Ssssssss - the camping holiday starts with a whirring. Arriving on the square, the electric lift roof of the Mercedes Marco Polo moves upwards at the push of a button. With a further push of a button and without having to rise from the driver's seat, the sliding door unlocks with a soft "clack" and opens automatically. For surrounding campers, this must seem like one of those movie scenes in which a UFO lands, descends the gangway, white smoke escapes and nothing happens for seconds, until - when the silhouette is completely visible - an alien gets out.
Good that not even set up the camping furniture at your fingertips - otherwise the Marco Polo driver on the average campsite would quickly become a nerd.
The Marco Polo rides on the basis of Mercedes' small bus, the upgraded V-Class, which vies with the VW bus for the increasing number of buyers compact camper. In addition to a refreshed front design and numerous new assistance systems, the V-Class has also received a new two-liter diesel engine, which delivers 163 hp in the basic version and 239 hp in the top engine V300 d for fast-moving campers. Whether you really have to tackle more than 200 km / h in Tuscany or Brittany, is an open question.
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Driving Report Mercedes Marco Polo: Everything is very easyThe sophisticated technology of the premium manufacturer makes a positive impression on the driving experience. The direct and smooth steering and the comfortable sprung suspension ensure even on the drive to the holiday destination for a little relaxation. A comfort that you will appreciate, especially on the long haul. What's more, the 5.14-meter-long car can still be easily maneuvered in the city like a car.
But what about the campsite? The Marco Polo from Mercedes - always the noble brother of the VW Bulli - tries to combine elegance and functionality. A balancing act that does not succeed in all aspects in the new edition.
The interior of the Marco Polo is dominated by glossy surfaces, round shapes and a yacht-look floor - all very noble. An appearance that does not deceive, because even on closer inspection and touch are the kitchen and the cabinets very well made. No clattering, no squeaking, no gap bigger than he needs to be. Compared to other campers, the Marco Polo, whose expansion is taken over by Westfalia, is far ahead.
Lots of storage space, good workmanship
In practice, however, the high gloss is a hindrance. Fingerprints, dust and small scratches are immediately visible on the surfaces and you do not even get used to the idea of using a frying pan in the interior. In the sink, which has the shape of a parabolic mirror, you can not wash more than a few cups and cutlery or occasionally rinse vegetables.
There is sufficient storage space for provisions in the kitchen, and the table that can be set up can easily be moved back and forth in the rail with one finger without being caught. But if you turn the driver's and front passenger's seats to complete the four-person seating group, the dining table can not be pushed far enough into the front seats.
In the evening you can move the seat in the rear by pressing a button to a lying area of 2.03 by 1.13 meters. However, the design of the upholstery is at the expense of sleeping comfort. Because the surface is so rugged that you should order the optional edition, which levels the bed a little bit. The opening window can also be extended at the rear of the passenger side by pressing a button. A good solution to provide a pleasant draft on warm nights.
Above is missing the perspective
In the upper, 2.05 by 2.13 meters large bed you sleep on a plate-sprung mattress very comfortable. While the sleeping roofs of other manufacturers usually have three windows or a roof that can be opened all the way around, the Marco Polo remains well-tried and only has two viewing windows to the sides, which you can not open, however. In addition, they are not completely transparent, the look outside is more like a mosquito net. There is no window at the front. Sea View? None.
In vain you look for the button to let the bed under the sunroof ramp up during the day and thereby have enough standing height in the interior. Instead, you have to raise the bed manually and - because not even supported by the usual gas springs - fix with eyelets under the roof. A task that will be a real challenge for people who are shorter than 1.70 meters. Why just here was saved on technology, where everything else works electrically, does not open.
A new solution would have been desirable in the accommodation of camping furniture. These are stowed in a pocket under the pad in the rear of the vehicle. This eliminates the otherwise available space for travel bags. Manufacturers such as VW, who stowed the chairs in the tailgate and the table in the sliding door, solve this better.
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The Marco Polo convinces but also by practical qualities. So you can convert the camper relatively quickly to a spacious van. Because the rear seat can be pushed to the very front. The upholstery element in the rear, which together with the bench forms the lower bed, can be quickly and easily completely removed, so that plenty of space for bicycles or bulky luggage.
Even otherwise, the compact camper has plenty of closet space. In addition to the left rear row of cabinets, there is another storage compartment above the bed in the rear and a large drawer under the rear seat. Space enough for a longer tour with lots of luggage.
Practical but expensive
If you want to afford that certain camping luxury, you have to dig deep into your pocket. The Marco Polo with kitchenette and camping equipment costs in the basic version already at least 61,990 euros. The test car with optional equipment is 84,600 euros.
And what about the trip with the noble camper? First, the question of whether you really need the numerous technical refinements of Marco Polo. If you just want to throw something into the camper or it rains in torrents, it can be annoying to watch the door open in slow motion.
The bottom line is the Marco Polo is a practical camper, the most convincing on the campsite. The good workmanship and quality in the interior as well as the ride comfort is second to none in this class. Although the Marco Polo pulls at least in these categories past the eternal competitor of VW. In practical application scores again VW with numerous camping detail solutions. And in the end, the question decides: Glamping, or camping?