Mercedes-Benz has developed its first-ever camper van for the U.S.
With a long history in America, camper vans are gaining in popularity and Mercedes-Benz is looking to jump on the trend and introduced its first-ever pop up camper van for the U.S. market at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.
Harkening back to those glory days, Mercedes-Benz drew inspiration from illustrious models of the past while integrating the latest sophisticated safety, reliability and convenience features to create a new modern pop top van.
The new camper vans are built by Driverge Vehicle Innovations, who are part of the MasterSolutions program, in partnership with Peace Vans, one of the largest classic camper van repair and restoration shops in the country.
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“Pop up campers are iconic and highly functional vehicles,” said Robert Veit, VP and Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz USA Vans.
The Mercedes camper van allows for access on either side and uses a pop up area for additional sleeping room.
“We have known for a long time that this market need was unmet as evidenced by the high demand for aging existing camper vans still on the road. With the help of our partners, Peace Vans and Driverge, we have utilized the Metris to create a product suited to those who seek adventure, but also need a versatile and comfortable vehicle for their day-to-day lives.”
This adaptable vehicle can be used in myriad ways: traveling across the U.S. on extended road trips, taking the family on summer vacations or spring breaks, quick weekend explorations or having a comfortable place to work or relax after a surf or climbing session.
The pop up camper offers unique flexibility, while the Metris is perfectly suited as a versatile daily driver designed to thrive in major metropolitan areas with a spacious interior and practical dimensions that fit in parking spots, garages and driveways in any city.
While many camper vans are upscale vehicles, Mercedes’ new offer is a little more rustic, if any Benz can be described that way. The Weekender comes standard with an elevating roof with a sleeping area for two. The upper sleeping area includes an integrated spring system, 2-inch memory foam mattress, three windows, and added USB ports for lights, charging and more.
The Weekender allows for additional seating by having two front seats that swivel 180 degrees.
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In the main cabin, a multipurpose rear bench seat that opens up into a bed for two. Additionally, when folded into the seat configuration, the seat moves along a rail position into four locations, allowing additional room for varying cargo needs.
The van’s front seats swivel 180 degrees allowing for additional seating when sitting inside the Weekender to eat a meal, play cards, working on a computer, etc. Also standard on every Weekender package is a second battery to power additional devices you might need while camping.
If you’re looking to upgrade from camping to glamping, the Weekender has a variety of options to make life easier, such as off-grid power and integrated solar panels for extended trips with built in solar charging capacity.
There are upgraded audio and navigation features to improve your road trip and once you get there, you can set up camp with an 8-foot awning complete with bug netting and additional netting for door openings. Roof racks can haul all types of toys, ranging from surf boards to snow skis. The van can be equipped with a pullout rear kitchen.
With its superior performance, safety and reliability, the best-in-class Mercedes-Benz Metris provides an ideal platform to create the
The van has a pop-up section on top that has room for two to sleep comfortably and even get a view out of one of three windows.
Weekender. For example, the Metris offers sophisticated safety features, exemplary fuel economy, up to 15,000-mile service intervals and a tow rating of 5,000 pounds. Standard feature highlights for the Metrisinclude Attention Assist, rearview camera and ECO start/stop.
The standard Crosswind Assist helps stabilize the van and boosts safety in strong, gusting crosswinds, while the dynamic handling system load adaptive ESP actively intervenes to help keep the van firmly under control and safe by automatically braking individual wheels and reducing engine power to help stabilize the vehicle if wheel spin, understeer or oversteer is detected.
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Pricing and availability were not released, but the van can be ordered in one of more than 200 colors, officials noted.