Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Review: 10 Points on The Ultimate Luxury Camper Van

The Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo is a top-of-the-line camper van that combines the comfort and amenities of a luxury motorhome with the driving dynamics and manoeuvrability of a passenger car.

Key features and highlights

Whether you’re a discerning adventurer seeking the ultimate glamping experience or a family wanting to travel in style, the Marco Polo warrants serious consideration. Let’s explore what makes this camper van truly special.

Exterior Design and Construction

The Marco Polo is based on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, offering a sleek, aerodynamic profile that looks equally at home cruising down the motorway or pulling up to a five-star resort. The high-strength steel body and advanced safety features provide peace of mind on any journey.

Notable exterior features include:

• Electric sliding doors on both sides for easy access
• Automatic tailgate for convenient loading/unloading
• LED intelligent light system with adaptive highbeam assist
• 19″ light alloy wheels in a choice of designs

With an overall length of 5.14m, the Marco Polo is sizable yet agile, able to navigate narrow city streets and winding country roads with equal aplomb. Four attractive paint colors are available, from classic Obsidian Black to eye-catching Hyacinth Red.

Sumptuous Interior Appointments

Step inside the Marco Polo and you’re greeted by an interior that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury yacht. Premium materials abound, from the yacht wood flooring to the nappa leather upholstery. The MBUX infotainment system with “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant and 10.25-inch touchscreens keeps you connected and entertained.

The four-seat interior is endlessly configurable thanks to:

• Electric rear bench that slides, reclines, and folds
• Swiveling driver and passenger seats
• Removable folding table with two cup holders
• Generous ambient lighting in three color tones

Two adults can sleep comfortably on the rear bench that converts into a 2.03m x 1.13m bed. A second bed in the pop-up roof expands your sleeping capacity or provides a scenic perch.

Impressive Onboard Amenities

While compact, the Marco Polo doesn’t skimp on creature comforts. The kitchenette features an Aguti stove/sink combo powered by a 5kg gas cartridge. The 10L fridge and 38L waste water tank are sufficient for short to medium trips.

Climate control is provided by a 2kW diesel auxiliary heater. Two 100Ah AGM batteries and a 180W solar panel supply off-grid power. For entertainment, there’s a 22-inch smart TV, Burmester surround sound system, and 4G LTE WiFi.

The onboard tech is controlled via the MBAC interface, letting you monitor power levels, adjust lighting, control the automatic climate system, and more from your smartphone. An integrated security system provides extra peace of mind when away from the vehicle.

Driving Experience and Performance

The Marco Polo is a joy to drive thanks to its advanced MBUX infotainment, 360-degree camera, and suite of driver assists including:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cruise control
• Active Brake Assist with pedestrian recognition
• Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
• Traffic Sign Assist

Two turbocharged four-cylinder engine options are available:

• 220d (163 HP, 380 Nm of torque)
• 300d (239 HP, 500 Nm of torque)

Both are paired with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Despite its size, the Marco Polo handles nimbly and cruises effortlessly at motorway speeds. The ride quality is supple yet stable even on rough terrain.

Perfect For Discerning Adventurers

The Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo is ideal for:

• Couples wanting the utmost in luxury and refinement in a camper van
• Families seeking a versatile, stylish vehicle for road trips and holidays
• Business travelers needing a comfortable mobile office/accommodation
• Outdoor enthusiasts wanting an all-season, all-terrain adventure rig

While the Marco Polo’s price tag puts it at the very top end of the camper van segment, its impeccable build quality, advanced technology, and exquisite design justify the premium for buyers who refuse to compromise.

The Marco Polo’s closest rivals are the Volkswagen California and Ford Nugget. The VW matches the Mercedes in fit and finish but offers less powerful engine options. The Ford is value-priced but lacks the Marco Polo’s refinement and prestige badge.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Marco Polo 220d	Marco Polo 300d
Length	5140 mm	5140 mm
Width	1928 mm	1928 mm
Height	1980 mm	1980 mm
Wheelbase	3200 mm	3200 mm
Engine	2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel	2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel
Power	163 HP	239 HP
Torque	380 Nm	500 Nm
Transmission	9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic	9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic
Fuel Capacity	70L	70L
Water Capacity	38L	38L
Refrigerator Volume	10L	10L
Bed Dimensions	Rear bench: 2030 x 1130 mm	Rear bench: 2030 x 1130 mm
	Pop-top: 2050 x 1130 mm	Pop-top: 2050 x 1130 mm

In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo is the ultimate luxury camper van, blending sumptuous comfort, cutting-edge technology, and impeccable craftsmanship. While not inexpensive, it delivers an unrivalled experience for adventurers who demand the very best. If you’re lucky enough to take a Marco Polo on your next journey, you may find it very hard to go back to roughing it.