Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new version of the Marco Polo, its compact camper van based on the V-Class. The update focuses on living comfort, with a redesigned aluminium pop-up roof, LED ambient lighting, an eight-speaker sound system and smarter app control. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz will build the camper entirely in-house, converting the vans at its own plant in Ludwigsfelde, Germany.
Mercedes-Benz has presented a new generation of the Marco Polo, the compact camper van built on the V-Class. Rather than chasing headline power figures, the update concentrates on making the interior more liveable for both weekend trips and everyday use.
A redesigned pop-up roof
The centrepiece of the update is a reworked pop-up roof, now built from a robust but light aluminium double shell. According to Mercedes-Benz, the construction improves stability while raising the folding bellows at the rear by ten centimetres, which the company says adds noticeably to headroom and sleeping comfort.
The roof also gains integrated LED ambient lighting with selectable scenarios, ranging from cool, activating light to warmer, more homely tones. From the end of the year, buyers will be able to add a new sliding sunroof and, for the first time, a panoramic opening in the bellows for extra daylight, fresh air and a clear view of the night sky.
Living details
Several smaller changes target day-to-day usability. A completely reworked awning can now be fitted and removed entirely, which the manufacturer notes is useful before a trip through a car wash; the operating crank stows directly in the awning bracket. New magnetic blackout panels for the cockpit are designed to be fitted in a few movements for privacy and darker nights.
Other updates include improved folding tables, revised drawer runners, a reworked control panel on the bench seat and a more energy-efficient cool box.
Sound and connectivity
The new Marco Polo gets a dedicated eight-speaker sound system with a subwoofer. Thanks to Bluetooth, music can be played even with the infotainment system switched off, which is aimed at use while camping.
Mercedes-Benz has also extended its Advanced Control (MBAC) system, first introduced on the Marco Polo in 2019, which turns the van into a connected “smart home”. The roof’s LED ambient lighting and the updated sound system can now be managed centrally through the head unit or the MBAC smartphone app.
Built entirely in-house
The company describes the model as a milestone because it is, for the first time, produced entirely within its own network. The V-Class base is built at the Mercedes-Benz Vans plant in Vitoria, Spain, and then converted into the Marco Polo at the Ludwigsfelde plant in Germany. Mercedes-Benz says bringing the conversion in-house allows tighter quality control, more flexibility and shorter delivery times.
The manufacturer has not published pricing, powertrain or WLTP figures for the new Marco Polo. The new sliding sunroof and panoramic bellows opening are due to arrive from the end of the year.
Source: media.mercedes-benz.com