Mercedes-Benz Shows New Marco Polo, First Integral-Motorhome AWD at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf
Mercedes-Benz premieres the new Marco Polo camper vans and, for the first time, Sprinter-based Torque-on-Demand all-wheel drive for fully integrated motorhomes at Düsseldorf's Caravan Salon.
- 140
- 1 in 10
- 29 January 1886
- 3
What Happened
At this year's Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, Mercedes-Benz presents the new Marco Polo and Marco Polo HORIZON in their trade-fair premiere, plus a historical treasure: the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the world's first practical gasoline automobile. The two camper vans will now be built entirely by Mercedes-Benz for the first time, creating more flexibility to meet high customer demand. They also receive new smart features for more livability, including improvements in space, lighting and shading, acoustics, and connectivity.
“Since the invention of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has shaped mobility through innovation. Our ambition to build the most desirable vehicles in the world for our customers is also our drive in the motorhome segment. The industry holds great strategic importance for us, both in direct sales to end customers and in partnerships with motorhome manufacturers. This is underscored by our appearance at”
Mercedes-Benz is announcing that its proven Torque-on-Demand all-wheel-drive system will be offered for the first time for fully integrated motorhomes based on the Sprinter, a market first. The system automatically distributes drive power between the front and rear axles within milliseconds, without any action from the driver, making entry into the 4x4 segment easier and improving safety on changing grip conditions such as snow or rough roads. Last year, one in ten Sprinters sold worldwide went to a motorhome customer. The first prototype, the KABE Imperial Ri830 TRAQ 4x4 from Swedish company KABE, is on display at KABE's stand in Hall 6. It features high-quality insulation, a sleeping area with two beds, a cooking/dining area, a bathroom, and a large garage suitable for ski equipment, with an optional off-road package available in the future.
- Core by Rhön Camp
- Kreos H 5109 by LAIKA
- Verge by Offtrack
- TAKLAMAKAN 4x4 XL by AllRoad
- HISPANIOLA by Captain Camper
- Carbon 4x4 by ATLANTIS
Carl Benz files a patent for his 'vehicle with gas engine operation' – the birth of the automobile.
Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140 years of innovation, marked by one of the largest product offensives in company history.
Three new S-Class limousines travel to 140 destinations on six continents as part of the '140 Years. 140 Places' tour, with customer participation.
Previously from Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is marking 140 years of innovation, a focus previously highlighted in our coverage of Mercedes-Benz Classic Notes 2/2026, which revisits key moments from the brand's history. Meanwhile, the Vans division is preparing to celebrate its own 130-year heritage at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, where division head Thomas Klein will hold a strategy press conference on September 14.
- Mercedes-Benz Classic Notes 2/2026 highlights 140 years of innovation with historic milestones
- Mercedes-Benz Vans to Mark 130 Years at IAA Transportation 2026 with Strategy Press Conference
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Mercedes-Benz's official releases.
Why this matters
This marks the first time Mercedes-Benz offers its proven Torque-on-Demand all-wheel drive in fully integrated motorhomes, making 4x4 capability more accessible and comfortable for buyers. The new Marco Polo models, now built entirely in-house, gain improved living comfort and connectivity. The trade-show debut also spotlights the motorhome business, where one in ten Sprinters sold last year went to a motorhome customer.
Terms in This Story
- Torque-on-Demand
- An all-wheel-drive system that automatically distributes engine torque between the front and rear axles based on traction, without driver input.
- Fully integrated motorhome
- A motorhome where the living compartment and driver cab are built as one continuous unit on a commercial vehicle chassis.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.