New Grand Design Lineage Series M

Grand Design RV has built a reputation for innovation and quality in over a decade and consequently has built a strong customer following. That is an interesting story in itself. Why? Because growing a reputation normally takes a lot longer – it’s rare for a company as young as Grand Design to have the type of word-of-mouth success it currently has. I turn to what Grand Design says about themselves for insight into that statement. They explain their success this way:
“We pay more attention to detail, focus more on our customers, perform more rigorous inspections, and hire more experienced craftsmen. We produce top-of-the-line recreational vehicles that our customers and dealers know they can rely on.”

To date, Grand Design has concentrated on the towable market – first offering high-end fifth wheels and then moving downmarket with lighter and less contented towables to spread their price point. All of which have been well received. What they haven’t done to date is dip a toe into the motorized market – until now.

The launch of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter supported Lineage Series M (Class C) took place in New York City in June of this year. I wondered about that site for an RV launch – a motorhome in New York. Once I read up on the Lineage, it started to make sense. Glamping – that word that describes camping mixed with Glamour. This unit also comes in at around $200,000.00 USD in New York. Now that launch location makes sense. I suppose the other reason for both the location and price is that Grand Design produces quality vehicles with unique, upscale interiors – both descriptions are evident in the new Lineage. This is not an economy-box Class C.

The platform for this Class C is the Mercedes Benz 4500, a dual rear wheel chassis powered by a 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine. The GVWR of the unit is 12,125 lb, and the diesel makes 208 HP and 332 lb-ft of torque—more than enough to power this unit. Fuel economy should also be very reasonable with this small diesel – an important point for a Class C that will probably do a lot of mileage.

You’ll notice other build features, such as an aerodynamic front cap with custom interior moulded plastics. A MorRyde steel chassis conversion, custom exterior luggage doors and hydraulic leveling jacks. It also has an acrylic window and entry door package with integrated shades, screens and trim kits. Here’s an unusual yet innovative feature – factory-installed dual headrests with incorporated hidden safes. Hey, if you can afford this unit, you probably have items you’ll want to keep safe.

Inside, there is a large (40-inch deep) single slide-out that houses the 70”x 80” King Bed (Indratech Reinforced Comfort Design) and the booth dinette. Or you can swap it out for motorized theater seating. Now, when you study the layout, you’ll note that putting the bed into the slide out leaves the rear of the unit floorplan open for an extra-large hanging wardrobe and more room for the rear bathroom. In this space you’ll find a lighted bathroom shower, a deep bathroom sink, custom shower with linear slot drain, and a SeaDek Shower Pad.

Décor at this price-point really matters and Grand Design has spent considerable time and effort to provide a knockout design. It’s a modern, European-inspired interior with a neutral palette, square fixtures, dark ceilings, clean lines and task driven luxury lighting. Included is a premium Rockford Fosgate sound system throughout.

The spacious kitchen (relatively) with a Smart Sink, gets a matching appliance package, and 12V 10 cu/ft refrigerator.

For off grid power the Lineage is equipped with a 600-watt solar array that feeds a Lithionics Battery. An interior display shows battery state, current draw and conveniently translates this into time remaining.

Silence is golden, they say – so Grand Design uses an energy efficient quiet A/C with linear slot diffusers and custom return air plenum in the Lineage.

A word about the exterior paint scheme. Grand Design offers eight different patterns. This is great for the owner who wants to distinguish their Lineage. Also, note that this is full-body paint, not stickers over a full base colour. This will matter in a few years when it still looks new.

Recently Don Clark, President and CEO, Grand Design RV said of the launch

“Since we announced our entry into the motorized market, the response has been tremendous. We cannot wait to initiate shipments so that our customers can make lasting memories in their new Lineage.”

So, while my current tour of the Grand Design Lineage Series M has been virtual – this is a unit I’d love to road test – If you’re reading this Grand Design – reach out.

Specifications for the Grand Design Lineage Series M, 25FM

• • • Length 25’8”
    • Height 11’5”
    • Width 7’11”
    • Interior Height 6’8”
    • Fresh Water 35 gal
    • Grey Water 34 gal
    • Wastewater 34 gal
    • Water Heater tankless
    • LPG 20 lb
    • GCWR 15,249 lb
    • GVWR 12,125 lb
    • Wheelbase 170”
    • Sleep Capacity 4