The new Mercedes Marco Polo will be manufactured entirely in-house by Mercedes-Benz, from the base V-Class produced at the company’s plant in Vitoria, Spain, to the camper conversion carried out at its plant in Ludwigsfelde, Germany.
The camper version of the Mercedes V-Class, the Marco Polo, has a history spanning more than 40 years, with production dating back to 1984. The first generation was based on the Mercedes T1, the second was launched in 1996 based on the Vito, and the third followed in 2003, based on the Viano.
The fourth generation was launched in 2015, based on the current V-Class generation and initially developed in collaboration with Westfalia. Following the V-Class facelift in July 2023, the Marco Polo was also updated.
Mercedes-Benz has now decided to bring the entire production process in-house. The base V-Class is manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria, Spain, before being transported to the company’s plant in Ludwigsfelde, Germany, for the camper conversion.
To begin conversion production at the Ludwigsfelde plant, Mercedes-Benz adapted the production line to accommodate all the necessary steps, from cutting the roof to installing the furniture. The line is also equipped with a flexible conveyor system designed to provide employees with the best possible ergonomic working conditions. In addition, plant employees have undergone comprehensive training tailored to the specific requirements of the Mercedes Marco Polo.
By bringing the entire production process in-house, Mercedes-Benz can ensure better quality control, greater flexibility and shorter delivery times.
The Ludwigsfelde plant has been manufacturing commercial vehicles for more than 35 years. It currently produces the platform-cab versions of the Mercedes Sprinter and eSprinter. The plant has also become the pilot centre for the new VAN.EA electric architecture, which underpins the new VLE.
With production now fully in-house, the Mercedes Marco Polo has also received several improvements in terms of acoustics and connectivity.
The Mercedes Marco Polo is available exclusively in the long-wheelbase version, powered by diesel engines: the 220 d with 163 PS, the 250 d with 190 PS and the 300 d with 237 PS. All three engines are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Prices start at €78,133.
