There can be few people on the planet not familiar with the campervan concept, thanks largely to the iconic, long-lived and much-loved range of Volkswagens built for the purpose over the decades. Even people who hate the idea of camping usually have a soft spot for the thought of living the California Dream in one.
Of course, that lazy-day, carefree attitude rarely goes hand-in-hand with the realities of owning and running one, and that is especially true when you consider the more-than-£50,000 entry-level price for this latest entry to the market, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo. Even on a lease with a £11,000 deposit, you’ll be spending more than £600 a month to own it, making the experience very much at the glamping end of the price scale.
And, much as with a posh bell tent, the beauty of the Marco Polo lies within rather than with its exterior looks, which are a light development of the long-wheelbase version of the V-Class van, upon which it is based. From the outside, then, it is nothing extraordinary. Climb inside, though, and the wooden floor and well-kitted kitchen get the excitement flowing. As keen historians will know, Marco Polo was a 13th-century explorer and author; chances are he dreamed of such luxuries as afforded by this namesake van.
Buyers get a choice of two 2.1-litre diesel engines with differing power outputs, both linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and two trim levels, the higher priced of which is more focused on adding cosmetic addenda than any significant kit.
