Small, purpose-built people movers may be dwindling in numbers in Europe, but van-based models are still standing. The Mercedes-Benz T-Class is the latest of this breed.

    Using the Mercedes-Benz Citan as its starting point, the T-Class is distinguished by its colour-coded bumpers, two sliding rear doors, a lift-up tailgate, and fancier grille treatments.

    With badge engineering being the name of the game in the world of commercial vehicles, the Citan/T-Class shares its drivetrains, platform, doors and core body structure with the Renault Kangoo.

    Both the Citan and T-Class have completely unique front-end and dashboard designs compared to their more humble Renault siblings.

    “We are currently assessing the suitability of the new Citan and T-Class for our market, but no decision to launch in Australia has been made,” said a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia.

    At launch the T-Class is only available in short-wheelbase format. Measuring 4498mm long, 1859mm wide, 1811mm tall and riding on a 2716mm wheelbase, the SWB T-Class has space for up to five people.

    A long-wheelbase model will join the range in the not-too-distant future, and can accommodate up to seven people across three rows.

    The interior comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen running the Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system, a 5.5-inch multi-function display, air conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel, rear luggage cover, faux leather surfaces, and an enclosed glove box.

    High-end models are dressed up with bright yellow interior trim pieces, contrasting stitching, configurable LED interior lighting, and fold-out tables built into the front seat backs.

    On the safety front the T-Class can be had with parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, fatigue monitoring, and trailer stability assist.

    T160dT180dT160T180
    Displacement1.5-litre1.5-litre1.3-litre1.3-litre
    AspirationTurboTurboTurboTurbo
    Cylinders4444
    FuelDieselDieselPetrolPetrol
    Power70kW85kW75kW96kW
    Torque260Nm270Nm200Nm240Nm
    0-100km/h15.1s13.2s14.7s11.6s
    L/100km5.35.56.76.6

    At some stage in the car’s lifecycle an all-electric versions, badged eCitan for the van and EQT for the passenger hauler, will join the lineup.

    These two models will likely feature the same drivetrain as the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, which pairs a 75kW electric motor driving the front wheels with a 45kWh battery pack that’s good for a WLTP range of 265km.

    The internal-combustion versions of the T-Class will likely go on sale later this year across Europe.

    According to a local spokesperson, the company is “currently assessing the suitability of the new Citan and T-Class for our market, but no decision to launch in Australia has been made”.

    Derek Fung

    Derek Fung would love to tell you about his multiple degrees, but he's too busy writing up some news right now. In his spare time Derek loves chasing automotive rabbits down the hole. Based in New York, New York, Derek loves to travel and is very much a window not an aisle person.

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