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2026 Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo: new in-house camper to take on VW California

Phill Tromans
Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • New Marco Polo to be built in-house by Mercedes
  • New pop-up roof with extra space
  • Based on V-Class MPV
  • New entry-level Horizon trim

This is the new Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, the latest generation of the popular rival to Volkswagen's California.

Based on the latest Mercedes V-Class MPV, the new Marco Polo will be built in-house at the Mercedes Vans facility in Lugwigsfelde, Germany. This is a big change; the previous Marco Polo was converted by a third-party specialist, Westfalia.

Mercedes says the new Marco Polo is "cosier and more comfortable than ever", and uses words like "craftsmanship" and "glamping mobile" in its press material, which gives you an idea of its vibe. It features a new pop-up roof with an extra 10cm of headroom when raised up, compared to the previous version. There's LED ambient lighting built in to the pop-up roof, and there's a new sliding roof, too.

2026 Mercedes Marco Polo interior

Other features include a redesigned awning that can be more easily removed, and has the crank stored in the awning holder. The sound system has been beefed up, too, with a Bluetooth connection that works even when the infotainment system is off. The folding tables, drawer slights, bench seat control panel and cooler box have all been upgraded, too.

Notably, there's a new trim level – the Marco Polo Horizon should offer a more affordable way into the range, with the kitchen and closet removed.

Further details, including engine options, will be revealed closer to the new camper's release date.

2026 Mercedes Marco Polo price and release date

2026 Mercedes Marco Polo interior

The new Mercedes Marco Polo will get its debut at the Caravan Salon Duesseldorf show at the end of August and go on sale shortly afterwards. We'll find out more about pricing, and a firm UK on-sale date, nearer the time.

Ask HJ

What's a good small van to convert into a camper?

We are looking at a small camper van or van conversion to take on day trips. It needs at least three belted seats with a kitchenette. We don’t want it to large so that it can be parked in ‘normal’ car parks. We’ve considered Japanese imported cars that have been converted but are unsure what to look for. Plus they are over 10 years old for the budget we have (under 20k but would prefer to spend less as it won’t be used a lot). What do you recommend or should we forget the idea?!
There are a few smaller camper vans that fit your brief, but do bear in mind that they hold their value extremely well, so even a budget of £20k won't buy you anything especially new. A VW T4 air T5 Transporter would be the most obvious choice within your budget – or alternatively a camper van derived from a short-wheelbase Ford Transit or Renault Traffic, both of which are less expensive than the VW but also fairly prolific on the used market.
Answered by Craig Cheetham
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