Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo - Glamping instead of camping
With a new cockpit, an MBUX infotainment system, and a plethora of optical refinements, the Mercedes Marco Polo 2024 continues its journey on the Glamping trail. It also offers some new valuable extras.
The space is bathed in soft blue light, chill lounge music plays from the speakers, ice cubes crackle quietly in the refrigerator in the evening air. The view through the window falls on the sun, which slowly sinks behind a lonely lake on the horizon. This scene reminiscent of a luxury hotel, campers can experience it, provided they are in the right camper van. Glamping, the glamorous, that is, luxurious version of mobile leisure time, is where the vehicle is more than just the motorized base of a caravan.
Mercedes has already distanced itself from the masses of car buyers with its premium claim in cars. Now, the product strategists want to align the Marco Polo, which is built on the V-Class, even more in this direction. Perhaps also because the brand is still trailing the market leader VW California in terms of sales after 40 years of experience in the compact recreational vehicle sector.
When it comes to camping suitability, the models differ only marginally. A pop-top roof, a heating system, a kitchenette with a refrigerator, or comfortable beds are standard in all camping buses. The differences lie rather in the details, which we swing back towards Glamping.
Comfort while camping - what does that mean?
What does comfort mean while camping? Does it mean that the cool box produces ice cubes at minus 18 degrees, that the interior can be illuminated indirectly in 64 color tones, that the floor can be ordered in bright yacht or in stone optics, or that shirts and blouses can be hung wrinkle-free in a compartment? Perhaps.
But the real value lies in the possibility of not having to adjust the car manually on a steep slope or uneven ground with chocks. The suspension takes care of that in the Mercedes. The Airmatic suspension adjusts the height difference between the wheels up to 12 centimeters at the touch of a button and levels the vehicle.
And the completely new dashboard brings real car comfort to the touring bus. The much-loved MBUX system runs on two large, seamlessly merging screens, connected to online services, real-time traffic data, and a 360-degree camera. However, a charging station for smartphones is missing. The operation? Completely easy via voice command, touchscreen, or a small touchpad with buttons for the most important menus. Just like in all Mercedes models.
Marco-Polo menu as central control unit for camping functions
A special feature can be found there, however: the Marco-Polo menu as the central control unit for all camping functions. How much fresh water is still in the tank? Is the dirt water reservoir already full? Comfortably, you can set the night lowering of the heating system, extend the pop-top roof, and much more with the Camper Level-Control.
Blue and anthracite surfaces, piano lacquer elements or embossed aluminum: Who clicks through the configurator will find a plethora of gimmicks that are supposed to transform the interior into a lounge. For the external appearance, twelve different wheels and even an AMG package will be offered.
## V-Class as Vehicle for Every Day
The Stuttgart residents see their V-Class with Marco Polo-extension as a vehicle for every day. For daily shopping, as a business car for business trips and of course for camping. With a height of 1.99 meters, the 5.14 meter long Marco Polo still fits into the standard parking garage. The four-cylinder diesel, offered in three performance levels, has proven to be a lively, comfortable, and economical drive.
Glamping for everyone? The necessary small change must be available. The range goes from the 163-PS diesel with rear-wheel drive for €70,239 to the all-wheel-drive 300d with 237 PS for just under €78,750. Who books all the amenities of the equipment list lands in the six-digit range. Exclusivity has its price, even when camping.
Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo - technical data
- Compact recreational vehicle with a sliding door
- Length: 5.14 m, width: 1.93 m (with exterior mirrors: 2.25 m), height: 1.99 m, wheelbase: 3.20 m
- Unbraked towing capacity: 750 kg, cargo space: 670 l
V 220d/220d 4matic
- Displacement/cylinders: 1.950 cm³/4; power: 120 kW/163 PS; torque: 380 Nm
- 9-speed automatic transmission, rear-/all-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: 12.3/13.7 s, top speed: 192/185 km/h
- Consumption: 7.5/8.0 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions: 197/211 g/km
- Price: €70,239/€74,730
V 250d/250d 4matic
- Displacement/cylinders: 1.950 cm³/4; power: 140 kW/190 PS; torque: 440 Nm
- 9-speed automatic transmission, rear-/all-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: 11.3/11.8 s, top speed: 199/197 km/h
- Consumption: 7.7/8.2 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions: 202/215 g/km
- Price: €71,940/€76,431
V 300d/300d 4matic
- Displacement/cylinders: 1.950 cm³/4; power: 174 kW/231 PS; torque: 500+30/500 Nm
- 9-speed automatic transmission, rear-/all-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: 8.8/9.1 s, top speed: 214/211 km/h
- Consumption: 7.7/8.2 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions: 202/215 g/km
- Price: €74,250/€78,741
The Mercedes Marco Polo 2024, with its premium features, is not just an automobile for camping, but also a Mercedes model designed for luxury and comfort. The MBUX infotainment system, along with its high-tech features, is a standout highlight in this Mercedes model.
Furthermore, the Marco Polo menu serves as the central control unit for all camping functions, providing users with real-time information and the ability to easily manage various camper van features.
