Mercedes-Benz’s new V-Class Marco Polo camper van has gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting at £52,405.

That money buys you the basic Marco Polo Horizon Sport model, which comes with a double bed under a manual pop-up roof, three-zone automatic climate control and a three-seat luxury sofa with a bed extension. As standard, the camper also comes with swivelling and heated front seats, as well as tinted rear windows and a split tailgate.

Mercedes-Benz new Marco Polo

Spending a little more, however, gets you the Marco Polo Horizon AMG Line version, which includes all the equipment of the Sport variant but adds a few extra flourishes. For example, the AMG Line vehicle comes with a new spoiler and sports suspension, not to mention the AMG bodystyling. The more expensive version is marked out by chrome trim, too, with extra brightwork appearing on the bumpers, while the interior includes carbon-look trim on the dashboard and door cards.

Mercedes-Benz new Marco Polo

But if you have £57,550 to spend, you can choose the full-fat Marco Polo in Sport trim. Like the lowlier Horizon, it comes with a double bed and a sofa with a bed extension, but it’s a whole lot more luxurious. The pop-up roof, for example, is electrically powered, and you get a kitchenette complete with a refrigerator box, gas hob and sink. There’s also a diesel auxiliary night heater and connections for water and electricity to make your camping more comfortable. Furthermore, Mercedes will even throw in a camping table and chairs, as well as yacht-style wood flooring for the living area.

As with the Horizon, though, you can upgrade to an AMG model for a slightly sportier image. The top-of-the-range model adds the chrome trim, sports suspension and AMG body styling, as well as 19-inch alloys and metallic paint.

Mercedes-Benz new Marco Polo

Whichever model you choose, Mercedes will offer you a choice of two engines. Both are 2-litre diesel units, but the standard ‘220d’ model produces 161 bhp, while the more potent ‘300d’ version is tuned to pump out 233 bhp. The 300d is more expensive, costing £56,595 in the entry-level Marco Polo Horizon and £61,740 in the more upmarket Marco Polo.

But although the 300d is more powerful, it could in fact be very slightly cheaper to run. In the basic V-Class - the van-based car on which the Marco Polo is based, the 220d will return up to 47.1 mpg and CO2 emissions of 157 g/km on the combined cycle. In contrast, the 300d will manage 47.9 mpg and 154 g/km. It’s a small improvement, and one that is still subject to confirmation in the UK, but it could help offset some of the increased purchase price.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz new Marco Polo