The new second-generation Mercedes-Benz Citan, which has been revealed ahead of a market launch in Germany next month, will be the last model from Mercedes-Benz Vans to offer a combustion engine option.
Twinned with the Renault Kangoo and available as either in Panel Van or Tourer MPV guises, the Citan will be priced from less than €20,000 (£17,100) in its most basic form but will soon spawn an upmarket passenger-carrying version called the T-Class, as previewed by a boldly styled concept earlier this year.
The small van has been substantially redesigned to bring it into line more obviously with Mercedes' passenger car line-up. The company highlights the vehicle's "muscular shoulders" and "striking wheel wells" as standout features, but emphasises that ease of use remains the top priority.
The standard version is 4498mm in length, offering a 3050mm-long load bay in the van variant, but short- and extended-wheelbase options will follow, including a Mixto variant with a half-cargo, half-passenger-carrying format.
Two trim levels are available from launch, Base and Pro, with Mercedes promising "comfort and convenience systems familiar from passenger cars". However, both versions will maintain a utility focus to ensure distance from the more premium-oriented T-Class and electric EQT due next year.
Combustion engine options include a familiar range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder units, ranging in output from 74bhp to 129bhp, the latter of which we sampled in a pre-production prototype earlier this year.
The all-electric eCitan will be launched in late 2022 with an expected range of 177 miles and a 10-80% charge time of 40 minutes. Further details of its powertrain have not been confirmed, but it is highly likely to use the same 101bhp motor and 44kWh battery as its Renault sibling.
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First drive: 2022 Mercedes-Benz Citan prototype review​
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The X class failed miserably. So will this.
The Mercedes brand has gone downmarket. Its reputation tainted. Nothing desirable about owning one, even if it has climbed out of the appalling fit and finish problems and use of cheap materials in its 1990s cars.
T Stag asks how Mercedes get away with this? I don't know but it got away with the appalling rust prone W210 E Class of the late '90s, just about keeping its reputation for quality intact among those not in the know.
Because we’re a nation of brand obsessed badge snobs. The Renault is the better looking vehicle IMO, and will be significantly cheaper, but people will convince themselves the Mercedes is worth the extra, or that it must be better built etc.