After launching the second generation of its Citan small utility vehicle, Mercedes is unveiling the version intended for families, which for the first time bears the name of Class T.
While the Citan utility has returned for a second generation, its variant intended for individuals is renamed T-Class. However, it remains closely derived from the Renault Kangoo and therefore benefits from the many improvements made to this MPV, in addition to a few specificities.
A, B, C, E, G, V… In the Mercedes alphabet, the letter T had never been used before. But today the brand is unveiling its very first T-Class, which may however seem familiar to you. It is indeed the MPV version of the second generation of Citan, the smallest of the starred utilities. A van which is itself derived from the Renault Kangoo third of the name under an industrial agreement signed with the French manufacturer. The profile, like the taillights, therefore has a furious air of deja-vu. As well as the dimensions. With a length of 4.50 m, the short version will be the first to go on sale this summer. On the other hand, from the front as in the passenger compartment, the T-Class makes efforts to try to distinguish itself from its diamond cousin and from Nissan’s Townstar, the third model built on this basis and in the same factory in Maubeuge (North) .
A typical Mercedes face
The grille and the headlights thus adopt a less angular design, while the front bumper is also treated differently. The style is very reminiscent of that of other Mercedes productions, starting with the B-Class minivan. And the future EQT electric variant, which will be presented before the end of the year, will also be entitled to a fairly significantly modified body. Like the homonymous concept, it will receive a full grille integrating the front lights and a light strip on the tailgate. Finally, a T-Class with an extended wheelbase is also planned in a second phase. With a total length exceeding 4.90 m, it will in particular be able to carry seven passengers while remaining easier to maneuver than the large Class V “minivan”, derived for its part from the imposing Viano.
Launched in the spring of 2021, the Kangoo 3 adopts a face with more angular features than the T-Class.On the same basis, Nissan offers the Townstar, which is entitled to a rather different face.
A redesigned dashboard
As mentioned above, it is also in the passenger compartment that the difference with the Kangoo is made. Even if there are common points, such as the air conditioning knobs, the shape of the counters or the high gear lever, the dashboard has been adapted to the Mercedes universe. It therefore receives circular aerators like an airplane turbine, a new steering wheel equipped with small touchpads or even Commodo all grouped together on the left side, as is the house tradition.
The T-Class dashboard shares some elements with the Kangoo, but it has been modified in the spirit of other Mercedes productions.Despite inevitable pooling, the passenger compartment of this third generation Kangoo remains quite different from that of its star-studded cousin.
Standard on the second trim level, Progressive, the ambient lighting offering up to eight colors is also specific. As for the multimedia system, despite a touch screen that retains a size of 7 inches today almost modest, it takes up the MBUX interface (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) common to current productions of the Star. We find in particular the famous “intelligent” voice command capable of understanding many injunctions after having pronounced a simple “hey Mercedes”. To benefit from it here, however, it will also be necessary to take a Navigation pack, optional on the entry-level Style.
Spacious and practical… like a Kangoo!
As with any good MPV, the trunk is very spacious. Its capacity varies from 520 l in five seats to 2,127 l with the bench folded down.
Compared to the Citan Tourer sold on markets other than Germany, the T-Class also adopts more valuable materials, such as Artico imitation leather or various chrome inserts. It can also receive a whole slew of electronic aids: stabilization assistant in the event of side wind, automatic emergency braking detecting pedestrians and cyclists, blind spot monitoring or active cruise control that can be coupled with vehicle hold. center of the lane to have level 2 autonomous driving. But, in a good MPV, the T-Class remains above all a real mover, with a trunk ranging from 520 l in five places to 2,127 l, once the 1/3-2/3 bench seat has been folded down completely. Still not enough for you? As on the Kangoo or the Dacia Sandero and Jogger, the roof bars can easily be pivoted to turn into a roof rack. What facilitate departures on vacation with the family, which will also be simplified by the tablets on the back of the front seats, the large sliding rear doors and by the various USB or 12 V sockets intended to charge all modern electronic devices.
Two diesel engines for one gasoline
All the engines are shared with Renault, like this 1.3 liter turbo petrol, the result of joint development between the two manufacturers.
If the T-Class takes over all the practical aspects of the Renault MPV, it also shares its mechanics with it. However, with a slightly narrower range, since the 102 hp T 160 will not be imported into France. In essence, the T 180 powered by the same four-cylinder 1.3 l turbo of 131 hp will therefore be the only one to officiate. Two diesel variants equipped with the 1.5 l provided by the Losange will also be there: the T 160 d, which will have to be satisfied with 95 hp, and the T 180 d, rewarded with 116 hp. All these engines will be automatically associated with a six-speed manual gearbox, which can be replaced by a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, identical to the Kangoo’s EDC, at an additional cost.
T 180
T 160d
T 180d
Engine
4 cyl. turbo-petrol
4 cyl. turbo diesel
4 cyl. turbo diesel
Displacement (cm3)
1,332
1,461
1,461
Power (hp at rpm)
131 to 5,000
95 to 3,750
116 to 3,750
Torque (Nm at rpm)
240 to 1,600
260 to 1,750
270 to 1,750
0 to 100 km/h (s)
12.85/11.6*
15.1/15.3*
13.6/13.2*
Cons. mixed WLTP (l/100 km)
6.7-7.1/6.6-7.3*
5.3-5.6/5.5-5.9*
5.6-5.9/5.5-5.9*
CO emissions2 (g/km)
151-161/150-165*
138-146/144-154*
147-154/144-154*
Ecological penalty (€)
1074-2,370/983-3,119*
260-650/450-1386*
740-1386/450-1386*
* BVM/7G-DCT
The equipment already known, not the prices
The standard LED headlights on the French market are shared with the Class B minivan.In France, the front seats are covered at least partially with a leatherette called Artico.
The T-Class will open its order book in France from May 2 for an arrival in dealerships from July. Its prices should therefore be revealed soon. If they start at less than €30,000 in Germany, it will take more in France since neither the 102 hp T 160 version nor the fairly bare basic finish will be imported. With us, the range will therefore be limited to two levels of equipment: Style and Progressive.
T-Class Style
Back upholstery in Artico imitation leather/black Microcut microfibre with white stitching
Decorative insert on the dashboard in high-gloss black
Decorative inserts on the door handles and gear lever in high-gloss black
Center armrest in Artico black leatherette
Chrome inserts on air vents, speakers and door handles
Ambient lighting in a tone of white
16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels
High performance LED headlights
MBUX multimedia system with 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration
Keyless start
7 airbags
Rear seat 1/3-2/3
2 front USB-C sockets
2 x 12V outlets
Air conditioner
5.5 inch color screen between the counters
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Multifunction steering wheel with Touch Control buttons
2 sliding rear doors
Two sliding doors facilitate access to the rear seats.
T-Class Progressive (in addition to Style)
Back upholstery in black Artico imitation leather with white stitching
Upper part of the dashboard in Neotex with contrast stitching
Decorative inserts on the door handles and gear lever in matt black silk look silver
Chrome trim strip on the tailgate
17-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels
Navigation package with “hey Mercedes” voice command
8-color mood lighting
Electric windows in the rear doors
TO READ. Mercedes Citan test: our opinion on the cousin of the Kangoo Van