2018 VW California vs 2018 Mercedes Benz Marco Polo - Battle of the Campers
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
- This is the most common question we get asked nearly every day! Which is best... Volkswagen California or Mercedes Benz Marco Polo. In this video we look at the key differences between the two most popular camper vans.
A huge thank you to Campervantastic for allowing us to film both of these incredible camper vans. Don’t forget you can hire any of these amazing vans from Campervantastic!
Please check out Campervantastic for their hire service and shop as they are a super lovely bunch! - www.campervant...
Visit our website www.California...
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I camp alone for up to eight months a year in my tent, I'm now 72, love walking forests and low hills.
Arthritis now a problem so house up for sale and campervan for the future.
Your work on making this video has enabled me to not have to do same,
I will be looking into the California as soon as the house sells.
Thanks for your efforts, much appreciated.
I'll keep you informed, carol
Best of luck with your future campervan life! \o/
How’s that situation working out for you? I’m 69 and am considering doing the same thing next year. I would prefer to drive the Marco Polo but think the California might be the best option for me when i sell my flat. It will most likely come down to relative costs though.
Can I order the Marco polo for USA
There is a way to open up the split window in the back of Marco Polo from the inside, you can open it up with the key by pressing a rear open button a bit longer.
I’m only 12, but I have a weird obsession with campers and I really want one to travel in when I’m able to drive and when I’m older, I love both of these campers but the Volkswagen is way more expensive and the Mercedes is still expensive but u don’t have to pay loads for extras like paint and kitchen appliances. Can u please make a video about the prices and what’s worth it and all the extras. Love ur video even thought I’m young
Hi Sophie! Thanks for watching! I wish I’d been as obsessed about vans at your age as it look me a lot longer to realise how amazing they are!
That’s a great idea for a video! You’re right, we should discuss the specifications sometime of both vans. We will try and organise this 👍
Thanks for watching!
The Marco Polo is just stunningly beautiful. I think it is so classy by even normal car standards let alone van standards. It looks so high end and elegant. I would go for the Marco Polo.
Me2✨
Me 3
Me4 ❤️😆
A few things to add having looked at the two very closely and coming close to buying a Marco Polo - this film overlooks some key things either way - including new MP 2019 model.
1. Standard things on VW California which are not on the Marco Polo - DAB radio (before the new 2019 Marco Polo this is not even an option on the Merc but is now standard), 2nd Leisure battery, big front window on pop up roof (presumably because this would make closed roof untidy, Auxillary air heater (Standard on MP from the 2019 model on wards - prior to that an £1800 option)
2. Standard things on Marco Polo which are standard on VW California - Leather seats in choice of black or beige (Alcantra is a £984 option on the VW), LED headlights (£1608 option on VW), Shower outlet (£306 on VW), Front/rear parking sensors with reversing camera (£714 option on VW)
3. Retro fitting a tow bar on a Marco Polo is very expensive if done by Mercedes and fully maintaining the warranty - £2200! This is because quite a few things need to be moved around and modded.
4. Cost new - I was able to find a 2019 Marco Polo 250D Sport with auxillary heater and awning for £48,000 with only delivery miles - I reserved but pulled out because I feel I need to hire both before buying. We are buying after having owned a Westfalia City Club Joker for 2.5 years and having friends with Californias - so thoroughly exposed now to the high end/'factory' end of the market - Westfalia make the conversion kits for the Marco Polo that Mercedes build into vehicles in their factory - we recognised many of the elements in the Marco Polo from our own Westfalia.
5. Depreciation - VW Californias are overpriced - the MP shows this but its all about supply and demand and there is more demand for VW so prices and residuals are higher - but arguably more value in the Marco Polo as of the two it feels more like a £60,000 vehicle (despite some own goals - table and chairs setup, only one leisure battery, lack of touchscreen in the infotainment system and folded pop up roof visible through a hatch above your head when driving).
The new MP 2019 models close the gap more with more refined engines, DAB and auxillary air heating as standard. The latest version of the VW California has copied the ambient lighting from the MP (at extra cost - standard on MP) and also has gone overboard on the pop up roof front window advantage by making the whole front panel zippable. So we are benefiting from the increased competition in the market.
Missed a couple of things -
1.As standard on the VW there is a discrete vehicle climate control for the rear - the merc does not have this.
2.the standard alloys on the Merc are much better looking than the clunky standard VW wheels - the next wheels up for the VW - comparable to the VW are an £768 option.
3. The powered side door and rear door on the Merc are standard - powered side door on the VW is a £330 option
Marco polo for me and now an owner of one after having took the VW on a few nights to try, the upstarts bed is very comfortable in the MP
Hi. I want to say a big thank you for all your videos, they and you both have inspired us to go and get a campervan of our own. We pick up our Marco Polo next Monday. Super excited. The one thing that swung it was the seats in the back, with the ocean really only a bench and the MP a bit more luxurious. Not much really to chose between the two apart from that, but you both have helped us so much. Love your videos and we will keep watching even though we’ve gone for the opposition.
Thanks again
Andrew and Debbie
Great review. We hired a VW T3 camper but found it a bit too small as my wife and I are long. We looked at many other models but bought a used 2004 Viano Marco Polo. Face it, the driving experience is the best in the MB and the motor and automatic transmission as well as the many options were a big plus. VW is clever with the use of space and and window blinds and ours doesn't have a camper table or chairs but the extra space gives us the room to place premium folding table and chairs and our portable toilet is fitting easliy when using the bed below. The curtains are 100% closed without any gaps. I fitted a 4KW pure sinus inverter and 200W removable solar panels to allow off grid 220V for less than 500 Euros.
Important note, California parts and service are available through any VW Commecial dealer. Parts and service for Marco Polo and any other Merc vans can be supplied through any Merc Van Centre AND ANY Merc Truck dealer ... worldwide. That’s a massive network, thoroughly covering the globe. Break down anywhere in the world and there’s genuine parts, electronic diagnosis and skilled mechanics to hand. Siberia, Mongolia, Alaska ! Serious benefit imho.
True. Daimler network even deals VW parts and knowhow in some parts of the world. so... You basically can get parts to both vehicles anywhere int he world. Courtesy of Daimler Ag ;)
Great video, but the bias did come through, unsurprisingly. 😀 Agree with most of your points but having had time in both, the Marco drives brilliantly, it’s like driving a luxury salon. also although the Cali blinds were really effective I felt every time I used them they were going to break. Keep keep up the great work
You folks are the real deal -- honest, straightforward, unaffected. What is the difference in fuel economy between the Mercedes and VW?
Well done guys-a fair balanced review fully detailing the pros and cons of both.I was in the lucky position of being able to choose and spent a great deal of time with both vehicles,deciding on the Marco Polo in the end.Despite the complexity of the rear seat it’s a much more comfortable and versatile solution than the bench in the Cali.Yes the blinds are not as good but the rear glass is so dark as standard that it is extremely difficult to see in from the outside even without the blinds shut.Spec for spec my MP was £6k cheaper than the equivalent Ocean.Both wonderful vehicles.
Why more versatile?
@@benohanlon Rear Seat passengers in the MP can individually recline their seats and also inflate the seat bolsters for greater comfort when travelling.It’s not possible to do these things in the Cali
Was with the Marco Polo till you got to the blinds - oh dear what a let down
Good Vid'. I did a lot of research before I plumped for the California here in Spain. The Mercedes is without doubt a very pretty vehicle and it does have some clever features, but as a camper van, it falls some way short of the VW. There are far fewer opportunities to personalise the Mercedes. We called in a Campervantastic last February whilst in the UK and had a chat with a very nice staff member. I showed him how I had made alterations to improve the downstairs bed area to provide a greater space for a night loo. Details of this should be on their FB site if anyone wants to do the same. For me, the rear wheel drive auto box configuration is fine for 'on road' but would be a nightmare on even a slightly muddy grass field. I have a 150PS 4 motion DSG with difflock and all season tyres, which copes with pretty much anything a sensible campervan owner is likely to come across. My Cali has been thoroughly tested from the quagmires of Spanish campo tracks to the February snows on the UK and it copes brilliantly. The other main point I considered before purchase was the second hand residuals. Whilst I can't speak for the UK, here in Spain, the value of a Marco polo falls off the edge of a cliff once you drive it out of a showroom whereas a 5 years old Cali' with starship mileage were ridiculously expensive.
Thank you to everyone who’s commented and started debates! It’s been really interesting reading all your thoughts. Keep them coming! 🙌
CaliforniaCamping hi love your channel. How easy is the campervan to park. I suppose multi storey car parks are not possible
Another BIG point - Marco Polo you can buy also as a six seater (usable in time not camping....)
This is a great video! We just spent our first night in Our Marco Polo, it’s such a wonderful drive and so beautiful interior! I don’t mint the window blinds problem because I’m able to make my own and not gonna use the original.
Campervantastic were great when we hired from them before we bought our Ocean. Really friendly and relaxed. Has to be the VW... especially down to top bed size.... and camping bits, which is why you buy one. If it was the car like drive that won it for me... then I’d buy a land rover and a tent. But well done Mercedes for getting close on the first attempt ! And it’s cheaper... so should be 6 /5
Hey Mark, would you say that MB camper drives smoother than the WV one?
Another aspect you didn't consider is the "VW scene" - both the genuine camaraderie between VeeDubbers and the ability to personalise your 'van with a myriad of aftermarket options (albeit this is more for custom conversions than the Calli). AFAIK, there just isn't an equivalent "MB scene" for campers.
Great video both..
I currently run a Mercedes Benz Vito dual liner with the 119cdi blue tec with the autobox
Had since new September 15 I’ve done 64600 miles..
Absolutely fault less.
Fuel stats with tools and a passenger driving under the legal speed limit 42 mpg all day,
Best was 58 mpg driving up to Scotland at a steady 65mph...
I’m going to be ordering another shortly to replace this van on it’s 3rd birthday lol..
Vito and transporter are the best vehicles in this range hands down..
The Transporter can be had in 4X4 which is a great option we’re as Merc sadly doesn’t in right hand drive.
But the Mercedes back up in my opinion is slightly better.
Keep the vids coming.
Hi guys. Helen and myself go for the California. The bed sizes, table inside van, chairs in tale gate, leaving lots of space under the back.
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but the issue for me with the gaping MP blinds is the amount of light that'll be let into the van come sunrise. I don't fancy being woken up at 4am in mid-summer, so that'd be a "no" from me. Also, you didn't compare the blackout ability of the roof canvases, but from what I've seen in previous reviews, the MP fails in this regard too.
Wear blind fold👍
We go for the the VW California because of the colors you can choose and it's more practical to use than the MP. Although the MP is en looks luxurious.
Our vw california is ordered and delivered in October 2018, and the color we chose is indium grey and black pearl. So glad we have it soon.;-)
Well done on the 10k..well deserved.. I thought when you initially did a video on the Marco Polo it was a close race.. it would be great to have all those good things from the Marco Polo and add to the VW it would be amazing.. be interesting to see the next Marco Polo now they’ve got over the first model.. I am looking forward to a VW Buzz in the future though.. Next target 20k subs👏🏻👏🏻
No suprise you have 10k subs if you are making these videos soo well .congrats on 10k :)
context_ required its a shame Marco Polo doesn't do an inverter, and what about heating off grid, etc
Thanks context_required you're very kind!
CaliforniaCamping its true :)
Good vid, I believe the Cali's factory Caravelle' chassis/suspension is better than the Transporter 'van' chassis on conversions.. just in case anyone deciding..does MP have a heater, think that has to be spec'd extra? Wonder how depreciation compares or maybe early days still for it be worked out? Think if you want more car than camper MP is better but for intense hobby/camping duties, the Cali wins.
Found this video while going down one of the many rabbit trails of the internet. Good info and y'all seem like really nice, likable people. If you ever visit Texas, look me up. I'll treat you to some BBQ. ( :
Indeed an Epic video!!!
I love both vans, but I thought I loved the Marco Polo more..
But now due to your video I think I love the California more...
the beds are better especially the upper bed.
Enjoyed the video, never seen so many Cali's in one place. Great review on both vehicles. One issue which was not picked up on is buying a diesel in 2018 possible value could drop 60% or more with all the negative press they are getting. Bought mine and now wish I had not bothered now.
Marco Polo all the way for me as its a genuine everyday vehicle and drives like any other merc. European touring a breeze and you can unzip the front of the table and chair storage without having to lift. Agree the Cali chairs are more comfortable. Loving your reviews and very entertaining. Keep up the good work guys. Feels like two different customer types. One is an iconic vehicle that has been around for a long time. The MP doesn't have that cult following yet
Thanks for making this video! Helped me out a lot as I was in the market for a camper van. And yes, I ended up getting the California Ocean :)
Very interesting review thanks. It's a great debate ... bit like do I buy an Audi or a BMW - you can't lose really. I think the interesting facts about the Cali versus Marco Polo review you have done is that it misses a major point ... and that is the intangibles ... the feel ... the x factor comparison. The Marco Polo is a great drive and probably a better driving position to the Cali, and the Marco Polo has the better more up market interior - especially the leather seats. In a normal instance for me it would be 'job done'. However I see the Marco Polo is really the 'pretender' here. It lacks the DNA, the heritage of the Combi - the true essence of what the Combi is all about. I like the feelings the Cali evokes ... it's cool and hip, classless, small but perfectly formed, a true swiss army knife of small campervans. It's colour options especially the two tone colour scheme pays tribute to the 1960's/70's, the 4motion version means you can get into the true outdoors (ie skiing, access to beaches etc). If I visualize arriving at a camping spot - I don't want to arrive in a black 'corporate' mercedes van - I want to arrive in a Combi - and join the party. The Marco Polo to me is really taking a luxury airport shuttle van and putting a smart kitchen in it. I think it's aimed at a different market. We use our Cali for getting away in the weekends - and I love the fact that people relate to it - engage with it. It's approachable due to it's DNA. I think the Merc will be the odd one out at a California beach party :)
Late to the party (again! Lol). I'd definitely take the VW. In red and white. That looks so cool!
I've driven both in the past and to be honest, personally, a manual Cali would make me a very happy camper!
Looking to buy a camper van after owning a Range Rover sport and a vango air solace tent. Looking to extend our season Thinking Marco Polo for the Luxury. Loving the videos as they are giving an informed choice. Married to a Merc man. We are going to test drive both. Thank you
Hey you missed the shower attachment in the California.
It's stored in the rear, below the floor of the cabinet on the left hand side.
Excellent review! Feels like the Marco Polo is a great driver for going to a picnic or tailgating, but not really designed with camping for long periods of time. I'm especially disappointed in the wiggling table that just seems annoying.
Great vid, thanks. Which one would I choose - I don't know. Wouldn't it be great if you could take the best bits from both and put them in one van. The only things you missed are how easily the front seat swivel, operation of the awnings and what's it like up top.
Saw another vid which said that the VW driver's seat will only turn by 90 degrees as it catches on steering wheel, and you had to take the handbrake off first. However that was a LHD and you had the kitchen unit right behind it.
Great video. Can Campervantastic perhaps give feedback on which is more popular with their customers?
Keep the videos coming guys:-) The Cali for me - bed, blinds and tailgate storage
By the way, I'm envious of the choices you have in campervans. Whether VW, Mercedes or other reputable manufacturer, you do have choices in these compact, drive-able and generally efficient campervans. We have essentially no such choices in the U.S.. VW stopped selling their Westphalia campervans here years ago. Our choices tend to start with "class B" campers, derived from full-sized vans, running at least 19 feet (5.8 m) in length (some as long as 21 feet / 6.4 m and delivering poor fuel economy. Prices for these are around USD 90k to 100k. Next up choice are vans built on the Mercedes Sprinter chasis. Much improved fuel economy but prices running USD 130k to 150k. Then there are the typically American class C campers - huge boxes on lorry / truck chassis, absolutely bears to drive and delivering fuel economy under 10 miles / US gallon. So, viewed from here, either of the campervans you reviewed look GREAT!
Like the Cali a lot but we have an MP on order - for us the extra space when the lower bed is made up means there is room for a dog bed on the floor. The chairs are a bit of a non issue for us as well - we intend to take out the standard MP ‘directors chairs’ and use our own comfortable camping chairs. I love the front blinds on the Cali and not looking forward to faffing around with the MP ones but may well just use external screen covers instead - time will tell after we have lived with it a bit. I think your concern about being seen through gaps in the window blinds is probably a non-issue as well as the MP has pretty dark privacy glass over all the back windows. At the end of the day it’s great to have a choice and a bit of competition will keep VW and Mercedes improving their product and that has to be a good thing for all of us.
The next update of the Marco Polo will certainly catch-up in some of the negative points you've pointed like a wobbly dinning table... A wobbly table from a Merc? How dare Merc miss that one. Great job guys et merci
got me after 25secs 👍🏼👌🏼 very nice review. 👍🏼
Great video, thanks for posting. We bought the Marcopolo 250d not long after your first look went up last year, (thanks for helping us with that decision). It’s mainly a daily drive for us and we love it. Your focus on the driving experience is spot on, the cabin, position, driver tech and power on hand are really very good. Other than the split tail gate (essential for a cycle rack and I’m sure VW will have to follow suit), it’s the only real area that trounces the VW imho - if we were doing more overnighting I think we’d have thought harder about the Ocean.
Thanks again and safe travels :)
Really loved that video
I agree I’m in love with the California. How much do they cost????
I have a camper my biggest issue is the lack of ventilation, the co2 levels are mad in the morning. I ended up building in a fan, exhausting from the back.
i also like the Merc on the outside with some of its features, but most likely i would go and buy the VW instead for the interior lay out and space, but emprovements can be made to either vans.
This is such a great video. I’m currently locked down in London but when the covid 19 is lifted I am off to visit camper Vantastic. I’m looking for a camper van in due course and I just don’t know which? The vow California, mb Marco Polo or any of the other Westfalia Kepler vans. I would really like a useable on board toilet so I am conflicted as to which. Love your reviews on all of them. Best wishes
Thanks! We just had tested a Marco Polo- have a look
We love our Marco Polo but in defence of the Cali the extra internal space in the MP is probably because of the chairs in the tailgate of the California. The chair storage in the back of the MP is not great but at least they are with the table. The California blinds are great, HOWEVER, the MP side and rear glass is all heavily tinted as standard, so while you can see out you really can't see anything at all if you look in. The car like handling, fit and finish sold the MP to us.
That was excellent you two deserve everything you get
Well my vote is still with the Cali (no regrets owning one). Positives for kitchen design in Marco Polo but the table, bed widths and blinds are negatives. As a parent not keen on the tailgate force on the MP however, I really like chair storage on the Cali. Great review and really enjoy the way both of you do different aspects of the review and the editing/flow is a pleasure to watch. Ultimately a combination of both vehicles would be fantastic in an ideal world. ☘️
Great vid, gives a good idea whats what on each camper. thanks for taking the time to share.
Nice Video, only 2 things i missed to compare ware the sower head and the outdoor sunroof to put the extra table and 2 chairs. It wold be also interesting to know how the 4 wheel driver performs in snow or mud, but the risk to damage the cars is to high to try out with low budget ;)
That was great review thanks.. definitely vw for me .. i was surprised at Mercedes they have a wee bit of catching up to do for me 👍
Big tease to the folks here in US
Michael McEvoy there is a Nissan Recon coming out in the US but I think I prefer the VW. Google the Nissan Recon
scuba5k thanks, have been checking it out per your advice, looks excellent, cheers for the reply
scuba5k, what is VW? If it's Volkswagen, do they make camper van in US?
@@MariannaK94 Unless you know someone in the USA who specializes in importing gray market vehicles, The VW T5/T6/Kombi/California will not be exported to the USA in the near future thanks to Volkswagen Of America, the USDOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, The Environmental Protection Agency, and The Chicken Tax. The Mercedes Benz Metris (Marco Polo in the USA) can be had with an aftermarket camper/pop tip conversion.
Great video and I DO think you were very fair and it was very interesting and informative.
I think from a camping point of view the California edges it , things like the blinds and the table and chair storage show the camping gene history that VW have and so are more aware of tweaks that make your camping stay just that bit smoother.
Great job on the colours I'm impressed you remembered the special colour names as marketing types come up with some out there names, so well done on remembering them. I remember in the 70s a neighbour got the Triumph Dolomite and told my Dad '" its Suluki Bronze " as we went back into our house my Father remarked " just looks like dog T*rd brown to me".
Great vid and we appreciate the time it must have taken to make - thanks for posting - brilliant.
We hope to see these in Canada soon. Vw all the way.
I don't like either one! Of course I'd probably change my mind if I could actually buy one here in America. But your review was great! Comprehensive and very informative! (Truth be known I prefer the VW, too.)
YES...brilliant idea. My two favorite camper vans both not offered in North America sadly, but still a huge fan of these vehicles. So, in the end after watching your review..My purchase would be the MB Marco Polo and I would just add the inverter. No issues with the blinds (i'm sure you can't see in). I would spec the rest as needed after I get into the van but I'm happy with the way it is. After all. It's a Mercedes Benz. My heart will always have love for the Volkswagen California.
Marco Polo is selling in Toronto Canada.
You can get a Mercedes Benz Metris camper/Poptop conversion in the USA.
Cali is the winner for me, it's got the iconic look and a 'cool' image that the Merc can't match
I think as a campervan, Cali wins easy. It has 2 double beds, MPolo 2 single beds (or your relationship is in very early stages). Mpolo has more space in kitchen, but looses everything in boot space. Cali is also shorter for easy parking. Cali is like a Skoda, full of simply clever
Hi ! Nice video. May I make a suggestion ? When you talk about numbers and stats and the like you could put the numbers in the screen... sometimes it’s difficukt to follow the comparison. Anyway, nice video.
Personally, the California is like a pair of trusty hiking boot, the MP a Louboutin. No one is going to stop you wearing a pair of Louboutin for camping, but it's not very practical is it?
Great video guys. Very Informative. It will be a real help to anyone considering both. I am surprised however that the California drives like a van. I have a Ducato based PVC and I would have expected the California to be much nicer to drive. Interesting thought for the future as probably the big reason for me to change would be for a better drive at the sacrifice of space. I have been away a few times and I must say I am amazed at the number of variants of the VW transporter that are out there. For instance that last time I was away there were seven VW based vans on site, no two the same model. Having said that there were about seventy motor homes on site, no two were the same. Well done again.
Yes Cali 'Caravelle' chassis better that the Transporter underpinnings (I tried both) so yes Cali more car like than van like but prob not as car like as MP
brilliant thanks so much. Question . you mentioned going to the toilet ... how do you do this in a campervan in the middle of the night? Getting to a certain age now where I get up in the middle of the night for a wee break :-0 thanks
We use a porta potti for night time emergencies 👍
@@ABusAndBeyond thanks
Great video as always,I took your advice.and went for the Marco Polo AMG in Black lots more safety features .and worth the extras
Great to use and drive on motorways
Great guys thank you
Really enjoyed the video - very informative. Thanks.
For me the California drives more like a car than most commercial vans out there that I’ve driven, so the mp must be pretty nice. Interesting vid, I won’t be switching brands just yet though ;)
top video guys, as always.
This was a great video, watched it twice and I'm still just as undecided, I still lean towards the Marco Polo, but the Ocean has a few nifty little pieces I would like on the 'Polo, like the inverter and the window shades/blinds.
Decisions, decisions...
Brilliant video! Entertaining and informative 👌🏻. For me, the three ‘B’s swung it in favour of the VW Cal: Bed (width), Blinds (coverage) and Boot (storage for furniture). And btw thank you for the little symbols you displayed in the left hand bottom corner; I was getting confused as to which van you were in ... and then I noticed ... duh! 🤪
Great comparison review!
What about reliability, do the have DPF, Adblue and the such like.
Very informative and 'relatively' balanced video. I'm surprised about what you say on the California drive, as a lot of RUclips reviews say it is quite car-like to drive. Overall, the Merc is just too bling for my taste. The Cali is more sober both internally and externally.
Is your's the 150 or 204 HP? If 150, are you happy with it, or would you recommend the 204 'if you can afford it'?
But still i love the style of Marco Polo
VW! Love the yellow. Wish they were available in Canada. Cheers
Great video...great comparison I score it 7:3 because I prefer the VW 'Van drive' and seating position. Though I think the kitchen looks quality along with the leather in the MP. But overall not close enough to the Cali in overall quality with its roof straps and gappy blinds.
You have a good point. A lot of people love the van style drive
Great video, another nice comparison would be vw california vs restored 80s vw westfalia t3.
Guys, I didn't see a comment on ground clearance, which in my opinion is very important for camper vans. Cali is much better than Marco Polo in this, especially the front bumper, and it should definitely be taken into consideration. The air suspension in MP helps but doesn't solve it, making it more complicated and subject for additional issues and costs. From this POV Cali is more reasonable and should get one more point ;-)
Very informative this one, definitely turned towards the California !
Im mainly here because a dads friend had
a Marco polo and the way
they put it is the identical way i thought
of their luxary yacht
American here, I was going to say Californian because that is where I live but realized that would be confusing.
Sigh, I prefer having a bathroom in my van, so I'd probably go Aktiv. Yes, my first camper was before cassette or black tanks, so it had a small cupboard for the portable toilet. We weren't crazy about it.
We eventually went with an over loaded Prius V and sleeping in hotel rooms. Something to be said for plumbing and an elder husband.
That said, I would love to squish the two together. I like the drawers in the Benz kitchen (that is clever organization), but the rest goes to the California Camper.
Hope CC is listening.
Too bad we don't get either one here. :-(
I didn’t hear you mention it but the Marco Polo is made by Westfalia and sold by Merc dealers, so some of the comments about VW having more camper experience are a bit wide of the mark. Also, Transporters above the base model have the same dash, not just the California
Hi I love a long video. I prefer the Volkswagen California some of the Marco Polo stuff is nice but its VW all the way grate video as always
The California looks to win all ways, those Marco Polo side blinds look useless. Do like the Merc cab though...
All very nice, love the gadgets really nice vans but I will stick with my 1973 baywindow
We SO want the Cali to win so we'll push the points in it's favour - I've not decided yet but I think it's going to be a Marco-Polo
I'd like to see a comparison with a Westfalia club joker and kepler one , with the two you've just featured .....for me I'd say a high top Westfalia club joker wins hands down
There’s an old adage in the states that the police use; None ever steals a yellow car. Passive security?
I think that red tent would be a little too striking.
Brilliant, thoroughly enjoyed this review -thank you so much
Great review, simple and informative. What about cost? Cheers from Portugal.
I vote VW for the grape yellow, bigger beds & decent blinds
Great video guys!
I'll stick with my T6 Conversion, but the Merc looks really luxurious!
I'm going to have to check if I can get an after market chair storage compartment for my tailgate though! Cool!
Keep up the good work. 👍
Great review chaps. I think MB owe you a beer for being so kind to them, this the 3rd or 4th comparison I've seen between the two makes, and it really is 'old master' vs 'new upstart' , the MB just gets it all wrong IMO. It just doesn't do the camper thing at all well, where as the Cali smashes it. One other review also pointed out that the MB was alot more expensive too. And for me, one of the points not mentioned was looks, I know it's in the eye of the beholder, and I hate Merc grilles and especially their 'tarts boudoirs' interiors, but the Cali to me is just, well , just right. I'd disagree with the previous view, and say, not even close for a first attempt, and they had the perfect template on their Germanic doorstep. The inverter omission is inexplicable too.
I wasn't counting but it seemed the VW won by more than 6-4. I'm surprised VW don't install a sliding shelf or drawer under the sink that pulls out for easy access rather than a little light to see things you can't reach without moving stuff. The larger beds, the better storage for chairs, the blinds are all important things to think about. You didn't mention prices. I would guess the Marco Polo is substantially more expensive, because it's a Benz. Also how does the fuel economy compare?
Great video you two; I'm always happy when you post something.
May be repeating other comments as haven't read them all. The main problem with the Mercedes is that it is a conversion by Westfalia, so the table and chairs and the blinds are a real let down. If it sells well, Mercedes may take it inhouse and match the Cali for innovation.
when will they sell in the US?
I just think the merc is a little bit more original, everyone has a vw camper.
How do the two vehicles compare in terms of physical size? Is the VW significantly bigger than the Merc, or are they fairly comparable?
Something that bugs me about both vehicles (and others), is that they're obviously designed for the left-hand drive market, then stuck onto a right-hand drive chassis (evidenced by the fact that the sliding rear door's on the wrong side, and the interior's the wrong way round).
I was wondering similar, does VW put the sliding door on the nearside now for the UK market, or is it still a case of getting a third party conversion if you want that?
As far as I know, UK-spec, RHD vans and such, come from VW with the UK nearside sliding door, however, I think all of the VW-built campers are produced on a UK-offside sliding door body, with a RHD chassis ...
Fundamentally because they would have to produce mirror copies of all of the interior fittings, which would be prohibitive for such a limited market vehicle.