Marco Polo, camping chic in Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Chic and glamorous, the new Marco Polo V-Class celebrates its French debut at the Les Vehicle de Loisirs Show.

Its new name “V-Class Marco Polo” links it to its twin, the V-Class, a benchmark for large MPVs, taxis, and VIP shuttles. This stylish and versatile Mercedes offers a bespoke van life experience that is increasingly luxurious. It is part of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ new strategy, which aims to provide customers with the most desirable vehicles (utility and derivatives) and services. Derived from the V-Class, the new V-Class Marco Polo leans toward a notion of luxury, while Vito vans adopt a more premium-focused approach. The star-studded camper van is thus tailor-made for the booming luxury camping market, known as “glamping.” A sign of this high-end positioning is the optional AMG Line design package.

A true Mercedes

Inside, the driver is welcomed by a fully redesigned dashboard with two 12.3-inch wide screens. The new central console supports wireless smartphone charging as an option. Comfort features also include a heated steering wheel and a dimmable rear lighting option for nighttime driving. The now first introduced in the sliding rear door of the camper van, creates an even more personalized lighting ambiance with 64 new colors. Another innovation is the Augmented Reality Navigation. Like in the passenger vehicle range, a camera records the environment ahead of the vehicle. The route is displayed live on the central screen and includes virtual objects: traffic signs, directional arrows, street names, etc. These elements help simplify navigation.

Available as an option, like in the new V-Class and EQV, the New Parking Pack with 360° camera offering panoramic and 3D views allows for easy and quick parking. It includes alerts for rear cross-traffic, emergency braking if pedestrians are detected, and collision avoidance assistance at startup.

Chic camping

Finally, the new V-Class Marco Polo becomes a true smart home on wheels thanks to Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control (MBAC). Many camping functions can be centrally and intuitively controlled via the dashboard screen or smartphone app. The MBAC module also includes a comprehensive warning and reporting system (checking levels of grey water tanks, fresh water, etc.), so the user always knows if the vehicle is ready to depart.

The proven living space concept of the new Marco Polo V-Class remains unchanged. The camper can still accommodate up to four people and comes standard with, among other features, an adjustable pop-up roof with a roof bed (2.05 x 1.13 m), an electrically convertible double bed (2.03 x 1.13 m), a folding table, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a wardrobe.

ALSO READ > Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S, a fierce little SUV