► First Mercedes X-class campers
► Pick-up trucks adapted for canvas
► Shown at holiday show in Stuttgart
If a regular loadbed isn’t enough to sleep on, Mercedes-Benz has the answer for you: it’s shown its first X-class pick-up camper conversion, with a detachable sleeping unit that slots above the truck’s flatbed.
Due to be shown at the Caravan, Motor, Touristik (CMT) show in Stuttgart from 13-21 January 2018, the Merc X-class camping accessory was developed by third-party specialists and calls to mind the portable tent accessories available for the Land Rover Defender.
With 2m of headroom, a 150cm wide main sleeping area and a three-burner gas stove in the kitchen, the detachable camper unit from specialist Tischer is a viable camping option for a couple, according to Daimler. It says there’s even space for a shower and the kitchen converts into a second bed.
Read more about the Mercedes X-class pick-up
Why is Mercedes hellbent on offering so many camper vans?
Because the market is booming, according to its analysis. Between January and October 2017 nearly 38,000 new camper vans were registered, according to the German Caravanning Industry Association – up 5000 on the previous year.
‘It is important to us that our vehicles appeal to camper van bodybuilders as well, of course, to end customers,’ said Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. ‘The X-Class fits seamlessly into our established product range. We are proud to introduce first camper van solution approaches together with Tischer and VanEssa at the CMT, just two months after the vehicle’s launch.’
A Mercedes X-class mobile kitchen too
VanEssa has built a proper kitchen in the back of the X-class (below)for smart outdoor catering functions. The 250kg module has a fridge, sink and storage for crockery and more and is finished in teak decking for an upmarket look.
Mercedes-Benz Vans also showed a variety of Marco Polo editions, all of which will be offered in right-hand drive and therefore sold in the UK. Plus there’s a new smartphone-operated stereo option which brings a touch of Sonos to camping in the big Merc camper.
Sounds like glamping at Glasto just got a little bit posher…
Read our Mercedes X-class pick-up review