Combining the MAN van with a clever rising rear bed
ADRIA has long been at the forefront of the fixed bed campervan scene, so it’s more of a surprise that it’s taken the company a while to offer an alternative to the Fiat Ducato than the fact that a MAN-based line-up is now available. Two versions of the Twin Max have been launched for 2024, the single bed SLB and this SGX version, which differs only in its bedroom arrangement.
Of course, as ever, you sleep at the stern, but the SGX offers key advantages over rivals, not only in bed size but also the way the mattress lifts out of the way to create an enormous garage. So, this lengthways bed measures a whopping 1.96m by 1.78m but more impressive still is that it rises at the touch of a button right up to the ceiling. Really neat is the way the sides of the bed frame automatically retract as it goes up, so as to fit between the roof lockers.
Good design continues with the rails to which you can lash heavy items, not only on the floor but horizontally on the garage area’s side cabinets. There are even fabric protectors for these cupboards, so they don’t get scratched by your bikes.
The garage also includes a couple of cupboards, the small gas locker (heating is diesel-fired), the inboard 100-litre fresh water tank and the two 100Ah leisure batteries (£280 extra). Just inside the rear barn doors you’ll find a mains socket and an external shower attachment on the offside.
To achieve such a large rear bedroom/garage area, of course, the Twin Max uses the Long version of the MAN TGE, which, at 6.84m, is nearly half a metre longer than the biggest Ducato or Boxer.
It’s undoubtedly a more modern-looking vehicle than the Fiat and Adria adds 17in alloy wheels (part of the essential but costly – £13,710 – Lux Pack) and subtle, geometric graphics, chromed marque badging, flush-fitting framed windows and a neatly integrated overcab sunroof. Candy White is the only standard colour, with Indium Grey or Reflex Silver metallics priced at £1,620.
Our photos show a left-hand drive preproduction vehicle but UK right-hand drive models will retain the offside sliding door, fitted with an electric step. A flyscreen here is optional (£365), and a solar panel adds £510, but the Dometic awning is standard.
The aforementioned Lux Pack ensures that you get all the toys, as well as a 4,000kg maximum gross weight, thus requiring a C1 category on your driving licence. Also included in the pack are a heated leather multifunction stee
