Cybex Priam Pushchair review

In terms of where it sits in the market, the new 2019 Cybex Priam travel system competes against the likes of the Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 travel system, a much more purse-friendly travel system, or the Bugaboo Chameleon which has less options when it comes to suitable attachments. Overall, the Priam literally offers the best quality of everything in one system.

Buy The Cybex Priam Pushchair: John Lewis, Samuel Johnston and Mamas & Papas

Tested by:

Zoe and her husband tested the Priam with their 5 month old baby and, while they used to live hectic lives in London, they now fully appreciate a more suburban life.

What were your first impressions of the Cybex Priam?

Once assembled, the first very obvious thing is the size of the system - with two large back wheels and a lux carrycot attachment that can last from newborn to over six months, there’s nothing compact about it, which may be a worry if you don’t have a large home space or a big boot.

A major unique selling point for me and an aspect that impressed me straight away was the ease in which it moves - something I definitely boasted about when pushing my five-month-old son Nate over bumpy terrains on our long walks. I couldn’t believe how light it felt considering how big the actual system is.

It’s also a real stand out pram when it comes to looks and is very stylish.

How does the Cybex Priam compare to other travel systems?

We currently use the classic Silver Cross Wayfarer which has been a brilliant system so far. In comparison though, the Cybex definitely has that something extra.

The Silver Cross is simple, comfortable and good value for money where as the Cybex offers so much more with its quality steering, look and all the different attachments.

What age is it suitable for?

The Priam can see you through from birth to 22kg/4 years with the seat unit, which lies flat and can be made cosier with the addition of the Cot Lite. If you'd prefer to use a carrycot attachment from birth you can also purchase the Cot Lux separately.

What did you think of the Lux CarryCot?

The carrycot is a really generous size (in fact, it’s one of the biggest on the market) and so you’re more than likely be able to use it a lot longer than the recommended six months. It comes fitted with a soft foam mattress and is safely enclosed meaning your newborn is protected from all elements. The hood is particularly impressive leaving no room for weather-inflicted issues.

The Lux CarryCot also has a zip which reveals an amazing panorama and sky view and is great if you’re using the attachment as a cot on holiday or just for some extra ventilation.

However, while the size of the carrycot has definitely got its advantages it can also be a negative. It jeopardises the easy turns in smaller spaces the pram can definitely do with the seat attachment.

It would also be very difficult to use in restaurants, cafes and shops in general. My five-month-old also quickly got annoyed that he couldn’t sit up or look out on walks so I don’t know how necessary the extra space is. I can only think the generous environment would mean I could use it for nights away from home longer.

As an alternative, Cybex also offers the Cot Lite that can be used from birth up to around 6 months as a cocoon for the seat, and then as a wind protector up to the age of 4 years.

Swapping between the carrycot and seat is no problem, just a simple click, lift and replace.

How sturdy is the Cybex Priam seat unit?

When you see the seat unit, you can instantly tell it’s been made to last. There are plenty of size adjustments, wipe clean fabrics and a foot rest, and all this means you’re certainly going to get some years for your money. With three recline adjustments, there’s a position for every baby and toddler’s mood.

Another bonus is that the pram is table height so it can double up as a high chair of sorts when you’re out and about.

One negative for me though is while the hood is amazing at protecting your little ones from the sun (it even has a zip with an extra bit of of hood tucked away), it’s not as useful when in the recline position. On a sunny walk I ended up having to cover my baby’s legs with a muslin, which isn’t ideal.

How comfortable does it feel for your little one?

The CarryCot Lux could not be more comfortable for a baby, in fact I had plenty of comments from mums who wanted to climb in themselves. I didn’t find the toddler seat as comfortable as my Silver Cross, probably because the Cybex is more open and less cushioned, but that’s something that will be much better for Nate when he’s older.

How does the Cybex Priam fold?

It certainly takes some practise when it comes to folding down the pram but once you get the hang of it, it’s just as easy as most travel systems.

• First of all you fold the seat over
• Then there’s a button on the handlebar you press to lower it
• Finally, you pull the wheels together

How compact is the pushchair?

The pram doesn’t pride itself on being compact, and if it’s lightweight and neat you want, you’re better off with something like the Egg Quail or Bugaboo Bee.

I’m not one to fold my pram away when I get indoors as it’s usually too much effort and the Cybex didn’t prove me wrong unfortunately.

Due to its size, it isn’t compact and if you have the toddler seat facing you it doesn’t fold down flush, so you would need to spin the seat around for that option.

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

Car-wise, we only have a small vehicle which made taking this pram out pretty impossible. Even with its smallest attachment we couldn’t fit it in so if you were using the Lux CarryCot too you would need a pretty large car.

How lightweight is the Cybex Priam?

It’s a big pram and again, Cybex isn’t trying to be lightweight, so it is a pretty heavy piece of equipment weighing it at around 12.5kg. Even the Lux CarryCot alone felt pretty hefty when I lifted it on and off the chassis.

How easy is it to push?

Despite the weight, the actual push on the pram could not be more light and is the best feature of the whole pram for me.

My day consists of lots of walking on bumpy terrains with hills, strolling around the town and going in and out of shops and all of this was extremely easy with the Priam.

The superior suspension in the wheels gives it that lightweight feel making any sort of terrain feel smooth and easy - especially on your own legs and muscles! It meant I could finally take my son on long country walks in a buggy, rather than putting him in a baby carrier, which was a relief for my back for sure.

How did you find it on public transport?

Where I live and due to my day-to-day duties, I don’t require public transport that much but I wouldn’t let the size put me off using it on a train or bus thanks to the advanced suspension. However, if you do live in the city I wouldn’t recommend this as the size of it would become a nuisance in busy areas.

Is the frame strong?

To complement the suspension, the frame is lovely and strong.

What do you think of the handlebar?

If you’re a tall mum or have a tall partner, this pram would be perfect. Even at its lowest height, it’s pretty high and at 5’5” I only needed to bring it up a tiny bit.

It’s also really easily adjustable and is totally comfortable on the palms thanks to its leather feel.

How is interacting with your little one when in the Cybex Priam?

The toddler seat has a large peep window which will be great if you’re using the pushchair in the front-facing position and will easily mean you can interact with them.

The large hood does make interacting with your baby difficult when in the upright position, although I think the protection somewhat outweighs that.

How effective are the brakes?

The brake is positioned in the middle of the back bar and I have to admit, it’s not the best one I’ve ever used as it takes a bit of effort and doesn’t give me that complete ‘lock’ satisfaction. It does the job though.

How easily can you access the basket?

Let’s face it, no matter how fancy the pram is, the basket is essential for all mums and the Priam didn’t disappoint. With a button fastening, the net is secure and adaptable with lots of extra basket space.

Can it be used as a travel system?

Yes, and I was very excited by the concept of a 360-spin car seat. As a mum who hates carrying a car seat and doesn’t enjoy the awkward movement that’s involved with getting a little one into a seat already in situ, I think this is completely genius idea.

Sadly however, our car wasn’t compatible with Cloud-Z despite it being a new vehicle (I’m guessing it has something to do with the size of the back seat), so I didn’t get to use it to its full potential.

If you’re someone who likes to attach the car seat to your pram or you’re in and out of a car a lot, it’s worth bearing in mind the seat is heavy and it isn’t easy to pick up like the Maxi Cosi.

However, it’s simple to click on to your Cybex pram. With the correct adapters, you can use other car seats on the pushchair too.

For the 360 car seat to work in your car you need to purchase the Cybex Isofix base which is only compatible with Cybex car seats.

How did you like the look of the Cybex Priam?

Style-wise, this system can do no wrong. It’s a statement pram that looks beautiful even if you opt for a simple colour like navy. Making sure it's suitable for everyone, Cybex has loads of colours to choose from and the rose gold chassis is a winner – it’s a real head turner!

Are there any additional extras that you need to or can buy?

As a standard, the pram comes with the chassis and the seat. You may want to purchase either the Carrycot Lite, £134.95, or the CarryCot Lux, £269 for your newborn.

Other extras you can buy include:

• Snack tray
• Insect nets
• Cup holder
• Matching changing bag
• Parasol
• Skis
• Kid board

Is it easy to build the Cybex Priam?

With all the attachments (including both carrycots) and necessary items, the pram and carseat came in six boxes so quite a lot! Naturally that meant it took around an hour to sort it all out and put it together.

I do think the instructions could have been clearer, especially when it came to attaching the material to the frame which was quite tough. It certainly wasn’t a nice, straightforward job but was worth it once altogether.

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the Cybex Priam?

Essential points to know before purchasing would definitely be the size of the pushchair and whether the car seat is compatible with your car. You would think a pram should fit in an average-sized boot and that the Isofix would fit a new car but these both turned out to be problems.

Who would the product be most useful for?

I would say anyone living an active country or rural life would benefit the most from this complex system. You also wouldn’t be restricted with the size.

What was your favourite feature of the Cybex Priam?

There are so many but definitely the smooth ride! It was a lovely relief and a feature I instantly enjoyed. In fact, I hadn’t realised how tough my Silver Cross actually was to push before trying the Priam.

Is it worth its price tag?

All this luxury and brilliant design does come with a hefty price tag of at least £829 and that’s just if you’re only using the seat.

The price can increase rapidly depending on the attachments you feel suit your lifestyle and if you plan on buying one of the newborn additions. It also changes depending on the colour you go for - and there are plenty available!

Where can I buy the Cybex Priam?

You can buy the Cybex Priam from, John Lewis, Samuel Johnston and Mamas & Papas.

MadeForMums verdict

Overall the Cybex Priam is everything you could want in a pram and that little bit more. Stylish, practical and moves with complete ease, it ticks all the boxes!

However, all that beautiful design and those fancy pram extras do come with a big price tag so if budget isn't a problem, then this is the pram for you.

Size is also a big factor here so make sure it fits into your car and home.

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