Mercedes-Benz has updated the Marco Polo Activity, which
benefits from the revised looks of the regular vehicle. The refreshed camper
can be identified by the restyled grille, with black louvres or chrome look as
an option, and redesigned rear bumper.
Inside, it features new air vents and
piano-lacquer trim, and boasts a digital rearview mirror for the first time.
Set to be introduced from October, it provides drivers with an unobstructed
view of the rear area, and can be switched to the analogue view at the push of
a button. Other novelties are the Active Brake Assist and Distronic Active
Distance Assist, which are available for the first time.
The DAB+ digital radio has been added to
the 2020 Marco Polo, alongside the Audio 10 infotainment system with Bluetooth
interface and music streaming, and the Audi 30 and Audio 40 systems, with a
7-inch touchscreen display and integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The engine lineup has been revised by
adding a more powerful lump in the Marco Polo Activity 300 d, which develops
239 PS and 500 Nm of torque, for a 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a 210 km/h top speed. The 250 d, 220 d
and 200 d models are still offered with 190 PS, 163 PS and 136 PS, respectively, while the entry-level
170 d has 102 PS. The latter is available with a six-speed
manual transmission and front-wheel drive, while the other versions come with
the 9-speed auto and rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive being available as
an option.
Should you wait until October, then you
will be able to order the optional AirMatic air suspension, which allows for
different driving programs that raise the body by up to 35 mm at
speeds of up to 30 km/h, or drop it by 10 mm in the ‘Sport’
mode. The ‘Comfort’ setting returns the ground clearance to the normal height,
and at speeds of over 100 km/h, the vehicle is automatically lowered
by 10 mm to increase efficiency. Regulated for each wheel, the damping
adjusts the suspension to the respective road conditions.
