Mercedes-Benz Celebrates Marco Polo Camper Turning 35 With ArtVenture Special Edition

Back in 1984, Mercedes-Benz entered the camper van segment with the original Marco Polo. The first one was based on the 209 D van, came with an 88 PS (87 hp / 65 kW) and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque five-pot diesel and was capable of hitting a 120 km/h (75 mph) top speed.

The beige-brown interior was specific to the era and was joined by the double bed in the high roof, rear bench seat berth, swiveling front seats and kitchenette with sink, two gas burners and a fridge. The same functionality has been preserved, although with more modern technologies, to this date, with the company celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Marco Polo with the new ArtVenture special edition.

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Building on the V-Class, it adds some beige accents on the inside which, along with the aquamarine bellows of the pop-up roof, makes it more eye-catching, according to the company. The appearance can be customized with one of the three decors for the sides, all of them in matte black with aquamarine accents. Like its ancestor, the latest Marco Polo camper van has everything it needs for a home away from home, including a comfortable sleeping chamber, and doesn’t cut back on the latest technology features either.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel that’s available in different outputs, including the 300d version where it delivers 239 PS (236 hp / 176 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. The ArtVenture has a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph) and returns 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 mpg US) on a combined cycle. The order books will open soon and pricing will start at €44,590 ($49,382) in the Germany, including tax.