Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will be expanding its MPV line-up in the country by launching the V-class Marco Polo camper at Auto Expo 2020 on February 6. The German marque claims that the success of the V-class model range, which was introduced in our market last year, has spurred the introduction the niche offering.
Geared towards outdoor camping and adventure, the Marco Polo will be positioned as a luxury camper with the ability to accommodate up to four people. The ‘mobile mini-home’ features a raft of creature comforts including a fully-equipped kitchenette, fold-out table, wardrobe and a two-seater luxury couch in the rear with a bed extension.
Commenting on the upcoming launch, Martin Schwenk, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Nothing reflects restlessness and a spirit of adventure better than an exciting road-trip and camping. The V-Class Marco Polo embodies these very characteristics combining outdoor ruggedness with Mercedes-Benz’s world-renowned luxury and technology. The V-class camper is surely going to create a lot of interest among our customers, who already have shown overwhelming response to the V-Class luxury MPVs.”
In global markets like the UK, the Marco Polo is available in a long-wheelbase version, akin to the V-class Exclusive and Elite trims in India. As such, it measures in at 5,140mm in length, 1,928mm in width and 1,901mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,200mm. The international-spec camper gets a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine in two states of tune – 163hp (V 220d) and 239hp (V 300d); the former also powers the V-class Elite in our market. Transmission duties are handled by a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
In India, the V-class range is priced at Rs 68.40 lakh-1.10 crore (ex-showroom, pan-India) and currently consists of three trim levels – the 7-seater Expression, the 6-seater Exclusive and the 6-seat Elite. It will be interesting to see how the automaker positions the upcoming camper in relation to its siblings.
Mercedes-Benz will be the only luxury carmaker at Auto Expo 2020 and the company has already confirmed the launch of the AMG GT 4-door coupe at the motor show, in addition to showcasing future models headed to India like the A-Class limousine and the GLA SUV.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
