Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards 2025: Best Campervan
A growing number of us will be holidaying in the UK next year, and with that in mind, a great campervan could become essential. Fortunately, the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo is the best around...
Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo
Priced from £82,135 (incl. VAT and OTR) Fuel economy 34.9mpg C02 emissions 212 g/km Power 233bhp Torque 369lb ft
Although some campervan buyers like to purchase their vans directly from a converter, having a hand in the design from the ground up, others prefer the reassurance of a vehicle supplied by the manufacturer, even if the scope for customisation is limited.
Leading the pack in ‘factory’ campers is the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo — although the conversion was originally designed in conjunction with industry-leading converter Westfalia. A premium product from a premium manufacturer, the Marco Polo ticks the boxes that those with a little more budget are looking for. Based on the V-Class people carrier (which is itself based on the Mercedes Vito van), the vehicle has a 233bhp diesel engine married to a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
In the cab, Mercedes has incorporated camper-related controls into the MBUX infotainment system and linked smartphone app, saving on the installation of spurious knobs and buttons elsewhere. Heading out for the day, but forgotten to lower the roof? A button press or two on your phone, for example, and you can watch it safely lower.
The Marco Polo also comes with self-levelling suspension, meaning that it'll remain stable and level even if you've loaded one end of it with people or luggage.
The camper spec includes all that those paying a premium expect to be standard. There’s the pop-up roof, sleeping accommodation for four, rotating front seats, electrically reclining rear seats, a kitchen including a stove and fridge, a seating area and even an external shower. It’s got everything — including the kitchen sink.
Given the powerful diesel engine, the Marco Polo copes admirably with challenging roads across Europe — we put it to the test in the wilds of Scotland — and those who enjoy driving will appreciate the surprisingly capable Sport setting.
The Marco Polo isn’t cheap, but campervans traditionally hold their value well, and owners often keep them for many years. With the high residual values that the Marco Polo has, enthusiasts should find that the slow depreciation stands them in good stead when considering a replacement, reducing the impact of that high capital cost.
The competition consists of the Ford Transit Custom Nugget and Volkswagen California. Both are worthy contenders, but neither can match the all-around quality proposition of the Marco Polo. As a sign of just how good the Mercedes is, then, consider this – this is the fourth-time running that it has won this Award.
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