Some journeys are not just about the road, but about rediscovering the idea of home on wheels. When I took the 2025 Dacia Bigster Sleep Pack for a two-day solo getaway, I wasn’t just looking to review a car. I was looking for freedom, flexibility, and a real-world experience. Gandikota Gorge in Andhra Pradesh, often called the Grand Canyon of India, became my perfect backdrop. Towering sandstone cliffs, the quiet Penna River, and a sense of untouched isolation made it the ideal place to test what Dacia’s rugged SUV with a camper soul was truly capable of.
But let’s rewind. The Bigster is Dacia’s latest and largest SUV, and in 2025, it arrives with a twist, the Sleep Pack. A clever transformation kit that folds into the boot and unfolds into a bed, allowing spontaneous adventures to feel like first-class van-life. With its boxy stance, increased dimensions, and clever engineering, the Bigster made a compelling promise: go anywhere, sleep anywhere, comfortably. What better place to validate this than the rocky trails and sweeping views of Gandikota?
Table of Contents
Leaving the City Behind
My weekend began early on a Saturday. I set out from Hyderabad before dawn, the Bigster’s LED beams slicing through the morning mist. The drive to Gandikota is about 380 kilometers, and it offered a mix of smooth highways and later, a rougher country trail, the kind that reveals the true nature of any SUV.
The Bigster felt confident on NH44. Even though Dacia is known for practicality over flash, the new Bigster doesn’t skimp on comfort. The cabin is roomy and upright, and visibility is excellent. I found myself appreciating the small things, the thick steering wheel, the logical infotainment layout, the soft touchpoints around the elbow. There was enough modernity to make it feel current, but not so much that it felt tech-distracted.
Midway through the drive, I stopped for a chai and realized something simple: this car was easy. It didn’t try to impress me with unnecessary gadgets. It just… worked. The hybrid variant I was driving switched seamlessly between modes, with more torque kicking in while overtaking or climbing.
Entering Gandikota: Dirt, Rock, and the Unexpected
As I approached Gandikota, the tarmac thinned and eventually gave way to gravel. Here’s where I shifted into 4×4 mode and let the Bigster stretch its legs. The suspension soaked in the uneven trail surprisingly well. It didn’t feel like a proper off-roader, but it didn’t complain either.
What impressed me most was the balance. Despite being over 4.5 meters long, the Bigster didn’t feel unwieldy on the narrow ridge trails. Its approach and departure angles were better than expected, and ground clearance was enough to avoid scraping even on sharper inclines.
By noon, I had reached the canyon edge. Parking meters away from the cliff, with the Penna River shimmering below, I killed the engine and just listened. Silence. A calm only places like this can offer.
Transforming from SUV to Camper
This was the part I was most curious about. Could a regular SUV really convert into a sleep-ready camper in minutes?
Turns out, yes.
I opened the tailgate and began unfolding the Sleep Pack. First, I folded the rear seats flat using the tabs accessible from the boot. Then I pulled out the wooden accordion-style frame. It expanded smoothly and rested entirely on the rear seat base. No extra legs needed, unlike the Duster.
The folding bed base felt sturdy, and in under five minutes, it was ready to use. I added the mattress, set up the blackout blinds on the windows, and opened the panoramic sunroof cover to let in some light. The setup felt intuitive, almost natural. Everything had its place. No tools, no fuss.
With the sunroof cracked open slightly, the airflow inside was refreshing. It reminded me of rooftop tents I had used in the past, but this felt more contained and warmer. The Sleep Pack didn’t feel like an afterthought, it felt like it belonged here.
The Night Beneath the Stars
Sleeping in the Bigster at Gandikota was one of those bucket list moments I didn’t realize I needed.
The mattress was firm but comfortable, and with the blinds up, it was dark enough to sleep well. From time to time, I peeked out at the moonlit gorge. It was surreal, watching clouds pass by from the warmth of the car bed. The internal height was generous, allowing me to sit up and change clothes without twisting like a contortionist.
Perhaps the biggest revelation came when I needed to step out early morning. The electric tailgate responded to the access card, allowing me to open and close it without crawling around. Little conveniences like that made the experience smoother.
While it lacked a built-in kitchen or fancy climate control, the trade-off was worth it. I wasn’t tied to caravan parks or power outlets. This was a return to simplicity, with a bit more polish.
Morning Drive and Real-World Practicality
After a coffee brewed on a portable stove by the cliff, I folded the Sleep Pack back in, again in under five minutes. With everything stowed below the luggage cover, I regained access to the rear seats and most of the boot.
As I began the return journey, I found myself reflecting on the car’s versatility. During the day, it was a family SUV with ample space and comfort. At night, it was a private retreat. Unlike larger camper vans, the Bigster blended in, never drawing attention.
Back on the highway, the Bigster cruised effortlessly. Steering was light, body roll was minimal, and the hybrid engine maintained efficiency. It didn’t ask to be driven hard. Instead, it rewarded those who liked to flow with the road rather than race it.
Specifications: Dacia Bigster Sleep Pack (2025 Model)
Our blog content is driven by Dacia’s official data for complete technical accuracy.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Options | Petrol, LPG, Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Available in 4×2 and 4×4 |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4570 mm x 1800 mm x 1700 mm |
| Boot Space with Pack Folded | Approx. 200 L |
| Sleep Pack Dimensions | 190 cm (L) x 130 cm (W) |
| Sleep Pack Type | Foldable wooden accordion frame |
| Rear Suspension | Semi-independent / Multi-link (4×4) |
| Ground Clearance | ~210 mm |
| Roof | Panoramic Sunroof (optional) |
| Tailgate | Electric (Journey variant) |
| Sleep Pack Setup Time | ~5 minutes |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
Conclusion: A New Kind of Adventure Vehicle
The Dacia Bigster Sleep Pack isn’t a replacement for a full-sized camper. But that’s the point. It’s something more honest, a practical SUV with a side hustle as a weekend escape machine.
On my journey to Gandikota Gorge, it proved itself in ways I didn’t expect. It was comfortable, competent, and surprisingly well-thought-out in its transformation capabilities. The Sleep Pack isn’t a gimmick. It’s a gateway, to impromptu road trips, to watching sunrises from your tailgate, to trading routine for exploration.
For someone who values function over flash, who sees travel as something lived rather than posted, the Bigster is the answer to a quiet question: what if your car could also be your tent, your cabin, your escape?
At Gandikota, the answer was clear. It can.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sleep Pack in the Dacia Bigster?
It is a factory-designed conversion kit that includes a wooden foldable frame and mattress, turning the SUV into a sleeping space.
Can two people sleep comfortably in the Bigster Sleep Pack?
Yes, the sleeping area measures approximately 190 cm in length and 130 cm at shoulder width, suitable for two average-sized adults.
How long does it take to set up and pack the Sleep Pack?
Setup takes around five minutes. Packing it away is just as quick, allowing for seamless transitions between drive and rest.
Is the Sleep Pack available on all Bigster variants?
Yes, but some features like the electric tailgate or panoramic sunroof are variant-specific or optional.
