The Airstream Autobahn, a private jet for overland travel

The company famed for its aircraft-inspired caravans has teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to elevate the lowly van into something worthy of a VIP.

The result, the Airstream Autobahn, can seat eight (including the driver) in supreme levels of comfort and offer enough space to kick back and relax, or get on with some last-minute work.

From the outside, it might well still look like a van -- after all, it is a van -- but the interior, which Airstream says was inspired by a private jet's cabin, balances minimalism and luxury for an enhanced sense of personal space, even when all eight reclining leather chairs are taken.

Each seat offers individual controls for the air conditioning and lighting, plus a power socket and USB port, plus a functional desk for when productivity is the priority.

When it's time for a break, there's a 32-inch TV, an Apple TV that supports streaming from iPhones and iPads, a Blu-ray player and dual refrigerators.

Of the Autobahn, Airstream CEO and President Bob Wheeler said: 'Whether your VIP is a professional client or family member, we are creating a new category that delivers an exclusive level of focus on individual passenger comfort and convenience.'

Away from passenger comfort, the vehicle also comes packed with a host of technological driver aids that are usually reserved for Mercedes-Benz road cars, such as collision prevention assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, and front and rear parking assist. All of which will ensure that the journey is a comfortable one, whatever the road conditions.