Holding respectfully to the Winnebago tradition, Mercedes has created the 2013 Winnebago Era; a laid-back ride with a luxury details and a full view for the driver through prime side-panel windows that stretch from just behind the front doors all the way back to Winnie’s rump.

And that’s just the outside.

The Winnebago Era comes stacked with custom options that come standard. It could serve as a sleek and versatile camping outpost or a full-time couple’s home.

This Class B motorhome can sleep up to four in a some very convenient ways. The flex beds in the rear turn a queen easily into two twins. The sofa behind the captains’ chairs up front can slide down into a small bed that’s 36 inches wide by 66 inches long. A nearby pedestal table can be used as a nightstand, coffee table or even for holding dinner plates.

Between the sofa bed and rear bedroom suite for two is a compact but wide-open arrangement for living easily on the go: On the driver’s side, a fridge, cabinets and bathroom/shower area behind folding doors are across from a TV, stove, sink and closet.

Back in that bedroom, it’s quiet and as dark as you want it to be with the all-around MCD Roller Shades. Across from the headboards is another flatscreem. Behind the headboards, one of the Winnebago Era’s most cherished feature to some: Two giant double doors that allow access to another storage space and lift gate, with room for a Harley and a dozen or more suitcases.

On site, this RV turns into even more of a home, with a sweeping patio awning and even a “front porch” light next to the door behind the front passenger.

At all times, inhabitants can stay in touch with the technological age — from the Sirius Connect for satellite radio/television, dash video GPS and “RV Radio” geared specifically to the lifestyle to a 2,500-watt MicroQuiet on-board generator (Cummins Onan®), space-age storage technology and something called Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics that is bound to make sitting down feel more luxurious.

These are just some of the dozens of features the Winnebago Era employs to keep its customers returning when it’s time to let somebody else keep pulling that old Winnie from Woodstock with the burnt orange upholstery and wood paneling everywhere else.

That old dear Winnebago is not this new one in the least.