[blackwasp]

Big shoutout to Rehaan for shooting these pictures & his coverage of the Auto Expo. Thanks for sharing, man!

Mercedes-Benz has launched the V-Class Marco Polo luxury camper at the Auto Expo. It is offered in two variants - the Marco Polo HORIZON and the Marco Polo with prices starting at Rs. 1.38 crore and Rs. 1.46 crore respectively.

Based on the V-Class, the Marco Polo gets an extendable roof for added space:


It comes equipped with a side awning:


A view from the back. The adjustable roof has been designed with partnership of Westfalia, the camper conversion company popular for VW conversion. The company was at one time a subsidiary of Daimler, but now is an independent entity:


Adjustable legs for the awning:


With the roof opened:


The extended roof allows occupants to stand up inside as well as creates a sleeping area for 2:


No door on the passenger side. Mercedes didn't account for the right hand drive market and the car still has the layout of the left hand drive (the rear door opens on the driver's side into the traffic):


Inlet for the fresh water tank (capacity 38L) and a 230V electrical point from the mains (can be used for power when camping):


Folding chairs and table are included with the car:


Tea coaster with embossed 3-pointed star logo:

[blackwasp]

The Marco Polo seats 4 occupants:


Front seats can swivel to face backward:


Rear seats can fold down and create a flat bed:


Headrests are stowed away so the seats can recline flat without any obstruction:


Seats can be reclined independently. Also the seat cushion contours can be inflated / deflated to create a level area:


Seat adjustment in progress:


In addition to reclining, the entire bench slides forward and back on the rails visible on the floor:


In the farthest position. Quite a lot of room infront:


Storage drawer underneath:


A medium sized center table slides into position between the front and rear seats:


Comfortable space for 4 around the table:

[blackwasp]

The kitchenette area includes a small fridge, a 2 hob stove and a small sink. Note how the tap can fold down, so the kitchenette lid can be closed:


A Camping Gaz 907 2.7 kg butane gas bottle (not included with the car) powers the stoves:


40L fridge can be adjusted from 11 degrees to -15 degree Celsius:


This cabinet houses a clothes rack + mirror and a small cubby on the door:


Front end of the kitchen cupboard get a powered USB port, 230V AC supply and a fault isolator:


Centre console houses this main control panel of the van:


It is used amongst others for changing AC temp, fridge temperature, monitoring water & battery levels, monitoring electrical system, setting alarms, etc.:


Rear speakers and another storage area. The black bar at the top is the reversing assistant. The Mercedes guys, just to make taking photos easier, attached the lights:

[blackwasp]

After extending the roof, one can climb up from the space to access the second bed. Though given that you have to climb up via the front seats, it's probably best suited for kids:


Comfy space for 2 at the top:


Side flaps can be opened to make it more airy. Insect netting is already present:


Glass sunroof can be opened up too:


The entire upstairs bed can be raised up when not in use, liberating a lot of headroom in the cabin:

[blackwasp]

Just the glass window can be opened up to access the top part of the boot. The rear door also can be opened:


Powered tailgate:


Brushes where the hinge goes inside to prevent debris going into the mechanism:


With the rear door opened. The space below is used by the mattress and the folding chairs and tables:


More storage space - this can be accessed from the outside as well:


Slide the doors to access the space from the inside.

[Aditya]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Car Scene!

[vshankarhere]

Looks lovely. While I might never be able to afford one in the near future, the very idea of camping in your own car in some remote area and with some tinge of luxury does sound very interesting and adventurous!

[indian21r]

Now that is one stylish camper to be in. Makes a really good work space when doing site visits.

I would seriously consider this type of a vehicle if something is available in the range of 50 to 60 lakhs. Kia get a Camper Variant of the Carnival

[Thad E Ginathom]

What is the actual market for a vehicle whose price can only be paid by people who can afford any hotel in the country?

[Shreyans_Jain]

My god this is the greatest thing ever!! Had I been Richie Rich or Anant Ambani, I would have bought this in a heartbeat. This is THE PERFECT tool for for all the getaways and trips and expeditions college me wanted to do.

Make no mistake, this is an impulse buy. There are more than a few rich young men in private colleges in India who’ll see the point of a vehicle like this.

[Thermodynamics]

Glad to see Benz hoping a demand for recreational vehicles in our market. May be something for VIPs traveling to remote places.

It’s a premium product, looks fantastic but has more Westfalia than Benz. DaimlerChrysler once had major stakes in Westfalia but not anymore. Looks like they still got strong bonds.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

Make no mistake, this is an impulse buy. There are more than a few rich young men in private colleges in India who’ll see the point of a vehicle like this.

Only to have it valet parked by the hotel staff?

[avi_swift]

This looks like THE vehicle to go to Ladakh... if you can afford it of course. Looks really good, if I did have the means to buy this, would have done so in a heartbeat. I can so imagine myself camping in this by some picturesque lake on a full moon night... if only wishes were horses ..

Just out of curiosity, can this handle the rough, no-tarmac stretches in the mountains?

[audioholic]

As if the other variants of the V were not exclusive enough in terms of pricing and target customer base, this is just taking things to the next level. I am really curious to know who in the Indian market scene will buy this and uses the car the way it is supposed to. In Germany this variant is a good seller since camping out with family is a routine affair irrespective of the background or status of a person. But in our country, I would be really amazed to see who would buy this car and head out camping and make use of the vehicle.