Overview
At Tough Tested 2024, Urban unveiled the Tungsten X-Treme X 18’9 sporting a prototype chassis and next gen 24V electrical system solidifying the premium off-grid tier.
Off-road capable, this special Tungsten X-Treme X comprises Urban’s most compact layout, incorporating Corian benchtops, a full-width rear ensuite and a north-south bed in layout of less than 6 meters, seen here in a twin-axle configuration, with airbags and disc brakes.
| 🏜️ Sand Dunes | ⛰️ Rocky Climbs | 〰️ Corrugations | 💦 Water Crossings |
📍 Test Location: Loveday 4×4 Adventure Park, South Australia.
Is the Urban Tungsten X-Treme X right for me?
Adventurous couples eager to stay ahead of the curve will find refined comforts and off-road savvy in a small-to-mid-size rig. Laden here with electrical goodies, including 880W in solar and a 5kW inverter, expect full air-conditioned comfort away from mains.
The Tungsten X-Treme X sits above Urban’s popular Tungsten X-Treme and requires a class 5 vehicle like a RAM, Toyota Tundra or Chevy seen here to carry your camp above the 3T+ Tare.
At Tough Tested, it rode upon Cruisemaster ATX Airbags and disc brakes; one of four airbag suspension configurations Urban offers at this tier.
Layout, Comfort & Liveability – Will it fit my lifestyle?
Urban delivers smart, modern styling within a compact Tungsten X-Treme X Range.
Interior layout
The rear door entrance leads into a central living and dining area, separating the front bedroom from the full-width ensuite at the rear.
Urban embraces a modern, sultry aesthetic indoors with stippled benchtops, brushed gold tapware and smoky upholstery that softens the striking high-gloss ceiling and charcoal cabinetry.
The kitchen setup includes a clever sunken brushed gold sink that stores benchtop appliances mid-commute, while the modern three-hob cooktop saves on benchtop space, delivering the go-anywhere convenience of twin gas burners with precise induction heating control.
Comfort & practicality
Beyond a sliding door, the bathroom layout features an attractive ensuite where Hollywood-inspired lighting, emanating from behind a curved mirror, provides a centrepiece, complemented by floor-to-ceiling storage.
Up front, the sleeping configuration in the palatial master bedroom delivers ample airflow, with panoramic windows on either side and twin ceiling-mounted fans. Dust reduction, diesel heating and split-system air-conditioning improve comfort and protect the interior.
While outdoors, Urban simplifies maintenance and care, equipping the van with a ladder that provides easy access to the panels for cleaning. Stylised toolboxes keep outdoor gear outdoors and a raised spare tyre at the rear.
Build, Features & Off-Grid Performance – Can it handle my adventures?
Urban engineered this prototype X-Treme X for off-road adventures with a state-of-the-art chassis with alloy trusses and a capable 24V off-grid power system.
🏕️ 💨 Sand & Corrugations Test
Objective
The Sand Moguls rigorously assesses suspension travel, body flex and stability at speed.
Observations
Steve Trajcevski was the first driver to face the deep whoop-de-doos and sandy conditions with the Urban Caravans Tungsten X-Treme 18″9 caravan in tow.
Having drifted on sand causing a bit of damage on the Time Trial track, Steve adopted a steadier approach confidently guiding the X-Terrain X over undulating terrain.
| Sand & Corrugations Test, What We Found |
|---|
| Component Damage: No visible damage occurred to either the vehicle or the caravan throughout the test. |
| Caravan Reaction: The caravan loyally followed the Big Chev, exhibiting excellent stability and control even during sections of drifting. |
| Component Response: The suspension and weight distribution of the caravan were crucial, enabling it to handle the sand moguls effectively. |
🌊 💦 Water Crossing Test
Objective
The water crossing evaluates water resistance, clearance and the operational integrity of electric brakes.
Observations
Steve tackled the water crossing at speed, maintaining momentum, creating a significant splash and demonstrating a strong approach to the challenging water.
| Water Crossing Test, What we found |
|---|
| Component Damage: No visible damage was apparent to either the vehicle or the caravan during or after the water crossing. |
| Caravan Reaction: The caravan tracked perfectly through the water, showing excellent stability and control even with the substantial displacement. |
| Component Response: The caravan’s clearance was effective, preventing any underwater hang-ups, while waterproofing appeared robust. |
🪨 Moguls & Ruts Test
Objective
The Vantec Caravan Graveyard assesses departure angles, suspension behaviour, articulation, momentum and track adherence.
Observations
Behind the wheel of the blue Chevrolet pickup, Steve navigated the Urban Caravans Tungsten X-Treme X 18’9 across the challenging Caravan Graveyard.
The track featured extreme moguls and deep ruts, testing articulation and clearance. Steve was unrelentless, pushing through the obstacles with sustained momentum.
| Moguls & Ruts Test, What we found: |
|---|
| Component Damage: Despite the extreme articulation we reported no damage to the van on this test. |
| Caravan Reaction: The caravan displayed remarkable articulation, conforming to the terrain without losing stability or balance. |
| Component Response: The suspension system performed exceptionally, allowing for significant wheel travel and maintaining traction. |
💨 🌀 Traction & Cornering through Bull Dust Test
Objective
The NCE Abyss rigorously assesses traction, stability, and handling in soft sand.
Observations
Steve expertly guided the Urban Caravans Tungsten X-Treme X 18″9 through the demanding NCE Abyss. Tight turns and baby powder-like sand created a challenging, low-traction environment. But Steve confidently tackled the abyss after lowering tyre and airbag pressures, showcasing the rig’s capabilities in the soft, dusty conditions.
| Traction & Cornering through Bull Dust Test, What we found |
|---|
| Component Damage: The vehicle and caravan emerged with no new damage reported on this obstacle. |
| Caravan Reaction: The caravan remained composed, tracking faithfully behind the tow vehicle like a “faithful dog” through the deep sand. |
| Component Response: The caravan’s design and suspension handled the extreme conditions exceptionally well, jumping in and out of the obstacles with ease. |
Chassis & suspension
Designed for off-road conditions, all Urban caravans comprise a tig-welded alloy frame, alloy composite exterior cladding and one-piece fibreglass roof and floor.
This year, Urban introduce the new truss chassis, teaming it with the Mickey Thompson muddies and XT Cruisemaster airbag suspension. The prototype chassis employs alloy trusses to saves on weight and nestles the tanks to help clear our 2024 Tough Tested test tracks obstacles.
Power & water systems
Power:
- New 24V system comprising Victron appliances
- 1200Ah @12V in battery storage
- 5kW inverter capacity
- 880W of solar from four 220W panels
Water:
- 2 x 110L freshwater tank, 110L dedicated drinking water
- 95L Grey water tank
Value, Warranty & Safety – Can I afford it with confidence?
Price & inclusions
The price is $180,000 with key inclusions featuring the new alloy truss chassis, a powerful 24V electrical system and premium interior appointments. The latest X specification also features turn by turn navigations courtesy of the Garmin system.
Warranty & ownership
Verdict – Which option is best for me?
The Urban Tungsten X-Treme is a premium off-road caravan for couples, showcasing innovative technology through its prototype lightweight, high-clearance chassis with alloy crossmembers.
Its core strength lies in its significant off-grid capability, powered by a new 24V system offering 1200Ah-equivalent battery storage (600Ah @24V), a 5kW inverter and 880W of solar paired with a high-end interior finish.
Rivals at a glance
The Urban Tungsten X-Treme X establishes a new benchmark with its innovative 24V power system and prototype chassis. It confidently challenges the established leaders by blending cutting-edge technology with proven off-road capability, offering a compelling, high-performance package for discerning adventurers.
- Lotus Trooper 18’9″ – Its combination of a full aluminium frame and a massive 600Ah REDARC lithium power system as standard.
- Bushtracker 19ft – Its legendary durability, stemming from a fully welded aluminium frame and complete, bespoke customisation for each owner.
