincing combination of off-road ability to conquer the land and comfortable modern life.
It is certainly not a new formula to fix the luxury caravan box on a sturdy 4x4 chassis, but it has been steadily developed to include more high-end racing and aerospace-grade materials, a more intimate interior space and a fully decorated solid base vehicle after-sales off-road upgrade. TruckHouse BCT, Darc Mono and EarthRoamer XV-HD are some of the better, no-cost examples we have seen in the past five years.
By choosing the square jaw Unimog 5032, SOD does not require extensive after-sales upgrades (if any). The basic truck not only brings the expected off-road hardware, such as a proper 4x4 system with locking front and rear differentials, but also standard performance-enhancing accessories, such as clearance lift gate axles, tire pressure management, eight-speed off-road The gearbox's gearbox and elevated air intake system allow for wading through depths of nearly 4 feet (1.2 m). Whether it is digging primitive tree trunks out of the shadows of the forest, or laying pipes in these recesses to build the most scenic land for camping, Unimog can handle this task like there are few or no other trucks on the market. .
The SOD is fixed to the grille guard on the top of the embedded winch bumper, providing Rise 4x4 buyers with 230-horsepower four-cylinder and 394-horsepower six-cylinder diesel engine options.
With Mercedes completing almost all of its land-based ubiquitous capabilities, SOD has invested time in creating large luxury custom niche RV modules that can be used on or off-truck. Its clean, smooth body is lightly packed with some accessories, including a front stone guard for the alcove and LED light bars, a spare tire frame, it can also tow motorcycles or small ATVs, and an aluminum cargo box.
Inside, Rise 4x4 looks as impressive as the outside, albeit in a more refined and stylish way. The camper’s name seems to come in part from the small pop-up roof extension, which creates additional headroom and wrap-around views in the alcove bedroom with a fixed double bed. Just beside the steps leading to the bed, behind a door that appears to be pulled straight out of the house, the bathroom cubicle is equipped with an artistic pyramid-shaped toilet, floating washbasin and rain shower.
The other half of the "rising" function of SOD's Unimog RV is located at the top of the rear dining room. The second bed is raised and stored above the U-shaped sofa and round table, and a nested ring chandelier is cleverly suspended above the lounge. At night, the double bed was lowered to tabletop level, and the chandelier collapsed quietly and neatly.
The central kitchen spans the aisle and includes a set of appliances drawn directly from the luxury home order catalog. The four-burner induction cooker is located between the range hood and the oven. The opposite full-height double-door refrigerator/freezer provides enough space to keep the meat red and vegetables green and crispy. The sink has a tall arched faucet.
Rise 4x4 complies with 2021 technical standards, bringing a globally-ready Internet package, a multimedia system with application control and a complete sound system. Electricity is stored in a 400Ah/24V lithium-ion battery pack, which is connected to a 840-watt solar panel. Provide temperature control through air/water heating, floor heating and air conditioning.
Other Unimog-based expedition RVs have exquisite interiors, but assuming that the Rise 4x4 renderings prove true, we think SOD is pushing its design further. Its interior reflects the well-arranged and warm atmosphere that has risen to the upper level of European road RV and caravan design. The company attaches great importance to neutral colors and natural-style materials, so that its interior has an excellent appearance, with almost no feeling of RV.
The floors, counters and step boards of Rise 4x4 are decorated with marble-looking stoneware, while the furniture, cabinets and table tops shine with the luster of the "Conform Graphite" surface. Copper and steel fixtures and copper accents run through. The books, plants, center decorations and general independent decorations surrounding the interior certainly look good in the renderings, but we doubt that any serious out-of-towners will try to recreate these images before rumbling along the rock-scattered paths . Nevertheless, even without them, hard-installed appliances, furniture, surfaces and decorations can create a very high-end, ultra-modern residential atmosphere.
Rise 4x4 made its debut as a sibling of SOD’s Rise 4x2, and the company plans to start production in 2022. Its currently listed 400-horsepower six-cylinder model is priced at 899,900 euros (approximately US$1 million). It does not have a list of four-cylinder versions, but we will boldly say that no matter how the price drops, it will not be enough to make it far ahead of the mass market.