First pictures: 2017 Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo campervan

Volkswagen is traditionally the brand of choice for campervan owners, but Mercedes-Benz and Ford are both trying hard to make in-roads into this desirable market. With new conversions selling for in excess of £50,000, it’s not hard to see why.

The latest offering from Mercedes-Benz is this V-Class Marco Polo campervan conversion, which is expected to reach UK showrooms in April 2017.

This upmarket model appears to be a Westfalia conversion, in line with previous models bearing the same name. Prices start at £53k, which is broadly comparable with other high-spec camper conversions, such as those from Bilbo’s and the Volkswagen California.

If you’re feeling flush or don’t fancy attempting such a detailed conversion yourself, here’s a look at what’s on offer in this new ‘van.

The Marco Polo is based on the V-Class luxury people carrier/minibus model. It can seat or sleep four people and comes with a full range of equipment, including a built-in kitchenette with a fridge and hob, plus a two-seater sofa which converts into a bed with under-bed storage.

It also features a roof bed, accessed via an electrically raising roof; a wardrobe and a generous luggage compartment.

Drivers will get a 220d turbocharged 2.1-litre diesel engine offering 163 hp as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 250d 190hp version. Merc claims combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.8mpg for both models, with CO2 emissions under 170g/km in both cases. Mercedes’ well-regarded 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission is standard across the range.

The standard Sport model comes very highly specified, with features including:

• A two-seater leather sofa with bed extension
• Yacht wood flooring in rear compartment (available in a choice of two colours at no extra cost)
• Camping table plus two chairs with storage bag
• Electrically operated pop-up roof
• Swivelling driver and passenger seats
• Automatic three-zone climate control
• External connections for power and fresh water
• Tinted rear windows
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Garmin navigation system
• Full leather upholstery
• Active Parking Assist with rear-view camera

For an additional £2,140, AMG Line models add AMG bodystyling, 19-inch AMG bi-colour wheels, sports suspension, a carbon-look dash, an AMG spoiler lip on tailgate and metallic paint.

As you’d expect, there are also a plethora of other options. One notable omission from the standard list is a heater, which clocks in as a £1,345 extra. Another option I’d like to see is a slide-out Porta Potti, but then again, this is really a model for campsite/beach posing, not serious travel (tin hat on…).

If you’d like to know more, check out the new Marco Polo here.