The RV industry is of strategic importance to Mercedes-Benz. Accordingly, the brand with the star is represented again this year with its own booth in Hall 16 from 25 August to 3 September at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, the leading trade fair for RVs and caravans. There it is exhibiting a wide-ranging product portfolio for the fulfilment of larger to smaller van-life dreams – from RV conversions by Hymer, Wochner, Adria and Kabe based on the iconic Mercedes-Benz Sprinter large van to the “in-house” Marco Polo family. This includes the Marco Polo Module, which, among others, transforms the T-Class into a micro-camper in no time at all, as well as the new, recently introduced camper, the V-Class Marco Polo. The latter celebrates its trade fair premiere in Düsseldorf.
Trade fair premiere for the new V-Class Marco Polo at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf
With a new look and even more comfort and functionality, especially thanks to added intelligent, digital connectivity, the new V-Class Marco Polo presents itself even more tailor-made for a luxurious van-life experience and thus follows the strategic realignment of Mercedes-Benz Vans, which aims to offer customers the most desirable vans and services.
A first eye-catcher is the revised exterior design of the new V-Class Marco Polo. It is characterised by a newly designed, striking radiator grille and a new, powerfully drawn bumper. If you choose the optional AMG Line design package, the radiator grille is also framed with an LED light strip. The adaptive MULTIBEAM LED headlamps add a further visual accent. The rear features a new bumper, redesigned LED lamps and a chrome trim strip with Mercedes-Benz lettering. In addition, there are new light-alloy wheels in different designs as well as new paint colours.
The interior has also become more attractive. The cockpit is characterised, among other things, by a redesigned instrument panel with two 12.3-inch widescreen displays, new stylish air vents and a new-generation steering wheel with capacitive hands-off recognition. The new centre console supports optional wireless smartphone charging.
Other new comfort features include the optional steering wheel heating as well as the optional dimmed rear lighting for night-time driving. The ambient lighting, which can now also be found in the rear sliding door in the camper as an option for the first time, offers an even more individual lighting mood with 64 new colours. Another significant comfort gain is the introduction of the current MBUX generation. On request, this brings additional functions on board, such as the ENERGIZING comfort control or navigation with augmented reality.
However, the new V-Class Marco Polo becomes a true smart home on wheels thanks to the innovative Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control (MBAC) interface module. Numerous camping functions can be operated centrally and intuitively via the cockpit screen or the smartphone app. New in: switching off various functions at the touch of a button that are not relevant during a stay at the campsite or in nature. In addition, if the camper is parked on slightly uneven ground, it is now possible to conveniently level it via the AIRMATIC air suspension – also at the touch of a button.
The newly gained attractiveness is completed by safety and assistance systems with additional and in some cases further developed functions.
The proven living space concept in the new V-Class Marco Polo remains unchanged. The camper still offers space for up to four people and comes as standard with, among other things, a pop-up roof with roof bed, a seat/bunk combination, a folding table, a fully equipped kitchen and a wardrobe.
T-Class with Marco Polo Module rounds off the trade fair presence of the Marco Polo family
The Marco Polo Module transforms the small vans with the star, including the T-Class, into micro-campers in no time at all, thus rounding off the Marco Polo family downwards. The module is placed in the boot of the vehicle and fixed to lashing eyelets.[1] It consists of a standard bed unit for two people and an optional kitchen unit with sink and gas cartridge cooker. If desired, a refrigerator box can also be added, which finds space in the kitchen unit.
Other optional features include an auxiliary battery, the Sleeping Package with blackout elements and ventilation grilles with insect screens for the window panes, and window pockets that can be fitted between the C- and D-pillars; also a table and camping chairs. The table comes with two different feet. This means that it can be set up outdoors as well as fixed in the rear – a first in the segment.
Sprinter presents itself in Düsseldorf with extra safety and digitalisation
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, an icon among vans, also in the RV industry, must of course not be missing at the leading trade fair for RVs and caravans. There are four of them on the Mercedes booth in Hall 16 – the Summiteer 6.0 panel van from Wochner, the semi-integrated RVs ML-T 580 from Hymer and Coral Supreme MB 650 SL from Adria and the fully integrated Travel Master Imperial 860 LQB from Kabe, which is a three-axle vehicle.
Some of the models come with Blind Spot Assist, which is now available for the first time for all Sprinter-based RV types. This can help to better monitor the blind spot to the side of the vehicle – a real advantage, especially for RVs with a certain length. The Wochner Summiteer 6.0 also features Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control, which, in addition to being offered in the V-Class Marco Polo, is increasingly establishing itself in RV conversions based on the Sprinter. A clear sign that digitalisation and safety are among the core values of the brand with the star and will be further expanded.
A look into the electrified future
One of the other focus topics for Mercedes-Benz is electromobility. Mercedes-Benz Vans has firmly anchored its claim to leadership in electromobility in its strategy and has already consistently electrified all its model series.
The central step towards the electro-mobile future will be the new, modular and scalable “electric-only” architecture VAN.EA, which will be introduced from 2026. Based on VAN.EA, the RV portfolio will also be electrified and expanded. Based on VAN.EA, Mercedes-Benz will offer both medium-sized and large all-electric RVs ex factory. Together with its international RV partners, the brand with the star plans to develop the new industry standard for electric RVs.
[1] The other camping equipment such as ventilation grids, blackout elements, table and chairs must be stowed safely in the designated storage areas during the journey.
