Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo camper confirmed for 2017

Mercedes-Benz has announced the pricing and specs for its new Marco Polo camper van. Available to order now, from £53,180, the camper is based on the V-Class and will accommodate up to four adults, with two beds, plug-in power and a built-in kitchen. Deliveries will commence in the spring. 

The Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo is based on the long wheelbase V-Class and is powered by the same 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine with 163PS or 190PS - both will officially return 44.8mpg. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range. 

Available in two trim levels - Sport and AMG Line - entry-level versions get a built-in kitchenette - with a fridge and gas hob - plus a two-seater sofa that can be flattened to provide a bed for two adults. An additional roof bed is also fitted as standard and accessed via the electric pop-up roof.

All vans get external connections for power and fresh water, with the latter providing a supply for the compact sink and taps located next to the gas hob. The leather interior also gets swivelling driver and passenger seats, a foldable table and three-zone climate control. A removable camping table plus two chairs, with storage bag are located in the boot.

Sport models get all of the essentials, with navigation, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear-view camera. For an additional £2140, AMG Line models add an body kit, 19-inch bi-colour wheels, sports suspension, carbon-look dashboard, AMG spoiler and metallic paint.

With prices starting from £53,180, the Marco Polo will cost over £4000 more than its Volkswagen rival, the California Ocean; however, with leather seats and an automatic gearbox fitted as standard, it does get more kit as standard. The Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo should reach showrooms in April.