Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 40-year success story of the Marco Polo at the Suisse Caravan Salon 2024 in Bern, and the first model based on the T1, the new Marco Polo V-Class and the "40 Years of Marco Polo" special edition will be on display and brought to life to mark the occasion.
A pioneer with a star
The first Marco Polo, based on the "Bremer Transporter", appeared in the 1980s and significantly shaped the compact camper van segment. Its stubby hood, Bahama beige paint finish and beige-brown interior were striking. Produced in Bremen, it was nicknamed the "Bremen Transporter". The living concept - roof bed, bench seat/reclining bench, swivel front seats and a kitchenette - has remained unchanged to this day. The first Marco Polo from 1980 will be exhibited at the 2024 Suisse Caravan Salon.
In 1996, Mercedes-Benz launched the Marco Polo based on the Vito, a lower overall height and a pop-up roof, making it more suitable for garages. Improvements such as a rail system for the bench seat and clever storage space solutions ensured greater functionality.
In 2003, the Viano-based Marco Polo brought additional comfort features such as an electric pop-top roof, an ergonomic roof bed and an electrically folding bench seat. A facelift followed in 2010.
Glamping with the new V-Class
Since 2015, the Marco Polo has been presented in its current form, based on the V-Class MPV. The fourth generation is ideal for glamping (glamorous camping), as it sets new standards in terms of aesthetics and comfort. Highlights include yacht-look flooring, atmospheric LED interior lighting and a wide selection of decorative elements and upholstery. Since the model update in 2019, the Marco Polo also offers even more technology, including the innovative MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system and the advanced MBAC (Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control) camper control unit, which transforms the vehicle into a smart home for travelers.
The new V-Class Marco Polo, which was presented in summer 2023 and celebrates its market launch this year, continues this development and the new model impresses with an incomparable glamping experience.
The future of camping with a star
One of the focus topics for the future of the Marco Polo is electromobility. The central step into the electromobile future is the new, modular and scalable "electric-only" architecture VAN.EA, which will be introduced from 2026. Based on VAN.EA, the camper portfolio will also be electrified and expanded.
Visit stand E004 in hall 2.0 at the Suisse Caravan Salon in Bern from October 24 to 28, 2024 to discover the latest van highlights from Mercedes-Benz.
