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Meet The New Mercedes-Benz T-Class
The Mercedes-Benz T-Class, which replaces the Citan in part, is a completely new model that enters the retail compact van category. Let’s start with the bad news: according to Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, this capacious, functional, elegant, and comfortable premium mini van is (absolutely) not destined for the United States. Consider this: it comes with a diesel engine, a manual transmission, and is smaller than the minivans we see here. Yes, the Euro van is absolutely drool-worthy.
The T-Class is designed for busy families, leisure lovers, and sports fans who are similar to us but not identical to us. It has #(mini)vanlife written all over it, don’t you think, with room for adventure gear and people? Oh, and while we’re dreaming, after just covering the Hyundai Staria camper van (which isn’t available in the United States), we’d love to see Mercedes-take Benz’s on a T-Class camper van.
The Mercedes-Benz T-Class is similar to Ford’s short-wheelbase Transit Connect Wagon, which is sold in the United States. That means there are five seats in total, including three child seats and a booster seat. That’s what I call family hauling! The five-seater measures approximately 177 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 71 inches height, making it significantly smaller than Mercedes-Metris Benz’s commercial van (202 inches long, 76 inches wide, and up to 75 inches high). For even greater people-moving capability, a long-wheelbase seven-seater model is on the way.
Visually, the well-balanced T-Class embodies a slick vision for a contemporary mini van, incorporating optional 17-inch wheels and color-matched mirrors, door handles, and bumpers (hey, those aren’t really givens on small vans overseas). It has large rear sliding doors on both sides for easy entry and exit. In lieu of the rear hatch, a two-section rear door is optional.
Visually, the well-balanced T-Class embodies a slick vision for a contemporary mini van, incorporating optional 17-inch wheels and color-matched mirrors, door handles, and bumpers (hey, those aren’t really givens on small vans overseas). It has large rear sliding doors on both sides for easy entry and exit. In lieu of the rear hatch, a two-section rear door is optional.
The interior uses upscale upholstery, and the split-bench rear seat folds down to create a decently flat loading area. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, a multifunction steering wheel with Touch Control buttons, and an instrument cluster with a 5.5‑inch color display are standard on the T-Class.
