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#Vanlife: Mercedes-Benz Weekender pops up as their first official camper van for U.S. Market!

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Mercedes-Benz announced the Weekender – their first official factory-ready camper and adventure van for the U.S. market. With a pop-up top, the van can seat up-to-five and sleep up-to-four in its spacious cabin. As the name suggests, it’s perfect for your weekend travels – but is also a 100% functional daily driver.

Vanlife: Mercedes-Benz Weekender factory-ready adventure van

Adventure vans are all the rage these days, and the Sprinter and Metris are two of the most popular platforms. However, the vast majority of what’s available in the U.S. relies on custom fabricators to heavily modify stock vans – which can often place aspects of the factory warranty in jeopardy.

Note that the Weekender isn’t exactly a 100% home-grown project, instead relying on Mercedes MasterSOLUTIONS-approved partners:

“The new camper vans are built by Driverge Vehicle Innovations, who are part of the MASTERSOLUTIONS™ program, in partnership with Peace Vans, one of the largest classic camper van repair and restoration shops in the United States.”

The base model includes a handful of key standard features:

  • An elevating roof with a sleeping area for two. Including an integrated spring system, 2” memory foam mattress, 3 windows, and added USB ports for lights, charging and more.
  • A multipurpose rear bench seat that opens up into a bed for two. Additionally, when folded into the seat configuration, the seat moves along a rail position into four locations, allowing additional room for varying cargo needs.
  • Swiveling front seats that rotate 180 degrees allow your van to quickly turn into the perfect multipurpose lounge. Whether doing work after getting off the trail, sharing a meal or playing cards– the reconfigured space with seats fully swiveled adds a whole new dimension to the experience.
  • Standard on every Weekender package is a second battery to power your devices, light up your nights or suit any of your other campsite needs.

If you need additional capability, optional add-ons are available:

  • Off-Grid Power and Integrated Solar Panels, preparing you for extended trips with built in solar charging capacity.
  • Upgraded audio and navigation features to improve your road trip experience.
  • Various personalization options with the world class 3M auto body wrap materials. The Weekender can be wrapped in any one of 200 available colors.
  • Camping upgrades:
    • 8’ awning for shade and rain protection
    • Mosquito/bug screens for the rear hatch, and sliding doors
    • A tent that quickly attaches to the rear lift gate for added space and privacy
  • Roof Racks for hauling surfboards, extra storage or skis for the slopes.
  • A pullout rear kitchen.

We should mention that, while the Metris can handle well-kept dirt roads and tow up to 5,000 pounds, it is not an off-road or rock-crawling machine. If that’s more your thing, check out the Iglhaut Allrad, which is a heavily modified Sprinter 4×4 conversion that retains the factory warranty.

As an added bonus, the first 100 customers to buy a Weekender will receive a free all-access National Parks Pass to help break in their new investment.

Sales will begin nationwide in Spring 2020 at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Pricing is expected to come in at approximately $70,000 USD.

MBvans.com

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onrhodes
4 years ago

$50K…..maybe….$70K No way. Competition in that price range is tight and I don’t see where this stands out other than being “factory direct”.

Cameron Lloyd
Cameron Lloyd
4 years ago

I bought a used Metris for $9k, insulated everything, put toungue and groove wood flooring on the floor, walls and ceiling, bought a roof top tent for $1k. All in I have spent around $12k. $70,000???? Seriously, without any shelving or storage added. Wow.

BB
BB
4 years ago
Reply to  Cameron Lloyd

Lol. You’re comparing the price of a used van to a brand new van with factory options like a pop top? A 2020 Metris starts at just over $31k. Sportsmobile charges around $35k for their interior conversion and Penthouse top combined. This may be a bit overpriced from the factory (the actual price doesn’t seem to have been released yet), but comparing it to how cheaply you built a use van without a pop top is a bit ridiculous.

Gary
4 years ago
Reply to  BB

True, but the Sportsmobile/Terra interior conversion is more comprehensive. Depending what non-camper equipment this has standard, $70k may or may not stand up well in comparison.

Cameron Lloyd
Cameron Lloyd
4 years ago
Reply to  BB

BB- I’m just saying that there are some much cheaper options than spending $70k. No my van isn’t new but it works great!

b
b
4 years ago

VW Were are you with the classic camper van?

bmx
bmx
4 years ago

over here in Europe we get the marco polo. that’s like maybach of campervans it comes with sink and cooker, this is missing those.

toomanypuppies
toomanypuppies
4 years ago

I was excited and reaching for my wallet until I saw the price……Gulp.

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