2023 Mercedes-Benz T-Class unveiled, Australian plans unclear

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.

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”.