Mercedes-Benz has updated the Marco Polo based on the V-Class for the 2026 season. The camper features a new aluminum double-shell roof, improved insulation, LED lighting with app control, and optional air suspension. Production has moved from Westfalia to Mercedes-Benz's Ludwigsfelde plant. The base 220 d version costs around 80,000 euros, while the top 300 d with all-wheel drive and AMG Line reaches about 122,000 euros.
Mercedes Vito
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Germany is Europe's largest caravanning market, with around 15 billion euros in industry turnover and nearly 100,000 new registrations per year. German manufacturers focus on compact design and technical precision rather than sheer size. Well-known models like the VW California and Mercedes Marco Polo have been on the market since the 1980s, but less-known brands are driving innovation.
Mercedes-Benz is updating the Marco Polo for 2027, replacing the GRP roof with an aluminium one. The rear supports now raise 10 cm higher. Officially, the new roof is lighter and stiffer, but the change may also be linked to the shift of production from Westfalia to Mercedes' own facilities.
Messe Düsseldorf hosts the international trade fairs CARAVAN SALON and boot. CARAVAN SALON will take place from August 29 to September 6, 2026, and boot from January 23 to 31, 2027. CARAVAN SALON will feature 93 exhibitors with camper vans, including VW Bulli, Ford Nugget, and Mercedes Marco Polo. boot expects around 1,500 companies from nearly 70 countries.
Auto Plus magazine investigated which used campers can realistically surpass 300,000 km. Leading candidates include the Volkswagen California based on the Transporter with TDI engine, the Mercedes Marco Polo based on the Vito, and the Ford Transit Custom Nugget with EcoBlue engine. The more affordable Renault Trafic SpaceNomad is also considered a reliable option. Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily, used as bases for many motorhomes, can reach this mileage but require attention to injectors, turbo, DPF, and corrosion. Experts advise choosing a vehicle with a full service history and checking the conversion, including roof seals and gas equipment. Annual maintenance budget for a high-mileage vehicle is 1,500–2,500 euros.
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Mercedes-Benz unveiled the updated Marco Polo based on the V-Class, featuring 10 cm more headroom, LED lighting, a new audio system, and MBAC controls. Production moves to Germany; orders start August 5.
The Mercedes Marco Polo (447 series, 2015–2019) remains sought-after on the used market due to its premium interior and driving comfort. Fully equipped examples start at around €40,000, while three-year-old vehicles with up to 50,000 km cost at least €60,000. The OM651 and OM654 diesel engines are known for AdBlue system issues and NOx sensor failures, and timing chain wear may occur after 200,000 km.
Some camper van models, such as the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, Volkswagen California, Renault Trafic SpaceNomad, Iveco Daily, and Ford Transit Custom Nugget, can exceed 300,000 km with regular maintenance. Key factors for longevity include robust diesel engines and quality construction. Demand for campers in France has grown significantly since the end of pandemic restrictions.
German manufacturer Westfalia has introduced the Kipling 2026 camper van built on the Ford Transit/Tourneo Custom platform. It is offered with 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engines producing 136 or 170 hp, with manual or automatic transmission, and optional all-wheel drive for €4,400. Standard features include a pop-up roof with a double bed, fixed toilet, kitchen, outdoor shower, Webasto heating, and 50-litre fresh and grey water tanks. Prices start at €68,190, roughly €30,000 less than comparable Mercedes Marco Polo models.
French companies have developed modular conversion kits for standard vans (VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Mercedes Vito, Ford Transit) that turn them into campers. Installation takes a few minutes and requires no drilling or screws. The kits are made from plywood or laminate.
The price of a Mercedes Vito motorhome ranges from 260,000 to 1,200,000 CNY depending on trim, conversion level, and sales channel. The base version costs 260,000–340,000 CNY, while converted domestic models range from 260,000 to 1,200,000 CNY and parallel-import versions from 400,000 to 1,060,000 CNY. Conversion is the main price driver: basic work costs about 230,000 CNY, and luxury customization starts at 300,000 CNY. Regional promotions and discounts further affect the final price.
The article describes the process of customizing a camper van based on the Mercedes Vito (Viale model). Key body dimensions: length 5248 mm, width 1901 mm, height 2040 mm. Main partition options: full (with 32-inch TV) and half (with 19-inch TV). Seat configurations range from 4 to 7 seats, including rotating massage chairs. Interior options include various upholstery colors, a starry sky ceiling, and a skylight. The customization process takes 2–3 months.
An owner of a new-generation Mercedes V-Class (Vito) shared a detailed conversion report, transforming the minibus into a camper van. Modifications include full leather and Alcantara upholstery, two second-row aviation seats with electric adjustment, ventilation, and massage, plus a folding sofa bed in the third row. Additional features: 12.1-inch navigation screen, 11-liter refrigerator, and full soundproofing.
Polish portal Autoblog.pl reviewed new motorhomes from major car manufacturers. The cheapest model is the Volkswagen Caddy California at PLN 164,894, while the most expensive is the Toyota Proace Max Tanuki at PLN 486,900. The Mercedes Marco Polo starts at PLN 327,557, the Volkswagen California T7 at PLN 287,217, and the Grand California at PLN 391,140. Models vary in length, sleeping capacity, and equipment.
What Car? has published a ranking of the best campervans for 2026, based on hundreds of hours of testing. The top models include the VW Grand California, Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo, VW California, VW Caddy California, and Ford Transit Custom Nugget. In 2025, approximately 215,000 new leisure vehicles were registered across Europe, with the UK accounting for about 12% of that figure.
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On Saturday evening, April 25, a camper van and a Mercedes Vito collided at a Moers intersection. Two people in the camper were seriously hurt, five in the Vito had minor injuries.
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Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the updated Marco Polo camper van based on the Clase V. Key changes include a 10 cm increase in the pop-up roof height, new ambient lighting with ten scenarios, and an upgraded MBAC control system. The powertrain remains unchanged with three diesel engines ranging from 163 to 237 hp.
The article reviews five campervan models across different categories. The Mercedes Marco Polo is presented as a premium option for two, the Volkswagen California for family trips, the RP Rebellion for off-grid living, the Panama P12 as the most affordable, and the VW Grand California as the most spacious.
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Spanish company Benimar has introduced the Yrteo 840 motorhome with a length of 5.99 meters. The model is based on the Ford Transit chassis, offers 130 or 165 hp engines, and has a starting price from €58,900, which is approximately €30,000 lower than the Mercedes Marco Polo.
Renault has introduced the Trafic Escapade, a camper van based on a van, designed for daily use and weekend trips. The model accommodates up to seven people, features a compact kitchen, and is offered with 150 or 170 hp diesel engines. The starting price is €46,000, which is lower than key competitors like the Volkswagen California and Mercedes Marco Polo.
