Auto Expo 2020: Mercedes-Benz unveils V-Class Marco Polo

• Marco Polo is the camping-focused iteration of V-Class

• Equipped with convertible seats and extendable roof

• Comes in two variants - Horizon (Rs 1.38 crore, ex-showroom) and Marco Polo (Rs 1.46 crore ex-showroom)

On day two of the Auto Expo 2020, Mercedes launched the V-Class Marco Polo in two variants: the Marco Polo Horizon, priced at Rs 1.38 crore and the Marco Polo, priced at Rs 1.46 crore (prices ex-showroom). Next, the brand also emphasised upon the latest developments to the MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Interface) digital module with Interior Assist, Mercedes’ intuitive controls system, the software chain of which was developed entirely at MBRDI (Mercedes Benz Research and Development India) in Bangalore, along with shedding some more light on the Volocopter, which the brand says is the next generation of Mercedes’ electric multi-rotor urban air taxi concept.

Starting with the Marco Polo, it is an extension of the space and functionality of the V-Class, and gives us a glimpse into Mercedes’ idea of what a camping van should be. Externally, it resembles the V-Class, except for some visible changes to the roof to allow for the extendable awning.

Moving to utilities, the V-Class Marco Polo gets a modular kitchenette with equipped with two gas burners, sink, a compressor-based refrigerator with 40-litre capacity and a folding table, a 38-litre fresh water tank and a 40-litre waste water tank, exterior connection for 230V socket and lockable fresh water filler neck, and wood-covered floor for a yacht-deck look. The Horizon gets the Table package available as an option. Lastly, they both get electric sliding doors at the rear, as well as blinds in the rear and an opaque curtain for the rear windshield for shade and privacy.

Under the hood, both variants of the Marco Polo get a BS6-compliant 1950cc diesel engine making 161bhp and 380Nm. Whereas the standard safety features include windowbags and thorax-pelvis sidebags for the driver and front passenger, it also gets an intuitive Attention Assist feature which can warn against inattention and drowsiness.

Next, the brand spoke about its Volocopter electric multi-rotor urban air taxi concept, with which Mercedes aims to capitalise upon the need for quick, comfortable and pollution-free intra-city conveyance.

Lastly, the brand showcased the latest improvement in its MBUX voice-activated interface, which we had earlier seen in the brand’s recently launched GLC SUV, and its future vision which the brand calls CARE, an acronym for Connected, Autonomous, Shared Services and Electric.