The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity

Mercedes-Benz describes the Marco Polo Activity as a recreational vehicle rather than a fully-fledged camper van. That’s fairly accurate, given the lack of built-in storage or cooking facilities.

For 2020, this Vito-based model has been updated. The visual changes – limited to a restyled radiator grille and new ‘turbine-look’ dashboard air vents – are barely noticeable, but there are some worthwhile technical and specification upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity (2020) Front Side

These start with the introduction of a 235 bhp (176 kW / 239 PS) 300 d version of the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. Thanks to an ‘overtorque’ function, 530 Nm (390 lb/ft) instead of the usual 500 Nm (368 lb/ft) can briefly be delivered when accelerating. Consequently, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 7.9 seconds and 130 mph (210 km/h) is possible.

Thus the full Marco Polo Activity line-up now comprises:
  • 170 d – 1.7 litre diesel – 100 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS)
  • 200 d – 2.0 litre diesel – 134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS)
  • 220 d – 2.0 litre diesel – 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS)
  • 250 d – 2.0 litre diesel – 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS)
  • 300 d – 2.0 litre diesel – 235 bhp (176 kW / 239 PS)
The 170 d comes with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, while all of the others feature rear-wheel drive (or optional all-wheel drive) and a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

Also available for the first time are Active Brake Assist and Distronic with Active Distance Assist. Furthermore, a revamped selection of infotainment systems includes a couple that boast a 7” touchscreen and compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Due to arrive in October 2020 are a digital interior rear-view mirror and Airmatic adjustable air suspension. The latter works in conjunction with Dynamic Select, which offers a choice of three driving modes.

As before, the sliding rear bench converts into a bed and additional berths are provided ‘upstairs’ in the elevating roof, so there’s still plenty of sleeping accommodation.

Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity (2020) Dashboard DetailMercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity (2020) Interior

Related posts:
2021 Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer launched
Mercedes-Benz Metris Weekender unveiled
Marco Polo ArtVenture editions announced

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more