REVIEW | Mercedes V Class Marco Polo Campervan
Carry On Camping
As a child, summer holidays for my family followed a familiar routine. We’d pack a borrowed car to the gunwales and head for Mrs Baker’s guest house in Scarborough. On our departure day, she would stand in the hallway with next year’s diary and, as usual, we’d book the first week of the school holidays.
It stayed like that until I was 16, and I passed my tractor driving test. For the next few years, I spent summers working on a farm hauling corn and bales.
My first trip abroad was with a bunch of university mates. We travelled around Europe using an Interrail pass. Most nights were spent trying to get some sleep on a late, long-distance train. Nowadays, my wife and I tend to stay in Blighty, but there are two things we’ve never done.
I’ve never towed a caravan. I’m not interested. It doesn’t appeal. And I’ve never used a campervan…but it’s always something I’ve fancied.
So when I was presented with the chance to test the latest Mercedes V Class Marco Polo for a week, it was a chance my wife and I grabbed with both hands. And shock, even though it was late April / early May, we struck lucky and had glorious, warm sunny weather.
Campervan is given a thorough refresh
The Marco Polo is based on a Mercedes V Class van, but you wouldn’t know it. It’s also been given a thorough refresh which you can easily spot by the new grille and bigger matrix LED headlights. It looks smart. The biggest changes, however, are to be found inside…more about those shortly.
In terms of power, there’s only one engine available in the UK. It’s a 2.0-litre 237bhp diesel unit which gives an estimated 35.8 mpg. The Marco Polo is never going to be economical and weighs a hefty 2.7 tonnes. The 369 lb/ft of torque is important because it equates to excellent lugging power. Everything goes via a 9-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels, giving you a 0-60mph time of 8.8 seconds. You can choose between Comfort and Sport driving modes. Okay, Sport does make the Marco Polo feel livelier, but I can’t really see the point because this campervan is at its best when gently cruising. Enjoy the countryside.
A V Class van to drive
The V Class (it used to be called Vito) was always a really good van to drive, so it’s no surprise that the Marco Polo follows suit. The steering is nicely weighted and, thanks to a fairly high seating position, it’s easy to punt around. It’s also seriously relaxing on a long journey. I wouldn’t hesitate to travel abroad and blast down to somewhere like the Dordogne.
In fact, it’s so good to drive that it will easily manage as a day-to-day workhorse Monday-Friday and then allow you to head somewhere for a weekend break.
Trim levels
Two trims are available…Premium Plus and AMG Line. Prices start at £88,420 (May ’25). Air suspension is an optional extra which we’d take because it allows you to keep the campervan…and therefore your bed…level on a slightly undulating field. The AMG Line merely adds a few exterior styling tweaks.
Interior
Poke your head inside and what you’ll find is seriously smart. The front two seats, which are supportive and extremely comfortable, swivel around so that four people can sit and have a meal / drink sat at the folding table.
The driver is treated to the latest Mercedes infotainment system and digital display courtesy of a pair of 12.3-inch screens. They look good and work well. As with most of these gadgets, a few more buttons would be welcome but, overall, it’s easy and intuitive to use. The ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control is one of the best around. You can also adjust most of the internal features in the rear of the cabin by using the central screen.
There’s even an app which helps you adjust things like the overnight temperature, lighting, locking the vehicle, adjusting the fridge settings, etc, by using your mobile phone. Clever.
The Marco Polo sleeps four people. Two can sleep in the pop-up roof, which looks like a huge slice of cheese from the outside, and two can sleep in the main cabin. The roof is an electronic affair and is simple to operate but you need to be fairly agile to climb in. The main bed is also electric which is partly formed by the rear seats folding flat. There are even pouches which inflate to give you a smooth mattress. The beds (we didn’t sleep in the roof area but tried it for comfort and space) are surprisingly comfy. The kitchen area gets a fridge/freezer, sink and two-ring gas hob. The water tank is filled from outside and a gas bottle is in a compartment at the rear of the vehicle. There are plenty of drawers and cubby holes for cutlery and glassware. A friend recommended that we took a load of tea towels, not for drying dishes, they were for stuffing between articles to stop them rattling.
There’s even a shower which you can use at the rear of the Marco Polo if you open the rear hatch. It’s probably for cleaning boots or a muddy dog or giving yourself a quick wash if you’ve been swimming, biking or running.
A terrific investment
A couple of accessories which came with our test Marco Polo was an exterior awning and a pair of picnic chairs. We spent a lovely evening overlooking the Northumberland coastline.
The build quality is outstanding. The floor of the main cabin was finished in the sort of decking you get on a yacht. Lovely.
There’s no denying that the Mercedes V Class Marco Polo isn’t cheap. Add a couple of accessories and you’ll be into £90k territory, but it’s beautifully kitted out and oozes quality. It’s also excellent to drive, even verging on fun.
We suspect that people who are new to using a campervan will probably go down the hiring route to start with. If you like the convenience of taking a break whenever you fancy, you’ll have a wonderful time. And if you are convinced that heading for the hills is for you, choosing a Mercedes V Class Marco Polo will turn out to be a terrific investment which should give you years and years of enjoyment.
words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Mercedes-Benz
