Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz Vans has firmly anchored its leadership aspirations for electric mobility in its strategy and is systematically electrifying all model series. This includes a range of industry-specific electric mobility solutions – also for the camper van industry. With the Concept EQT Marco Polo the brand with the star is providing a preview of the new, fully electric and fully fledged micro camper van based on the EQT, which is equipped with numerous innovations for the segment. The series version is expected to be presented in the second half of 2023. The Mercedes-Benz EQT which is also a product innovation in its own right and will soon be available to order is a small van that combines the variability and high-quality equipment level of the T-Class – its conventionally powered sister model – with the advantages of an all-electric drive. In the near future, the Marco Polo Module a first, practical camper solution for fully electric short trips with the EQT will be available.
“For us, the future is electric – regardless of the size or purpose of a van. The latest proof of this strategic direction is our new EQT with all-electric drive. With the Marco Polo Module, we also have a first, simple solution for the all-electric camping trip on offer in the near future. In the second half of 2023, we plan to expand our range even further with a fully-fledged and also fully-electric micro camper. The Concept EQT Marco Polo already gives a glimpse of the upcoming series production vehicle. As the name suggests, we are expanding our Marco Polo family with both products, based on the EQT,” says Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales Mercedes-Benz Vans.
New fully fledged micro camper van with all-electric drive ex factory
The Concept EQT Marco Polo is based on the long-wheelbase EQT variant. The near-production concept vehicle provides a first glimpse of the new, all-electric and fully-fledged micro camper with the star, which is currently still in development. The equipment of the Concept EQT Marco Polo1 includes a pop-up roof with a roof bed. Thanks to a scissor design, the pop-up roof can be raised easily with a slight angle of inclination to the vehicle roof. This means that the Concept EQT Marco Polo1 offers enough space in the rear to stand upright. In addition, the pop-up roof can be opened all around or in window form with a zip on the rear for that typical camping sense of freedom. The roof bed has a sleeping area that measures 1.97 meters by 0.97 meters. A point-elastic disc spring system, among other things, ensures a high level of sleeping comfort.
In the rear there is a further folding sleeping facility measuring 2 meters by 1.15 meters. Directly in the second row of seats behind the driver’s seat, there is an element with a recessed washing facility and a likewise recessed 16-litre compressor refrigerator box. Directly docked to it is one of two bench seats. Another seat is located on the left side of the vehicle in the interior (facing the rear cockpit). The drawer system built in here offers sufficient storage space for camping accessories. There is also an induction hob and a drawer that can be pulled out of the vehicle interior with a flexible removable gas cartridge cooker, so that there are two options for cooking. On the right-hand side of the vehicle in the interior (looking towards the rear cockpit) is a fold-out table which is also electrically height-adjustable. In addition, further stowage compartments are incorporated.
All furniture units in the interior can be removed easily by two people in less than 5 minutes. This means that the all-electric micro camper van can also be used as an everyday vehicle if required. With its height of less than two meters, it can also easily enter all conventional garages, multi-story car parks and car washes in the future.
The furniture of the Concept EQT Marco Polo is not only functional, but also fits seamlessly into the high-quality interior of the new EQT. The design, for example, takes up the seating concept of the electric Small Van: like the seats, the kitchen, bench and bedroom elements are also done in Artico Microcut. The paneling of the furniture fronts, meanwhile, is finished in Avola cherry wood by way of contrast. Ambient lighting in the joint areas creates the right atmosphere. There is also a dark roof liner and LED lighting in the upper bed area. In total, the vehicle covers 7 USB ports, one of them being in the pop-up roof area and two in the living area of the micro camper van.
The future long-wheelbase version of the EQT, which has been used as the basis for the concept car, is painted in chromite grey metallic with contrasting elements in black gloss. These include the black-painted chrome trim at the front and rear and the special 19-inch diamond-cut wheels. The beige color tone of the pop-up roof can be found in other elements of the vehicle – like for example the sun sail. Reddish accents on the boot and rim, among other things, bring color into play.
Another eye-catching feature in the Concept EQT Marco Polo: the solar panel on the pop-up roof. This and an additional, removable battery unit allow the camping unit to be self-sufficient in energy for a certain period of time and conserve the range. The additional battery is stored in a drawer in the seat during use – but can be easily removed for recharging and charged, for example, at the socket in one’s own flat or house, or even at the campsite. Other highlights include the sun awning, which is attached to the side of the vehicle, and an innovative blackout system for the rear windows. These can be colored at the touch of a button. Curtains or roller shutter systems are a thing of the past in the concept car.
“A new spin on the classics”: Camping pleasure in no time at all with the Marco Polo Module
With the Marco Polo Module, which can be flexibly installed and removed and will be available for the new EQT with a short wheelbase5, among others, Mercedes-Benz is offering a first practical solution for basic camping requirements in the near future. With the standard bed and optional kitchen unit – both classic solutions for the small van segment in the camping environment – the EQT becomes a simple travel companion in no time at all.
The bed unit offers a 2-metre by 1.15-meter sleeping surface. A point-elastic disc spring system and a ten-centimeter-thick mattress ensure ergonomic lying comfort right up to the edges. When needed, the bed frame can be pulled out forwards and the mattress folded out. While on the move, the bed frame with folded mattress is in the load compartment. The rear seats can then be used without restriction. The standard equipment for high sleeping comfort also includes manually attachable blackout elements for the window panes and a ventilation grille with insect protection that can be clamped between the panes and the frame. Also standard are two window pockets between the C-pillar and D-pillar for smaller items.
The optional kitchen unit is based on a drawer system. It includes a sink with a 12-liter water tank, a 15-liter compressor refrigerator box and a flexible removable gas cartridge cooker. Further drawers provide space for cutlery, crockery and food supplies. In addition, two camping chairs and a table are available in combination with the optional kitchen unit. The table comes with two different feet. This means it can be placed outdoors as well as attached to the center console inside the EQT – a first in the segment.
If the bed or kitchen unit is not needed, thanks to its lightweight, it can be installed and removed in a few easy steps and in a short time. When attached, it is fixed to the lashing eyelets in the luggage compartment.
The entire Marco Polo Module has a stylish, clean design and the color anthracite. As a result, it blends in perfectly with the high-quality interior of the all-electric small van. In addition, the Mercedes star and lettering show the clear affiliation to the brand.
The Marco Polo Module can be ordered directly from Mercedes-Benz branches and dealers in the near future.
