Mercedes Brings New Marco Polo Camper Production Fully In-House
Mercedes-Benz has started production of the new Marco Polo camper at its Ludwigsfelde plant in Germany, bringing the model’s complete manufacturing process inside the company’s own production network for the first time in the Marco Polo’s more than 40-year history.
The October 12, 2026 announcement is primarily a manufacturing story, but it also matters to buyers: Mercedes says the move is intended to support consistent quality, greater flexibility and shorter delivery times. The new Marco Polo and Marco Polo HORIZON are already available to order in Germany and additional European markets. The company did not announce U.S. availability.
From V-Class shell to finished camper
The base V-Class continues to be built at Mercedes-Benz’s Vitoria plant in Spain. Vehicles then move to Ludwigsfelde, where Mercedes completes the camper conversion in a dedicated production hall. The work includes the roof cut and the installation of the interior furniture, along with the other steps needed to turn the van into a factory-built recreational vehicle.
Mercedes says it planned the line digitally and operates it without paper-based production instructions. A flexible conveyor system is intended to improve ergonomics, and employees received model-specific training for the conversion work. Ludwigsfelde already produces open-body versions of the Sprinter and eSprinter and has operated as a Mercedes-Benz Vans plant for more than 35 years.
What changes for the new Marco Polo
Alongside the production transfer, Mercedes says the new camper gains updates intended to improve the sense of space, lighting, blackout capability, acoustics and connectivity. The announcement does not provide a complete equipment list, powertrain breakdown or market-by-market price, so buyers should treat those details as dependent on the local configurator.
The important distinction is that Mercedes is not claiming the entire vehicle is made at one plant. The V-Class base still comes from Spain; Ludwigsfelde now performs the full camper conversion within the Mercedes-Benz network instead of relying on a production arrangement outside that network.
Why the production move matters
Bringing the conversion operation in-house gives Mercedes tighter control over production scheduling and product changes in a segment where customers expect passenger-car finish, van practicality and residential equipment in the same vehicle. It also signals that the company sees factory-built campers as strategically important rather than as a small aftermarket niche.
For more recent European vehicle news, read our report on the new Hyundai BAYON and TUCSON N Line. Our coverage of the new Peugeot 408 for Gulf markets shows how model specifications can vary significantly by region.
Sources and image credit
Primary source: Mercedes-Benz Media, October 12, 2026. Featured image: new Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo at Ludwigsfelde, supplied by Mercedes-Benz Media for editorial press use; image and source page.