I’m not a huge fan of camping and it has a lot to do with tents.

There’s always, without fail, a ‘Princess and the Pea’ situation with a stone, or pine cone, that was overlooked when the tent was set up. No thickness of camping mattress has ever been able to solve this problem, and I’ve fallen off far too many stretchers to trust them.

All of that could change, though, if I’m ever invited to camp out in the new Mercedes-Benz pop up camper van.

It has seating for five and sleeping space for four, and it looks hella comfortable.

From the Mercedes Benz USA Weekender:

Harkening back to the glory days of camper vans, Mercedes-Benz drew inspiration from illustrious models of the past while integrating the latest sophisticated safety, reliability and convenience features to create a new modern pop top van.

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 van can be used for a number of different excursions, from summer holidays with the family, to weekend breaks, festivals, and the occasional trance party (if you’re keen to revisit your youth).

Why not? There’s no need to suffer under a stretch tent when you have luxury wheels.

“Pop up campers are iconic and highly functional vehicles, “ says Robert Veit, VP and Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz USA Vans.

“We have known for a long time that this market need was unmet as evidenced by the high demand for ageing existing camper vans still on the road. With the help of our partners, Peace Vans and Driverge, we have utilized the Metris to create a product suited to those who seek adventure, but also need a versatile and comfortable vehicle for their day-to-day lives.”

The camper comes with an elevating roof with a sleeping area for two that includes an integrated spring system memory foam mattress, three windows, and USB ports for lights and charging.

The multipurpose rear bench seat opens up into a bed for two. Additionally, when folded into the seat configuration, the seat moves along a rail into four locations, so that you situate it according to your luggage and cargo needs.

The front seats swivel 180 degrees allowing your van to quickly turn into the perfect multipurpose lounge.

You can also add features like off-grid power and integrated solar panels, upgraded audio and satellite navigation systems and awning for rain protection.

This is not your dad’s camper van from the 1970s.

“From adventure seeking millennials to hip retirees, everyone is craving authentic and connected experiences to nature,” says Harley Sitner, President of Peace Vans. “Small camper vans, like this exciting new Metris Weekender from Mercedes, hits a very large sweet spot in the market.

The demand we see for these products is exceptional and the feedback from renters and early adopters is fantastic. Being experts in pop up campers, we are confident Mercedes has a fantastic product that is going to delight an entire new generation of road trippers.”

The price hasn’t been released yet, and the van is only available in America, but let’s hope it’s successful enough to find its way here.

[sources:mbusaweekender]