Chinese startup Wanaka unveiled a full-size Class B+ motorhome in January 2026, built on the new hybrid BYD T5DM chassis. The vehicle stretches nearly six metres in length, offers a ceiling height above 2.1 m, solar panels rated at 2,380 W, and a combined range of up to 1,400 km on the CLTC cycle — arguably the most technically advanced Chinese motorhome available today. Pricing runs from 439,800 to 499,800 yuan depending on the trim level.
BYD T5DM Chassis: The "Iron Triangle" of Energy
The foundation of the Wanaka is the BYD T5DM light truck with a hybrid drivetrain. Under the hood sits a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 41% thermal efficiency, paired with a permanent magnet electric motor (70–150 kW, instant torque of 340 Nm). Drive is rear-wheel, with an integrated electric axle. The 0–50 km/h sprint takes 5.5 seconds, and top speed is 100 km/h.
The manufacturer refers to the energy system as an "iron triangle": three independent power sources working in unison. The traction battery uses BYD LFP blade cells with a capacity of 55.39 kWh and supports fast charging: 30–80% in 20 minutes. The living quarters receive a dedicated LFP battery of 16.4 kWh. The roof is covered with solar panels totalling 2,380 W. Add a 100-litre tank for 92-octane petrol for long-distance legs. The result:
- Pure electric range — 150 km
- Hybrid mode — 800–1,100 km
- Combined range (CLTC) — 1,400 km
A bidirectional energy exchange is implemented between the chassis and the living quarters: the chassis CAN deliver up to 4,000 W to the living area, while the living quarters can send up to 3,300 W back to the drivetrain. The V2L external output reaches up to 6 kW — enough to power electric tools at a campsite or charge another electric vehicle. For buyers in China, the key bonus is a green licence plate, which exempts the vehicle from motorway tolls.
Living Quarters: 2.1 m Ceilings, Two Sleeping Areas, and 400 Litres of Water
The body is built using sandwich construction: an aluminium frame with XPS insulation, a fibreglass nose, a protective anti-spall coating, and shot-blasted underbody treatment. The subframe is made from 700L high-strength steel — three times stronger than standard Q235. External dimensions: 5,995 × 2,450 × 3,390 mm, with a 3,360 mm wheelbase.
Inside, there are two full sleeping areas: a front berth (2,230 × 1,330 mm) and a rear berth (2,220 × 1,300 mm). The Pro Max version adds a side slide-out — with it extended, the motorhome accommodates up to 6 people. Ceiling height exceeds 2.1 m, which is quite rare in the Class B+ segment.
The water system is designed for 3–5 days of self-sufficiency: a 400 L fresh water tank, a 170 L grey water tank, a cassette toilet with a 17 L tank, and a 40 L electric water heater. The unit also includes a heated shower, a mirror with LED lighting, and an extractor fan with 120 m³/h capacity.
Kitchen and Equipment: Xiaomi Inside, Quartz Countertop
The kitchen unit is fitted with a 230 L refrigerator (a dual-door inverter model with forced ventilation), a flat Xiaomi 20 L microwave, an extractor hood with a flow rate of 18 m³/min and a backflow valve, and an extendable quartz countertop that expands by 40%. The air conditioner is a Xiaomi inverter unit rated at 1.5 kW. The onboard electrical system runs on 24 V DC plus a 220 V inverter, with a combined output of 11 kW.
On the practical side: the rear compartment fits 10 suitcases, a side awning extends 4 m with LED lighting, a 5-channel camera system is included, along with voice control and the proprietary DiLink platform for remote management of the air conditioning and door locks.
Pricing and Positioning
The Pro version is priced at 439,800 yuan (approximately 57,000 €), and the Pro Max at 499,800 yuan (approximately 65,000 €). The vehicle can be driven on a C1 or C2 licence. The motorhome made its public debut at the RV show in Chengdu in May 2026.
Compared to European competitors, the pricing looks compelling: a fully capable hybrid motorhome stretching 6 m with a 1,400 km range simply does not exist in Europe. The open question is whether Wanaka will venture beyond the Chinese market. For now, the model is aimed exclusively at domestic demand — though interest from European distributors in Chinese motorhomes has been growing year on year.
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