Whether camping on a large or small scale, whether drive train traditionalist or visionary, whether technology fan or design connoisseur, whether in favour of ownership or of the sharing principle – Mercedes-Benz Vans has something suitable for every van lifer, or for anyone thinking of becoming one, at this year’s Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. From 27 August to 4 September, visitors to the trade fair find a variety of new products and services on the Mercedes booth in hall 16. These include one of the first eCamper conversions based on the Mercedes EQV, implemented by Sortimo Walter Rüegg AG, the first motorhome conversions based on the new Sprinter 4×4 from Frankia-GP GmbH (for the first time with the Mercedes-Benz Navigation for trailers and oversized vehicles on board, which is now available on request), the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo with a new, fresh colour scheme for the interior and – as a special highlight – the new Mercedes-Benz T-Class with a camping module ex factory that can be installed and removed flexibly. The brand with the three-pointed star is thus exhibiting its entire portfolio, from large and midsize to small vans, at the world’s largest trade fair for motorhomes and caravans. Also on sight: Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mobility GmbH with its motorhome rental service, which is being further expanded for the coming camping season.
Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf again this year, and to bringing the world of Mercedes-Benz Vans closer to all van lifers. I am particularly looking forward to the response to the camping module for our new T-Class, which we will be offering ex factory and with which we are expanding our range of products around the Marco Polo family. With it, we are once again signalling the strategic relevance that the motorhome market has for Mercedes-Benz.”
The new Mercedes-Benz T-Class – between everyday vehicle and micro-camper ex factory
The new T-Class was presented in April of this year. It expands the portfolio for the private customer market with an attractive entry-level model into the Mercedes world and, as a premium small van, is particularly aimed at active leisure enthusiasts and families. The new T-Class combines a sporty, emotive design with the Mercedes-typical demand for value, comfort and connectivity, among others. These qualities, together with its compact exterior dimensions and well thought-out interior space, also open up a wide range of possibilities for the newcomer in the increasingly popular segment of micro-camper conversions – as Mercedes-Benz Vans is demonstrating at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf with a camping solution that will be available ex factory in the future.
Further information on the appearance of the new T-Class in Düsseldorf will be available from the start of the trade fair on the Mercedes me media online platform at media.mercedes-benz.com and on the Mercedes-Benz Group Media Site at group-media.mercedes-benz.com.
New colour concept for the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo camper van
The ‘in-house’ Marco Polo models based on the V-Class and Vito midsize vans are also part of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ trade fair presentation. Both the Marco Polo HORIZON recreational vehicle is on display again, as is the Marco Polo camper van, which, in addition to a standard sleeping bench/berth and pop-up roof, offers such features as a fully-fledged kitchenette, a wardrobe and drawer modules, and is a real smart home on wheels thanks to the innovative Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control (MBAC) camper operating unit.
The Marco Polo displayed in Düsseldorf features a new colour variant for the interior, which style lovers will be able to order on request from the end of the year. As the name suggests, the new option Interior design anthracite/blue plays with the colours anthracite and blue in the rear – for example on the vehicle pillars and side walls as well as on the camping furniture. This turns the living area into a real eye-catcher. The floor of the Marco Polo also has a new stone floor look instead of the familiar yacht floor look.
With the EQV to locally emission-free van life pleasure
Mercedes-Benz Vans has firmly anchored its claim to leadership in electric mobility in its strategy, and is consistently electrifying all its model series. The portfolio already available in the market also includes the EQV – the battery-electric counterpart of the V-Class midsize van. The EQV is available with two different battery variants: as EQV 300 with a 90 kWh battery and a WLTP range[1],[2] of up to 326-363 kilometres (WLTP: Combined power consumption: 30.3–27.6 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km)[3] as well as EQV 250 with a 60 kWh battery and a WLTP range1,2 of 213-236 kilometres (WLTP: Combined power consumption: 30.6–27.4 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km)3. Both models are available in two lengths (5,140 cm or 5,370 cm). At the fast charging station, the EQV charges from ten to 80 percent in up to 40 minutes[4]. In addition, the EQV is integrated into an electromobile ecosystem of intelligent navigation with active range management and cloud-based services and apps. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system serves as the central control unit. With these qualities, it offers a wide range of applications for a wide variety of customer needs and does so locally emission-free – including for van lifers, as the company Sortimo Walter Rüegg AG shows together with Mercedes-Benz Vans in the Rhine metropolis.
Sortimo’s conversion concept is modular[5]. Full-range options will include a pop-up roof with roof bed as well as a multifunctional box with a sleeping and kitchen unit for the rear area. Their special characteristic is their lightweight construction, because every kilo saved means more range. Solar panels on the roof also supply the camping battery with electricity and give additional self-sufficiency. Other optional features are darkened rear windows and interior lighting for the rear, including integrated USB sockets.
All-in for the motorhome use case – technology upgrade for the Sprinter
Of course, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the brand’s towing vehicle in the motorhome market, also has a prominent presence at the leading trade fair for motorhomes and caravans. At the Mercedes booth in hall 16, there are three motorhomes based on the large van: the new fully-integrated supersonic motorhome from Adria mobil, d.o.o., which celebrates its trade fair premiere, as well as the semi-integrated c-tourer from Carthago Reisemobilbau GmbH and the Yucon panel van from Frankia-GP GmbH. The latter carries the new all-wheel drive system, which has been available as an option for the Sprinter ex factory since the end of last year.
Information about the new all-wheel drive system are also available in a special experience section on the Mercedes booth. Trade fair visitors learn that the new all-wheel drive is a completely new development, for example. Unlike the engageable predecessor system, which in 4×4 mode directed approximately 35 percent of torque to the front axle and 65 percent to the rear axle, this system can distribute drive torque between the front and rear axles in a fully variable manner depending on the situation, and without the driver’s intervention (torque-on-demand). This ensures high traction and superior handling – on almost any surface. Another advantage over the previous engageable all-wheel drive: in addition to the increased comfort thanks to automatic torque distribution, the new system operates much more quietly. The new Sprinter 4×4 is available with the 140 kW/190 hp OM 654 engine and 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard – in all open and closed model variants and up to a weight class of 5.5 tonnes GVW.
Visitors can also learn about the new Navigation for trailers and oversized vehicles, which is already available ex factory for the Sprinter on request. It allows campers to enter their vehicle details in Mercedes me – such as vehicle length, width, height and permissible gross weight. When calculating a route in the app, this information is taken into account and a suggestion is made that is suitable for the driver’s vehicle. This avoids, for example, any tunnels or bridges that cannot or may not be used by the vehicle owing to height restrictions, bend radii or lane width. The driver conveniently sends the selected route from the app to the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). If a caravan is to be towed, this will also be taken into account if entered accordingly.
Flexible into any van life adventure – motorhome rental from Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mobility GmbH rounds off the trade fair appearance
Flexible and individual travel – many people have discovered these advantages for themselves, also those of the Y and Z generations. However, not everyone can or wants to opt for their own motorhome right away. Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mobility GmbH[6] meets this demand with the Marco Polo rental service. The Mercedes-Benz camper van can be conveniently rented at around 25 rental stations in Germany, and online booking will also be possible in the near future. The fleet is being further expanded for the new camping season. By the end of this year, the number of Marco Polo available for rent will be tripled. From 2023, various Sprinter-based motorhomes will also be available for rent – from semi-integrated to fully-integrated. This will make flexible travel with the star possible in XL size.
On the Mercedes booth in hall 16, interested visitors can gain an insight into the rental portfolio, talk to experts and even pre-book a motorhome right away.
Source: Mercedes-Benz