COTY Reviews: X SERIES RV SIGNATURE 19.6
Signature- Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Words COTY judges, Pics Allison Watt, Josh Hanger and John Ford
The X Series Signature 19.6 arrived at this year’s COTY with a point to prove — blending automotive-inspired engineering with a sharp price point and fresh take on offroad caravan design.
Built in collaboration with Chery Automotive, one of China’s largest automakers, this new X Series RV entrant breaks ground with its innovation and a price point that will surprise. Designed and overseen by a local team with more than 20 years of Australian caravan-building and testing experience, the X Series Signature 19.6 is engineered to handle outback travel for a couple keen to explore.
Value for money
Competition in the caravan market is particularly keen right now. When one of my fellow judges said it was all about ‘cozzie livs’, I had to be schooled in the term. It was the Macquarie Dictionary word of the year a while back, and it’s not about a lifestyle in budgie smugglers: it’s about the cost of living we face, which is only getting worse as the Middle East conflict drags on.
A sale price of $88,490 is hard to beat for a van that’s so well equipped. Heaps of solar power deliver a valuable off-grid experience, and the innovative engineering should be a gamechanger for rough-track travel. Advanced technology, such as electrophoresis-infused paint to protect the chassis from rust, and the chassis design itself, entail significant production costs that should be reflected in the brand’s value over time.
Compared with other imported vans, the X-Series Signature 19.6 scored well for its large solar and battery power capacity and a higher fit and finish inside.
Given the roomy interior, sensible towing weight and innovative technology, the Signature 19.6 is a very tempting prospect for buyers with a budget to suit. Importantly, those in the market for a value product will recognise the Signature 19.6’s 950W of solar, a 600Ah lithium battery, electric awning, and Gusto dust-reduction system as options (and costs) they would need to factor in on most other vans.
Much of the Signature 19.6’s technology will be new to buyers who know little about the autonomous braking system and the unusual suspension. At our event, the van had a one-year warranty, which we considered a bit light on, and it factored into the value proposition. Recognising our concern about the need for realistic warranties in the market, the team has since pushed and secured a five-year warranty from Cherry, which is great news for buyers. With time and kilometres under the wheels of these models in local conditions, the X Series Signature 19.6 is sure to become a real force in the Australian caravanning scene.
Towability
Hooking the Signature 19.6 up to the tow vehicle was unusual because the van’s autonomous braking system means there’s no connection to the van’s brakes through the trailer plug and no brake controller in the car. Instead, you control the brake pressure at a switch on the caravan A-frame. You also set the parking brake in the same spot, and it holds so firmly that you can't tow the van away without releasing it. Make sure it’s disengaged before you drive off.
We towed the Signature 19.6 with a Ford F-150 Lariat, and the course included the steep Murchison Gap. At a tare weight of 2700kg, the van was no challenge for the Ford, and while it would make a supremely comfortable long-distance towing rig, it’s probably a bit over the top for most owners. The Signature 19.6’s ATM of 3500kg places it in the realm of mid-spec tow vehicles, including a wide range of 4x4 utes and the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser, Prado and Nissan Patrol.
The 800kg payload will drop to around 500kg, give or take, with a full load of water and gas, which is on par with most vans this size and ample for most situations.
Towing was smooth and steady, with the van sitting flat at highway speeds through the twisty roads in the valley. Braking from the unusual system was reassuringly progressive and strong, despite my fears about the unseen parameters — a conventional system has a brake controller that you can dial in and see at a glance where it’s set. The X Series system uses algorithms to brake in sympathy with the tow vehicle’s braking. The more brake you apply, the more the van reacts. We set the van brakes to a medium setting for the light tow weight, and in a couple of controlled heavy braking stops, the van’s stopping power was strong from the 13in disc brakes.
Suitability for intended touring
There are four models in the Signature range, measuring between 17ft 6in (5.4m) and 22ft (6.7m), so the 19ft 6in (5.97m) van at this year’s COTY is pretty much in the middle and fits into the traditionally most-popular size chosen by couples.
The Signature 19.6 also has the front bed, rear door and ensuite layout that has proven popular for years. The main buyers will be adventure-bound travellers planning to hit the road less travelled.
As a designated offroader with a keen price point, it will also appeal to many couples who are ambivalent about their plans. It offers those buyers the option of a main-road lap of the country with some side tracks to more remote camps. Why buy a blacktop tourer when the Signature will fit that role and more at the same price point?
The electrical power is generous, allowing off-grid living and free camps for days at a time, and the roomy interior suits indoor living in colder climates or when rainy weather moves in.
The range will likely suit early adopters well. The revised composite build, autonomous braking, chassis protection and automotive-style suspension are all innovative ideas in a caravan that offer bragging rights around the camp kitchen.
Traditionalists will see the glowing price-to-feature ratio. Getting a fully composite, tandem-axle offroader with airbag suspension and a 280L compressor fridge for the $88k price is significantly cheaper than most comparable vans.
Build quality
Build quality on the X Series Signature 19.6 is one of the more interesting — and important — conversations in this field. This is a fully imported product, built by Chery Automotive in China, and that will raise eyebrows for some buyers. But step past that and what you’re looking at is a level of engineering sophistication that’s genuinely hard to ignore, particularly at its price point.
The construction is centred around fibreglass panels over XPS composite panels, with a one-piece roof, walls and floor, and critically, no timber used anywhere in the structure or interior. That brings real advantages in durability and water resistance, especially in harsh conditions or when things don’t go to plan.
Underneath, the chassis is a standout. A bolted C-section design in high-tensile steel, rather than welded, allows for controlled flex and mirrors heavy vehicle engineering principles. Paired with full disc brakes on all wheels and an automotive-style double wishbone, airbag suspension, it introduces a level of underbody sophistication rarely seen in caravanning.
During the development of the new vans, prototypes were the first vans tested on Cherry's $6B test track. With 3000km on the track, the team are convinced the design has the reliability and solid engineering to handle the toughest of Australian conditions.
There’s also a clear crossover from automotive and motorhome manufacturing in areas like cabinetry design and finishing techniques, which adds to the overall feel. We loved the understated colours in the van, and there are three other contemporary tone palettes available.
At $88,490 as seen, it’s a remarkably well-engineered package — and one that will be very difficult for local manufacturers to match on both build and price.
Liveability and Ease of Use
Liveability and ease of use in the X Series Signature 19.6 are genuine highlights, and it starts with how the van makes you feel the moment you step inside. The interior leans into soft tones — warm browns, tans and gentle lighting — creating a calm, almost lounge-like atmosphere. It’s a space that feels comfortable and inviting, not harsh or overly clinical.
From a practical standpoint, it backs that up well. Even within a 19ft 6 in footprint, there’s good movement throughout the van and usable space around key areas like the bed. Storage is a standout, particularly the large slide-out pantry with wire-framed drawers, which is both easy to access and genuinely useful day to day.
The kitchen continues that theme, with a deep sink that makes cleaning up simple and a large fridge that supports extended trips. Setup is straightforward, with features like the electric awning making arrival and pack-down easy.
It balances comfort and practicality nicely — a van that feels good to be in and works well when you’re living with it.
Innovation
Innovation is where the X Series Signature 19.6 really separates itself from the field, and it starts underneath the van. The use of automotive-style double wishbone suspension is a major step forward for caravanning. It’s a proven system in the vehicle world, known for control, stability and ride quality, and seeing it applied here is genuinely significant.
That’s backed up by a fully integrated braking system, with disc brakes on all wheels and a mounted hydraulic pump controlled by onboard accelerometers. Rather than relying solely on the tow vehicle, the van actively manages its own braking behaviour, making constant adjustments to maintain stability. It’s a very clever piece of engineering.
The bolted, high-tensile steel chassis continues that theme, drawing directly from heavy vehicle design principles, while the composite wall, floor and roof construction brings modern materials into play.
Beyond the hardware, the innovation extends into how the van feels. The interior design is contemporary, warm and well thought out, with clever use of space and materials that feel different to anything else in the category.
At $88,490, it’s not just innovative — it’s disruptive.
Customer care
X Series provided its lengthy warranty document (20 pages) to COTY judges in advance. However, at the time of the judging, the X Series provided only a one-year warranty on the van's chassis, drawbar, and key structure. Similarly, there is a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on components, fittings and internal structures.
The team assured us that they are working pretty hard in the background to get this extended, and they achieved this after the event. Full kudos to them; it should make a big difference to the buying decision. The warranty is not transferable, and there are the usual mandatory servicing requirements; otherwise, the warranty becomes void.
X Series partners with well-known RV brand suppliers to leverage distribution and support networks, and it has a dealer and service network across Australia and New Zealand.
As its vans are manufactured in China, X Series is a signatory to the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) — a global framework that helps companies ensure ethical, fair and safe working conditions across their supply chains.
Self-sufficiency
The X Series Signature 19.6 is a full offroad van and has enough solar and battery power to ensure you can enjoy the great outdoors indefinitely, as long as the sun is shining.
It is powered by a Renogy battery management system (BMS). There’s an impressive 950W of solar feeding a 600Ah lithium battery, both of which are standard inclusions. A 3000W inverter will ensure you can convert your power to run 240V appliances such as an air conditioner, coffee machine, or hair dryer.
Internal cooking is taken care of by a Thetford Minigrill with gas hotplates and a griller. There are holders for two 9kg gas bottles in the front storage compartment. Gas will also run your barbecue. There’s a slide-out for a Weber barbecue or similar, but this is not included in the price.
The ability to camp off-grid for long periods of time will be limited only by how much water you can carry. In the Signature 19.6, the capacity is 240L of freshwater, with a separate 80L tank to capture grey water when camping in national parks and other places where you cannot empty it onto the ground.
X-factor
There’s a lot to like about the X Series Signature 19.6, which is a relatively new player in a very competitive market.
It’s hard to go past its price of $88,490 for a full offroad 19ft 6in couples van. It will appeal to a lot of buyers on that factor alone.
For that price, you get many of the features found in high-end vans: composite construction; good solar and battery power; offroad suspension; dust reduction system; and good water storage capacity, to name a few. It looks the part, too.
Inside, a mix of light and dark cabinetry colours, varied textures, and slightly curved overhead cupboards give it a modern edge. There’s plenty of storage with a massive full-height slide-out pantry, a slightly elevated dinette with a table that folds down out of the way and recessed strip lighting to set the mood.
The X Series Signature 19.6 is a bold and intriguing entrant, bringing together smart engineering and strong value in a way that feels genuinely different to much of what’s currently on offer.
X SERIES SIGNATURE 19.6
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Overall length 8.6m (28ft 2in)
External body length 7.2m (23ft 6in)
Internal body length 5.97m (19ft 6in)
Width 2.3m (7ft 6in)
Travel height 3.1m (10ft 2in)
Internal height 2m (6ft 6in)
Tare 2700kg
ATM 3500kg
Payload 800kg (calculated)
Ball weight at tare 280kg
Ball to tare ratio 10.4% (calculated)
EXTERNAL
Frame FRP reinforced frameless composite. Body structure: 2mm matte fibreglass and 25mm XPS
Cladding Fibreglass
Chassis Electrophoresis-coated Q700 high-strength modular assembled frame, bolted c-section high-tensile steel
Suspension Automotive-style double-wishbone independent airbag suspension (high-strength forged aluminium, lightweight, high load capacity, large travel, minimal roll)
Coupling Cruisemaster DO35
Brakes 13in electrically controlled hydraulic disc brake with EPB electronic parking brake and five levels of brake force adjustment
Wheels 17in alloy
Water 2 x 120L freshwater and 1 x 80L grey water
Battery 600Ah Lithium
Inverter 3000W
Solar 950W
Air-conditioner Dometic FreshJet 7 Series Pro
Gas 2 x 9g
Sway control Intelligent braking system
INTERNAL
Cooking Thetford Minigrill with gas hotplates and grill
Microwave 20L Chobo
Fridge 280L Sanjo compressor fridge /freezer
Bathroom Full-width ensuite with separate shower and toilet
Washing machine 3.2L
Hot water 14L Truma gas/electric HWS and Webasto diesel room heater
Dust reduction Gusto
PRICE FROM $88,499
OPTIONS FITTED N/A
PRICE AS SHOWN $88,499
MORE INFORMATION
X SERIES RV
4B Link Road Pakenham Vic 3810
P: 03 9970 8800
E: sales@xseriesrv.com.au
W: xseriesrv.com.au
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, having the right resources can make all the difference when you're out of range. To help you navigate with confidence, you might find it useful to pair your journey with a detailed set of topographical road maps or a comprehensive campsite guide. Explore some of the maps below or visit our store for a full range of products.
COTY Reviews: X SERIES RV SIGNATURE 19.6