Mercedes-Benz Unveils Three Camper Van Concepts, Pick Your Favorite

Mercedes-Benz wants to steer visitors at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany, to “travel into the future” with a host of camper van concepts.

The first one is called Concept Marco Polo, but unlike the production versions of the V-Class, it’s a study equipped with what the automaker calls the ‘Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control’, or MBAC in short.

This is an interface module with voice control that allows users to access different functions of the vehicle, such as the air suspension, lights and pop-up roof. The Mercedes-Benz Concept Marco Polo won’t hit production, but the MBAC technology will, as it’s set to be implemented in the new Sprinter from 2019.

The German carmaker will have the Sprinter Connected Home study on display at the event, too. Billed as a “demonstration vehicle”, it’s actually “close to production” as the firm admits, and features the same MBAC technology as its V-Class-based sibling.

Another premiere for the Caravan Salon is the Concept Sprinter F-Cell. It was officially unveiled last month and, just like its name says, it runs on hydrogen. Backed up by three fuel cells, the powertrain makes 200 PS (197 hp / 147 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It can travel for up to 300 km (186 mi), or some 200 km (124 mi) more with the extra tanks.

Mercedes-Benz’s stand at the event will also include the B-Class ModernComfort camper van from HYMER, the Regent S camping bus from La Strada, and the X-Class camper, in addition to a roof tent structure “with a parallel-lift concept”.