The new Mercedes Marco Polo offers more comfort and a renewed interior

The Mercedes Marco Polo has become everything a premium camper van should be. A vehicle designed to provide all the comfort needed for a leisure getaway. This model received an update just three years ago, so it already features elements taken from the latest innovations applied to the V-Class. Among them, the front end stands out, which has been present since that penultimate update.

One of the features included is the pop-up roof, which has been redesigned and features an aluminium housing and LED ambient lighting, which can be configured to offer different combinations. It also includes a loading area measuring 2.05 x 1.13 metres.

This design improves thermal and acoustic insulation, but it also adds a little height. It is only 10 mm, but under certain circumstances it can be noticed. Another element that has been changed is the side awning, which has also been redesigned to make it easier to assemble and dismantle, making it simpler to get around on the road.

For resting, a fold-down roof bed has been fitted, and in addition the rear bench can be adjusted to create another bed occupying the rear of the vehicle.

The interior of the Marco Polo

On the dashboard in front of the steering wheel there is a 12.3-inch instrument display. The multimedia screen is the same size and includes the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control system, which is not as advanced as the Mercedes MBUX fitted to the new S-Class, but which helps provide fairly efficient interaction with the on-board systems.

In the living area, the van retains the compact kitchen, a cupboard for storing utensils and provisions, and the front seats swivel, so they can face the rear if necessary. Privacy is increased thanks to new opaque magnetic panels that shield the interior from prying eyes.

Other changes include larger folding tables and sliding drawers. The rear seat now features a control panel with a new design, and the fridge is slightly more efficient. There is an eight-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, which can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, even when the infotainment system is switched off.

Engines

As far as the engine range is concerned, the updated Mercedes Marco Polo has received no changes. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, offered in three power outputs. The most powerful generates 234 CV, with a nine-speed automatic gearbox that sends torque to the rear axle or to all four wheels in the 4Matic version. It also retains the current chassis, and self-levelling suspension is available as an option.

In addition to the base model, Mercedes has also presented the Horizon edition, which, although it includes most of the updates, has no kitchen or cupboard.

Built in Mercedes

One of the most important changes to the new Mercedes Marco Polo is something that cannot be seen. Until now its conversion was carried out together with Westfalia, but from now on it will be built at the Mercedes plant. The V-Class van will continue to be produced at the Vitoria plant, although the camper conversion will take place at the German plant in Ludwigsfelde. The brand assures that this guarantees the quality of the final product and will shorten delivery times.