- Mercedes has introduced the updated Marco Polo campervan.
- Features a new pop-up roof with more headroom and lights.
- Van adopts magnetic curtains, a new awning, and other upgrades.
Volkswagen recently updated the California campervan and now Mercedes is doing the same with the Marco Polo.
Billed as a “smart glamping companion for travel and everyday life,” the van features a new pop-up roof with a double-skinned aluminum shell. It now provides approximately 14.6 inches (370 mm) of headroom in the rear section, which is 3.9 inches (100 mm) more than its predecessor.
More: Mercedes Showcases Facelifted V-Class Marco Polo, Electric RVs Coming Soon
The upgrades to the pop top don’t end there as it now offers optional LED ambient lighting inside. Customers can also get a new sliding roof and panorama opening. Mercedes kept the details thin, saying only that the setup gives an unobstructed view of the starry night sky.
Putting the roof aside, the Marco Polo has been equipped with a redesigned awning. Owners can now remove it between camping trips, which means the van blends in a little more and can be taken to car washes.
Mercedes created new magnetic curtains that can quickly be put up and taken down. The company also added a new sound system, which features eight speakers and a subwoofer that have been specifically tuned to the Marco Polo. The company also noted it has Bluetooth connectivity that “allows playback even when the infotainment system is switched off.”
Rounding out the highlights are an improved Mercedes‑Benz Advanced Control system, optimized drawer slides, revised folding tables, and a redesigned bench seat control panel. The 1.4 cubic foot (40 liter) cool box is also 25% more energy efficient.
Besides the new features, the van comes equipped with 12.3-inch displays as well as a kitchenette with two gas burners and a sink. They’re joined by rotating front seats and a rear bench that converts into a bed.
The Marco Polo is offered with three different four-cylinder diesel engines. The entry-level unit produces 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque, while the mid-level 250 d cranks out 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm). Lastly, there’s the range-topping 300 d, which has 234 hp (174 kW / 237 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.
All of the engines are connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission and the van is offered with rear- and all-wheel drive. In its fastest form, the model accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in as little as 8.8 seconds.
The updated Marco Polo goes up for order in Europe on August 5. There’s no word on pricing, but the model currently begins at €80,664 ($91,737) in Germany.
