When we spoke with Robeta’s designer Luka Zajce arlier this year about the redesigned Adonis, he mentioned another project in passing: a brand new model, which he described only as one that openly flirts with the world of liners. Now, with the Hercules prototype already having faced its first test in front of dealers, we sat down with him again. What is Hercules, really? Who is it for, and when will we see the final version?
Hercules wasn't born because a longer Mercedes-Benz chassis happened to be available. It was born because some customers were asking for one.
"The idea grew out of the needs and wishes of customers who had outgrown the Adonis. The main requests were for longer beds, a more spacious bathroom, and space for bikes inside the van. Unfortunately, Adonis cannot offer this, its compact base simply doesn't allow it. To avoid changing the layout concept of Adonis and instead develop it on its own evolutionary path,we decided to offer a new model on a new length."
Dealers confirmed the demand. The shared wish was clear: the luxury package that the Adonis offers, in a version that comes closer to the world of full-size touring motorhomes in terms of space and equipment.
On paper, Hercules might seem like simply an Adonis on a longer Mercedes-Benz chassis. In reality, it is something different.
"Despite sharing the same starting point, Hercules is its own model, with its own character. On the additional length, we managed to apply extra elements that created a significant difference between the two vehicles. I'm convinced that the buyer interested in Hercules, with all its comfort and luxury, is definitely not the same buyer looking for the activity, flexibility, and agility of Adonis."
Where does that difference show? A longitudinal lifting bed, additional wardrobes in the sleeping area with an integrated TV system, a generous bathroom with a separate shower space that is 11 cm longer than in Adonis, a coffee machine, a wine rack, the option of a 140-litre fridge, and a glass display cabinet. All of these are elements that simply could not find a place within Adonis's compact foundation, and which, in Luka's view, speak to a different kind of buyer.
"This is the buyer for whom a classic liner has become too large, who might want to drive into the centre of a European city. A buyer who values the comfort and driving qualities of the Mercedes-Benz chassis, but is not prepared to give up the luxurious feel and usability of liners."
Luka developed both models, Hercules and Adonis, in parallel. The two projects did not compete with each other; they complemented each other.
"At the core, I prepared the same design language for both. The differences came in usability and in the additional elements we were able to develop for Hercules. At the same time, I wanted all of these elements to be at least hinted at in Adonis too, so that when you step into either one, you immediately feel that the world is familiar."
One solution that originated with Hercules and found its reflection in Adonis is the display cabinet element beside the kitchen. In Adonis it is suggested; in Hercules it is fully realised. The same applies to the bathroom.
Because Hercules was built on Robeta's existing design language, Luka never felt the model was drifting away from what Robeta is. On the contrary: the approach was to gather the best from Adonis and the other models, and then elevate that foundation to a level that will become the standard for the entire Robeta lineup going forward.
At the end of May, the Hercules prototype left Robeta's workshop for the first time and faced its first test in front of Robeta’s international dealers. The response was positive.
"The prototype was well received, and the comments that reached me were only positive. The dealers liked the bathroom, the long bed, the luggage area, the display cabinet element in the kitchen, the fact that we kept the recognisable Adonis counter — and above all, they liked the design."
The only point that drew more comments was the rotating bench, which was also still a prototype. Because it arrived from the supplier just before the presentation, the team had no influence over its design or function at that stage. But that is precisely the purpose of such events: to gather feedback before the product is finalised. The annual gathering of all Robeta's dealers is part of an established development cycle that boutique production handles better than larger, series-oriented manufacturers.
"This is part of the development cycle of every new model: to test the market. Robeta, with its flexibility and development approach, can naturally react to market feedback faster and more effectively."
One practical question buyers ask about longer models is weight and registration. Due to all the additional equipment, Hercules will not be possible to register under 3,500 kg. Luka believes the market is ready for a heavier campervan, and dealers confirmed that buyers accustomed to liners are already used to heavier motorhomes.
Robeta is also closely watching developments in European legislation on motorhome registration.
"We are eagerly waiting for the new EU regulation to come into force, which will allow drivers with a category B licence to drive motorhomes up to 4,250 kg after additional training or a test. In practice, this will mean far fewer complications, including for our remaining model lineup."
The final production version of Hercules will be presented to the public for the first time at the end of August at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2026, where Robeta will also premiere the redesigned Adonis.
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