The VW Vanagon remains an icon of the pop-up camper era, beloved for its compact charm and nostalgic appeal. Yet many surviving Vanagons are aging, underpowered for modern highways, and limited in space. Enter the Mercedes‑Benz Weekender: a modern pop‑up camper that captures the spirit of classic camper vans while offering updated convenience, safety and reliability for today’s road travelers.
Full‑size Sprinter conversions have dominated the vanlife scene, but their size and cost put them out of reach for many. The Weekender, built on the Mercedes‑Benz Metris platform, aims to bridge that gap. It offers a more compact footprint that’s easier to drive and park while still providing practical camper functionality—an attractive option for people who want a smaller, versatile rig.
Drawing inspiration from the golden age of camper vans, Mercedes‑Benz combined classic design cues with modern engineering and amenities. The Weekender is produced through Driverge Vehicle Innovations as part of Mercedes‑Benz’s MASTERSOLUTIONS program, in partnership with Peace Vans, a well-known shop specializing in restoration and camper conversions.
The Weekender is designed for a wide range of uses: long cross‑country trips, family vacations, weekend getaways, or a comfortable base after a day of surfing, climbing, or hiking. It also excels as a daily driver in urban settings thanks to dimensions that fit standard parking spaces, garages and driveways while offering a roomy interior.
Standard Weekender features include:
- An elevating roof with a sleeping area for two, featuring an integrated spring system, a 2″ memory foam mattress, three windows and additional USB ports for lighting and charging.
- A multipurpose rear bench seat that converts into a double bed. The seat slides on rails with four positions, allowing flexible cargo or passenger layouts.
- Front seats that swivel 180 degrees to create a multipurpose lounge—ideal for working, dining or relaxing inside the van.
- A secondary battery system to power lights, devices and campsite accessories without draining the primary vehicle battery.
Available optional upgrades expand the Weekender’s capabilities:
- Off‑grid power solutions with integrated solar panels to support extended trips and charging needs.
- Enhanced audio and navigation systems for a more comfortable and connected road trip experience.
- Extensive personalization options using premium 3M auto body wraps—choose from around 200 available colors to tailor the van’s exterior.
- Camping accessories such as an 8′ awning for shade and weather protection, mosquito screens for the rear hatch and sliding doors, and a quick‑attach tent that extends from the rear lift gate for extra space and privacy.
- Roof racks for surfboards, skis or additional cargo.
- A pullout rear kitchen for simple meal preparation on the road.
The Weekender is a premium custom conversion with a starting price around $70,000. While not inexpensive, the cost reflects a finished, turnkey build on a dependable Mercedes‑Benz platform. For buyers looking for a compact, stylish and modern pop‑up camper—ready for both urban use and outdoor adventures—the Weekender offers a compelling, well‑executed option.