R
Roy C
What version do you both have 250d or 220d?
I
Israel
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WelshGas
Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.
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Lifetime VIP Member
But if you believe those mileage figures then you have truly been taken by MB.Not even their figures are near those that you claim, and they test with minimal load, AC off as well as everything else.
I suggest you do a Full Tank to Full Tank calculation for the true MPG.
The onboard computer on the VW is just as inaccurate.
Digger
Top Poster
VIP Member
Some write ups on the Marco Polo seem to be from new members who only joined on 24th of July. They may not yet realise the on board consumption figures are way out. I think the MP can give good consumption but our Merc dealer quoted much less for the V class as a people carrier.
MichaelB
VIP Member
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- T6 Cali On Order
I watched this video review of the MP at the weekend. Some interesting views.
Some very nice design features. That said for me the Cali still looks the better option.
Some very nice design features. That said for me the Cali still looks the better option.
MichaelB
VIP Member
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- T6 Cali On Order
Oh and the guy that did that video did exactly the same demo in Polish (his native tougue) on another video. I was impressed.
Jay586
The absolute best mystery shop of a garage I did, by a country mile was to Ford, looking at Transit vans. The sales exec was a young Polish girl & she was superb. Knew every technical detail & closed beautifully. (-:
Gasgas
VIP Member
The glass electric sunroof is a good idea ,I would like one .Competition is always good and whilst I like the Mercedes brand I'm very happy with my new T6 ,a few nice tweaks over my old T5 and drives better to boot
El Greco
VIP Member
Wow, the video is very informative. It's the first time I've had a video tour and seen the features of the MP in "the flesh" so to speak. I will summarise my opinion in a few words, I am very happy with my T6!
CampervanTime
VIP Member
We went and had a look at a MP yesterday at Truro Mercedes-Benz as they had one in the showroom we could play with.
Even though we haven't actually seen a California in the flesh yet, the MP felt a little flawed in places and nice in others.
We liked - upper bed plastic spring base, dashboard being like a car, general opulence of it. Awning was nice. Generally felt like a quality item. Front seats felt very comfortable. Nice having power tailgate and side door as standard.
We didn't like - no cup holders in the front, some bits of build felt cheap and out of place (like the add on control box for the roof/heater etc at the bottom of the dash. Just scratchy plastic when everything else is soft touch). Didn't like the electric rear seat stuff, slow and what a faff. We were concerned about some of the door latching on the cupboards (just like the video). Didn't want to close properly. Camping chairs+table just messy and took up loads of boot space. Not keen on the glass cooking/sink area - cleaning would be a nightmare. Cream leather - no!! As others have said too, the interior of the roof bed is beige and is very light in colour - seems overly bright?! And... the window blinds don't cover the windows even though they have used proper black-out material.
Our general summary as we discussed last night was that we felt it was a nice attempt, but lacked some basic stuff that we thought would be important. Felt like a vehicle for taking to Ascot and having champagne in, rather than a sandy dog and muddy boots on a november day by the sea. A bit to posh maybe?
I'm pleased we've seen one as it now has given us a benchmark to see a Cali against, and we'll be looking and comparing carefully.
Even though we haven't actually seen a California in the flesh yet, the MP felt a little flawed in places and nice in others.
We liked - upper bed plastic spring base, dashboard being like a car, general opulence of it. Awning was nice. Generally felt like a quality item. Front seats felt very comfortable. Nice having power tailgate and side door as standard.
We didn't like - no cup holders in the front, some bits of build felt cheap and out of place (like the add on control box for the roof/heater etc at the bottom of the dash. Just scratchy plastic when everything else is soft touch). Didn't like the electric rear seat stuff, slow and what a faff. We were concerned about some of the door latching on the cupboards (just like the video). Didn't want to close properly. Camping chairs+table just messy and took up loads of boot space. Not keen on the glass cooking/sink area - cleaning would be a nightmare. Cream leather - no!! As others have said too, the interior of the roof bed is beige and is very light in colour - seems overly bright?! And... the window blinds don't cover the windows even though they have used proper black-out material.
Our general summary as we discussed last night was that we felt it was a nice attempt, but lacked some basic stuff that we thought would be important. Felt like a vehicle for taking to Ascot and having champagne in, rather than a sandy dog and muddy boots on a november day by the sea. A bit to posh maybe?
I'm pleased we've seen one as it now has given us a benchmark to see a Cali against, and we'll be looking and comparing carefully.
simon mp
I have the L250amg
M
MartinMere
Guest User
Just to comment on the cleaning question: I've just spent my 15th consecutive night in the van in the Scottish Highlands tramping through peat bogs all day long and trailing all the dirt in; on top of that, cooking & washing up in the van every day away from a campsite i.e. actually using and abusing the van. All I can say is that the van is really easy to keep clean! The glass/aluminium kitchen is wiped in an instant, as are the (synthetic leather in our case) seats and floor. The only thing I would have done if I'd known at the outset would be to have covered the work surfaces with something to prevent scratches.
Where the van does have the potential to show the dirt (until cleaned with the right product) is in the soft areas near and on the roof lining. That's the price for a soft noise-deadening interior and a bright space.
The appropriate seats or seat covers are an absolute must though. We bought ours from a place in Vitoria run by a pair of brothers who are real artisans (hand cutting everything) and who specialise in VW and MP. Here's an example of what they can do for a T5 for example. They're proper seat covers that look indistinguishable from the original seats. Most of their business is mail order. Highly recommended whatever van you drive.
Where the van does have the potential to show the dirt (until cleaned with the right product) is in the soft areas near and on the roof lining. That's the price for a soft noise-deadening interior and a bright space.
The appropriate seats or seat covers are an absolute must though. We bought ours from a place in Vitoria run by a pair of brothers who are real artisans (hand cutting everything) and who specialise in VW and MP. Here's an example of what they can do for a T5 for example. They're proper seat covers that look indistinguishable from the original seats. Most of their business is mail order. Highly recommended whatever van you drive.
GrannyJen
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
How exciting! 
After having my Tuesday (yesterday) test drive request cancelled because according to Mercedes head office the MP is only due to arrive "over the next few months" I now have an appointment to play with one for the whole afternoon today, one that has miraculously appeared from nowhere, at a dealers on the South coast.
Now, I do not use seat covers. I use this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KDUAPT2/?tag=vwcalifornia-21 and after it's maiden voyage with my two dogs last week it works brilliantly. The unique way that the Cali headrests fold back actually tightens it (pulls the seatbelt apertures out of position but easily fixed with short extenders). I suspect not the same with the MP headrests that have to be removed.
After having my Tuesday (yesterday) test drive request cancelled because according to Mercedes head office the MP is only due to arrive "over the next few months" I now have an appointment to play with one for the whole afternoon today, one that has miraculously appeared from nowhere, at a dealers on the South coast.
Now, I do not use seat covers. I use this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KDUAPT2/?tag=vwcalifornia-21 and after it's maiden voyage with my two dogs last week it works brilliantly. The unique way that the Cali headrests fold back actually tightens it (pulls the seatbelt apertures out of position but easily fixed with short extenders). I suspect not the same with the MP headrests that have to be removed.
P
phillme
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lovely day for it gj ! 
GrannyJen
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lovely day for it gj !
Wonderful! Up to Cisbury rings on the South Downs I think and I can also do the "how well does it get me off a muddy field" test.
P
phillme
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ha ha I'm at my sisters in stenying ... I'll tow you out on my way home
T6 CFO
Mike
Top Poster
This will be interestingHow exciting!
After having my Tuesday (yesterday) test drive request cancelled because according to Mercedes head office the MP is only due to arrive "over the next few months" I now have an appointment to play with one for the whole afternoon today, one that has miraculously appeared from nowhere, at a dealers on the South coast.
Mike
Teejay
I was considering looking at one but after seeing the review from Marek. I don't think I will be looking anytime soon. Seems to be too many niggles that I know would irk me.
Interesting to hear GJs take on it.
I don't thnk Albert has any worries.
Interesting to hear GJs take on it.
I don't thnk Albert has any worries.
WelshGas
Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.
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Will you be checking to see if it can 'Fly' like Albert did in Scotland?
GrannyJen
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
So: My MP experience: In two parts:
Part 1: The summary.
Don't worry Albert, you're perfectly safe.
Part 1: The summary.
Don't worry Albert, you're perfectly safe.
GrannyJen
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
MP experience part deux:
First experience. It looks nice.
Get in the drivers seat it is nice. Loads of space, not van-like: Loved it until I started to play with things when I found it "fiddly". Just too much going on. I really can't explain it, lack of space to put things, a bit disjointed, nothing chunky like the VW. OK, the VW is vanlike: Guess what: It is a van.
Then came the killer for me, and this is before we start: "Can I have a test drive first?" ....."No, we can't give you a practical test drive, like an hour bouncing on country roads, going in a field, running high speed etc: Perhaps about five minutes around the block"....... "Why's that"? ..... "this vehicle is sold" .... "you mean, you are demonstrating from a customers brand new pride and joy?"..... "Yes: As a policy we are not going to have Demo vehicles: too expensive: so the only road-legal vehicles are those that we have sold".
So, no test drive. I'm not driving some poor souls pride and joy for a meaningless twice around the block.
"Well lets get the roof raised then" ..... beep beep beep. No roof going up. It's strapped down that's why. Those manual things that hold the bed up when raised? They were still attached so the motors were trying to raise both roof and bed. I'm now ever so impressed with the sales person's knowledge.
Eventually it's up and the sprung upstairs bed knocks spots off the Cali's slatted base. Nice pretty lights as well, not that flimsy, dismal flexilight of the T5, although I believe it's the same in the T6.
"can I see how the downstairs bed folds down"... "of course".... Well, In Albert it's release a catch, slide forward, pull a bit of tape, back down, ready for bed before I've finished typing this sentence. In the MP I could finish typing war and peace before it's "electrically" lowered and deflated. Both beds seemed narrower than in the Cali, it might just be my eyes being deceived by the different lighting, but both beds are, in comfort terms, superior to the Cali. The electric lowering of the bed also reminded me that there is only one leisure battery in play here.
I find Alberts two sliding doors quite rustic in the kitchen. I liked the Drawer / cupboard combination in the MP. I did not like the piano-black top. I would be forever cleaning. I did like the lights but I understand the T6 is as good (Albert is a T5). I did like the floor. Wipe clean. Wonderful. The twin rear seats rather than the unsupported flat bench seat in the Cali is an improvement.
Step around the back now: the split tailgate. Wonderful. The powered tailgate: wonderful. The cupboard same as the Cali. The boot non-existent because of tables and chairs in the way. However I'm scratching my head. I have heard that the MP uses a bespoke, unique gas bottle. "Can I see it please"? .... no. The sales person did not know where it was. I did want to tell him it will probably be underneath the lift-up base of the rear wardrobe, "no, the water tank is in there" .... Oh well.
I am now bored. It's a camper. Camper's do not belong in showrooms. They belong in open spaces and that's where I wanted to be, even with the rain, as that's where a proper, practical look round should be.
It's a lovely vehicle. It's not for me. Great if I was going to drive up the road, cruise on the motorway, park on the hardstanding of my full amenity campsite. In those circumstances I would probably think "yes". When I think of where I have been with Albert in the last four years, Crashing and banging my way over snow covered wild tracks in Skye and Wester Ross, fighting my way, both mirrors touching, down narrow potholed, cobbled streets in France, splashing my way through flooded tracks in Devon, literally crashing into a newly-made rockfall and becoming airborne, Albert may be rustic, may be a van in front, may be a bit gloomy inside without my fairy lights, but I can trust him anywhere, summer or winter, flood, rain, hail and snow.
A great vehicle, there will be many many happy MP owners in years to come, VW have real competition, but not for me.
OH! A big PS! I mentioned "winter wheels". I got a mumbled response that the MP cannot be fitted with "Winter wheels". Wheels or tyres? A bemused look. I think he may have meant chains, not wheels, not tyres, but it was a very odd conversation that ended up with me being emphatically told "Change the wheels, invalidate the warranty". I really would like to have light shed on that rather dim and gloomy response.
First experience. It looks nice.
Get in the drivers seat it is nice. Loads of space, not van-like: Loved it until I started to play with things when I found it "fiddly". Just too much going on. I really can't explain it, lack of space to put things, a bit disjointed, nothing chunky like the VW. OK, the VW is vanlike: Guess what: It is a van.
Then came the killer for me, and this is before we start: "Can I have a test drive first?" ....."No, we can't give you a practical test drive, like an hour bouncing on country roads, going in a field, running high speed etc: Perhaps about five minutes around the block"....... "Why's that"? ..... "this vehicle is sold" .... "you mean, you are demonstrating from a customers brand new pride and joy?"..... "Yes: As a policy we are not going to have Demo vehicles: too expensive: so the only road-legal vehicles are those that we have sold".
So, no test drive. I'm not driving some poor souls pride and joy for a meaningless twice around the block.
"Well lets get the roof raised then" ..... beep beep beep. No roof going up. It's strapped down that's why. Those manual things that hold the bed up when raised? They were still attached so the motors were trying to raise both roof and bed. I'm now ever so impressed with the sales person's knowledge.
Eventually it's up and the sprung upstairs bed knocks spots off the Cali's slatted base. Nice pretty lights as well, not that flimsy, dismal flexilight of the T5, although I believe it's the same in the T6.
"can I see how the downstairs bed folds down"... "of course".... Well, In Albert it's release a catch, slide forward, pull a bit of tape, back down, ready for bed before I've finished typing this sentence. In the MP I could finish typing war and peace before it's "electrically" lowered and deflated. Both beds seemed narrower than in the Cali, it might just be my eyes being deceived by the different lighting, but both beds are, in comfort terms, superior to the Cali. The electric lowering of the bed also reminded me that there is only one leisure battery in play here.
I find Alberts two sliding doors quite rustic in the kitchen. I liked the Drawer / cupboard combination in the MP. I did not like the piano-black top. I would be forever cleaning. I did like the lights but I understand the T6 is as good (Albert is a T5). I did like the floor. Wipe clean. Wonderful. The twin rear seats rather than the unsupported flat bench seat in the Cali is an improvement.
Step around the back now: the split tailgate. Wonderful. The powered tailgate: wonderful. The cupboard same as the Cali. The boot non-existent because of tables and chairs in the way. However I'm scratching my head. I have heard that the MP uses a bespoke, unique gas bottle. "Can I see it please"? .... no. The sales person did not know where it was. I did want to tell him it will probably be underneath the lift-up base of the rear wardrobe, "no, the water tank is in there" .... Oh well.
I am now bored. It's a camper. Camper's do not belong in showrooms. They belong in open spaces and that's where I wanted to be, even with the rain, as that's where a proper, practical look round should be.
It's a lovely vehicle. It's not for me. Great if I was going to drive up the road, cruise on the motorway, park on the hardstanding of my full amenity campsite. In those circumstances I would probably think "yes". When I think of where I have been with Albert in the last four years, Crashing and banging my way over snow covered wild tracks in Skye and Wester Ross, fighting my way, both mirrors touching, down narrow potholed, cobbled streets in France, splashing my way through flooded tracks in Devon, literally crashing into a newly-made rockfall and becoming airborne, Albert may be rustic, may be a van in front, may be a bit gloomy inside without my fairy lights, but I can trust him anywhere, summer or winter, flood, rain, hail and snow.
A great vehicle, there will be many many happy MP owners in years to come, VW have real competition, but not for me.
OH! A big PS! I mentioned "winter wheels". I got a mumbled response that the MP cannot be fitted with "Winter wheels". Wheels or tyres? A bemused look. I think he may have meant chains, not wheels, not tyres, but it was a very odd conversation that ended up with me being emphatically told "Change the wheels, invalidate the warranty". I really would like to have light shed on that rather dim and gloomy response.
Last edited:
Wind Witch
My OH and I were talking about the MP v California thing last night and, following all that has been written on this thread so far we have come to exactly the same conclusion GJ.
Thanks for the review - at least you've had a chance to look at one in the flesh now. Appalled though that it was someone's new van. I always view it as a measurement of the quality of a dealership that "sold" vehicles are locked up and left sacrosanct as long as they have to remain on the showroom floor.
T6 CFO
Mike
Top Poster
Not surprised GJ.
Bit of a theme running here on the views. "Perfect for Ascot" I believe someone said the other day.
The look and general feel of a motor has always been important to me. I've owned Moggy 1000s, Dagenham dustbins of most types, most Golf Variants, Mk1 was best. Finally before the Cali a Touran. A merc is just not my cup of tea.
Fortunately we don't all like the same thing and no doubt some will love the look.
Mike
Bit of a theme running here on the views. "Perfect for Ascot" I believe someone said the other day.
The look and general feel of a motor has always been important to me. I've owned Moggy 1000s, Dagenham dustbins of most types, most Golf Variants, Mk1 was best. Finally before the Cali a Touran. A merc is just not my cup of tea.
Fortunately we don't all like the same thing and no doubt some will love the look.
Mike
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