Airstream Interstate Grand Tour vs. Lounge
The Airstream Interstate Grand Tour EXT and Lounge EXT are two of the most popular Touring Coaches offered by Airstream. With 50+ best-in-class standard features, there’s a reason the Interstate line has been the #1 best-selling Class B diesel motorhomes six years in a row.
While they both look identical from the outside, there are a few key differences between the two. So what are the differences between the Grand Tour and the Lounge? What makes them unique?
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis
Both the Interstate Grand Tour EXT and Lounge EXT are built on the Mercedes-Benz VS30 3500 chassis. With over 50 best-in-class features standard, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter leads the way in design, safety, quality, and technology. Both Touring Coaches are powered by a 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine, with 325 pounds of torque, 188 horse-power, and a 7-speed automatic transmission. Both models can tow up to 5,000 lbs and come standard with a Tow Package that includes a hitch, 7 Pin Trailer Plug, and Pre-wired Brake Control.
The exterior of both the Grand tour and Lounge are identical, and both are available in a 4×4 option. You have the option of choosing between three exterior colors including Arctic White, Iridium Silver, and Jet Black.
Floor Plan
The biggest difference between the Grand Tour and Lounge is the floor plan layout. The Grand Tour seats up to 7 while the Lounge can seat up to 9 (4-wheel-drive seats 7). A rear powered sofa easily converts into a comfortable bed designed to sleep 2. Each floor plan has an onboard restroom complete with a sink, shower, and toilet, plus a built-in shampoo, conditioner, and body wash station and a clothesline.
When comparing the front half of both Touring Coaches, the Grand Tour features a work station behind the driver seat, allowing you to work when away from home. Simply swivel the driver seat around and you have a tabletop, USB charging ports, overhead reading light, and a TV.
The Lounge floor plan differs a bit from the Grand Tour with two swiveling captain’s chairs behind the front driver and passenger seats. This additional seating is perfect for bringing friends along on your next adventure.
Galley
If you plan on cooking often in your Interstate, the Grand Tour could be a better option compared to the Lounge. The Grand Tour has the largest galley in Airstream’s line of Class-B Touring Coaches. The Grand Tour not only has more counter space than the Lounge, but a larger refrigerator/freezer as well. The Grand Tour features a 5.0 cu. ft. refrigerator while the Lounge has a 3.1 cu. ft. refrigerator. The Lounge makes up for the smaller galley with additional seating compared to the Grand Tour.
Interior décor
For 2020 the Interstate Grand Tour and Lounge are available in 4 interior décor options. This includes Modern Greige, Lux White, Formal Black, and Refined Brown. There is also an island themed Tommy Bahama edition. The special edition Tommy Bahama features matte-finish wood doors, remote-controlled wood blinds, built-in bar, and special wall graphics.
Tank Capacities
There are a few differences in terms of tank capacities between the Grand Tour and Lounge. For 2020 the Grand Tour has a larger LPG 14.6 gal. tank compared to the Lounge with a 9.8 gal. tank. Both models come standard with a 24.5 gallon fuel tank, this gives you an average range 400 miles. The holding tanks also vary slightly between the two models. The Grand Tour has larger 27 gal. Fresh Water tank (26 gal. Lounge) and larger 13 gal. Black Tank (11 gal. Lounge). The Lounge has a larger 27 gal. Gray Water tank compared to the Grand Tour’s 21 gal. tank.
Overall both models are very similar, but the differences may be significant depending on your needs. If you have any questions or would like more information about the 2020 Airstream Interstate lineup, give us a call at 1-800-265-9019. You can also view our Current Inventory to see all of our Airstream Interstate models.