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If you've decided on a motorhome but you're used to five-star accommodation, then you'll want to consider the classiest choice in the segment. That's this model, now improved: Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo.
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Background
Whenever talk turns to overnight accommodation, there'll always be people wanting that bit of extra luxury. When it comes to motorhomes, these people are being targeted by this model, the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo. This long-running model line was eventually made available to UK customers in 2017, after three previous generations that were never sold here. The V-Class MPV underpinnings are those of Vito van that's a decade old, but this design still seems fresh thanks to a useful update in early 2024 that brought us the model we're going to look at here.
It faces a growing mid-sized motorhome segment that now has three other car maker-marketed models vying for your attention; the recently re-designed Volkswagen California and Ford Transit Custom Nugget. And the Citroen Holidays. The Marco Polo aims to be a step up in luxury from those rivals - and for the price Mercedes is asking, it will need to be.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 88440 | 88440 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 207 | 207 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 133 | 133 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| Min | Max |
| Combined Mpg | 36.7 | 36.7 |
| Length (mm) | 5140 | 5140 |
| Width (mm) | 1928 | 1928 |
| Height (mm) | 1990 | 1990 |
Driving experience
These days, you can only have the Marco Polo with one engine choice, but it's the one most customers would have chosen anyway. In the single offered V 300 d form, this 2,631kg mobile bedsit feeds 239hp and 500Nm of torque through a 9-speed auto gearbox and the rear wheels to make 62mph in a very respectable 8.8s if you select 'Sport' mode. So safe short-notice overtaking is eminently possible. Soggy camp sites may not be because in our market, Mercedes isn't offering the 4MATIC 4WD system you can have on this model on the continent - putting the Marco Polo at a disadvantage to its Ford and Volkswagen rivals in the UK.
What those rivals can't offer though, is the clever self-levelling air suspension system this Mercedes introduces to the camper market. This clever set-up (offered as an option) adjusts suspension height at each corner at the hold of a button, eliminating the pitch and tilt you'd otherwise get on bumpy camping grounds. And means that when you park up, the vehicle automatically levels itself for a good night sleep.
As usual with a V-Class, there's a commanding driving position, so great forward visibility, though the steering wheel is set at a rather bus-like angle and your rearward view is limited by all the paraphernalia behind you. Without the air suspension fitted, potholes and speed humps are keenly felt.
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Design and build
Curiously, Mercedes chooses to base the Marco Polo on the standard 'Long' length V-Class, rather than the 'Extra Long' version of that MPV that you'd think would give this camper more all-important interior space. Still, a 'Long' V-Class is pretty big - 5,140mm in length - so there was lots of space for specialists Westfalia (who designed this cabin conversion for Mercedes) to fit lots in. We're looking here at the Marco Polo 2024 update model, visually identifiable from the outside by a smarter front grille and bumpers.
Inside, the model update will be more obvious to those who know this model line because it includes the twin 12.3-inch screen arrangement familiar from other Mercedes models - which instantly lifts the cabin and now includes all the main camping controls (which previously were relegated to a separate unit). As before, the front seats of this four-seat model can swivel - to face the highest quality lounge / kitchen / sleeping area in the segment, complete with classy 'Land Yacht' flooring and the usual electrically operated pop-up roof. You might be disappointed though, to find that there is only one sliding side door on the right side.
The cabin layout's like that of a rival Volkswagen California, which means a kitchen area at the side in the middle and an overhead sleeping area that you access by climbing the front seats. Which means that (unlike in a rival Ford Transit Custom Nugget) you can cook, eat then go to sleep without having to go outside.
Furnishings include a twin-burner hob, a sink and a 40-litre cool box that could cool down to minus-18°C. You're probably going to want to add the optional table and chairs, which stow away in a bin beneath the boot divider (though that cuts down on boot space). There's a useful opening tailgate window, lots of power sockets, neat lighting solutions and a gas bottle and outdoor shower located in the left rear corner of the vehicle. Plus there are blinds for the side windows, the tailgate and the windscreen.
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Market and model
The V 300 d Marco Polo cost around £88,500 at the time of our test in early 2025. It comes as standard in 'Premium Plus' trim but only with the standard 'Long' body shape. For perspective an ordinary V 300d MPV 'Long' costs around £80,000. The Marco Polo price includes all the motorhome additions covered in our 'Design' section. The key option is self-levelling air suspension. And you can also add a trailer hitch.
As with an ordinary V-Class, standard luxury equipment includes a 12.3-inch media display and digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting, Active Parking Assist, 19-inch wheels, roof rails, rear privacy glass, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging mat and an EASYPACK powered tailgate. Plus there's active parking assist with a 360-degree camera, smart phone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Attention Assist and Active Brake Assist.
If you want a sportier look, there's the optional 'AMG Line' package for an extra £4,650. This includes 19-inch AMG light alloy wheels with branded brake calipers, an AMG body styling pack, a radiator grille with a chrome star pattern, chrome side skirts, an AMG spoiler lip on the tailgate and AMG bumpers. Inside, there's AMG carbon fibre-look trim, AMG floor mats, a black roof liner and stainless steel sports pedals.
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Cost of ownership
For a vehicle of this V-Class Marco Polo's considerable size and weight, the fuel and CO2 returns on offer aren't at too bad. Expect a WLTP-rated combined cycle fuel return of 36.7mpg (meaning a decent range from the 70-litre fuel tank), together with 207g/km of CO2.
V-Class residual values ought to stand up well, as this car pioneers a rare market niche, namely one for a full-sized van-based MPV that feels anything but van-like. So you get loads of space but a properly club-class feel. That sort of formula sounds as if it will have legs and the efficiency measures future proof it to a reasonable degree.
Service intervals for the Marco Polo will depend on how far you drive and under what conditions - but Mercedes does offer 'ServiceCare', which allows you to spread your bills into manageable payments, guarantees the price of parts and labour for up to four services, and covers the cost of recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. Another thing we'll need to tell you is that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer.
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Summary
There will always be people who want a bit of extra luxury when it comes to overnight accommodation and should those people be minded to consider purchase of a motorhome, they may well decide this Marco Polo model to be the only segment choice. Yes it's more expensive than its class rivals, but if you can afford to pay the extra, we doubt you will regret it.
The closest alternative to this Mercedes lies with the Volkswagen California, which has a similar interior layout. The advantage this Marco Polo has over that model lies not only in badge equity and slightly better interior quality but also in the clever self-levelling air suspension option that Volkswagen can't match. So treat yourself to one of these, pay the extra and enjoy it. You've earned the right to.
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