Premiere of ABT XNH based on VW T6.1 at f.re.e trade fair
With the XNH, ABT presents a vehicle concept that fits perfectly into the trend of the times and represents a real premiere in the company’s more than 125-year history. It is the first camper from the Bavarian company. And it should not only be able to compete with the best of its guild, but also represent a truly unique option. Together with renowned partners in the industry, a total of 500 VW T6.1s are being extensively converted with many unique details and features. After all, it is not for nothing that the ABT brand stands for innovation leadership, emotionality and premium character in every detail. “You will hardly find a more modern and high-quality vehicle on the market in this segment,” says managing partner Hans-Jürgen Abt enthusiastically about the camping conversion: “The name ABT XNH of the complete vehicle stands for ‘Explore New Horizons’. We are addressing all those who want to expand their horizons and for whom maximum comfort is the ultimate form of freedom. In everyday life as well as in leisure time.” The camper can be seen live for the first time in two versions at the f.re.e. on stand 131 of sales partner Autohaus Schweiger in hall B4. Bavaria’s largest travel and leisure trade fair will take place from 22 to 26 February 2023.
In terms of exclusivity, lightweight construction and wow factor, the ABT XNH can definitely compete with other legendary complete vehicles from the renowned Bavarian company. This is guaranteed by the attractive aero kit. After all, ABT Sportsline already has a lot of experience with the Multivan, which is one of the bestsellers in the tuning programme. In the case of the XNH, the range includes front grill, front and rear skirts, side skirt add on’s and a striking foil finish with contour lines. A real highlight are the 18-inch XNH rims in noble glossy black, designed especially for the vehicle and fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres. However, ABT does not only want to convince the demanding clientele with a sporty and attractive exterior. As the centrepiece, the camping conversion in particular is groundbreaking.
The interior of the ABT camper, which is powered by a 150 HP (110 kW) diesel engine, was designed by the renowned company VANING GmbH. The ABT XNH scores with a design furnishing that is as functional as it is noble, with a high-quality finish even in the areas that are not visible. For the surfaces, scratch-resistant and easy-care HPL meets hand-picked real wood panels. The “wall panelling” consists of homely flocked and, above all, lightweight GRP mouldings that were specially made for the project. The assembly of all components is carried out by Volkswagen Group Services GmbH, the specialist in special vehicle construction.
The XNH offers a decisive space advantage due to its 40 cm longer wheelbase compared to the normal T6.1. Five seats meet a spacious kitchen with a double induction hob, refrigerator and table. In addition, there is a pull-out outdoor kitchen with gas cooker in the rear. The company is particularly proud of the self-sufficient power supply, which is ensured by photovoltaic modules. A lithium battery has been installed as a storage unit to ensure that sufficient energy is available even in the dark. The expertise for the concept comes from the countless electromobility projects that ABT e-Line has put on the road in the last decade. Currently, for example, used VW T6.1 are being converted to e-drive.
Environmental friendliness is also in the specifications for the ABT XNH. The camper van has highly effective thermal insulation made of sheep’s wool and recycled material. This ensures low heating requirements and guarantees comfortable temperatures even in the cold season. Production will start in May 2023 at Volkswagen Group Services GmbH in Hanover. The ABT XNH is once again a real highlight of the extremely popular model series.
