Shortly said
MPV based on the same base as the Renault Kangoo
Petrol, diesel and electric motors
From € 30,000 (approx.)
First delivery in July
Launched in 2010, the industrial alliance between Mercedes (then Daimler) and Renault officially ended in November 2021.
During this period, the groups will have developed engines together (the 1.3 petrol block that can be found under the bonnet of the Dacia Duster as well as the Mercedes A-Class), unsuccessfully tried to sell a pick-up Nissan under their respective coats of arms, and Mercedes will have offered Citan from 2012, a tool very closely derived from the second generation of Kangoo.
The commercial performance of this model was considered to be sufficiently convincing for the two producers to continue their cooperation.
Mercedes T-Class: the luxurious Kangoo (video presentation)
Kangoo 3 thus adopts Mercedes in the form of the new Citan, a model already tested by Caradisiac, but also that of Class T, the MPV (luxospace?), Which interests us today.
Benz from Maubeuge
Can be ordered from May 2, for the first deliveries, which were to take place around the beginning of July, the T-Class differs from Kangoo in many respects. According to a representative of the brand, the fact that making the Mercedes DNA tangible represented a ” Big work »
The most visible changes concern the grid and dashboard. In addition, reworked suspensions and seats, which are presented to us as more comfortable, to establish the more “premium” character of the vehicle.
Despite the many efforts that Mercedes has made, this model is made in Maubeuge can not completely hide its utilitarian origins, which are especially betrayed by hard plastic, which on the trunk side is likely to be scratched quite easily.
But hey, family customers who love space and practical aspects will largely find their account on board this vehicle with quite exceptional carrying capacities. Load volume fluctuates between 520 and 2,127 liters, while the rear sliding doors open access to the rear seats and provide plenty of legroom.
Mention well, on the other hand, the roof rails that integrate the roof bars. By pressing two buttons, said ramps can turn 90 ° and become crossbars that can carry loads of 40 kilos each. Specially thoughtful equipment, also available at Renault and on the new Dacia Sandero Stepway.
It should be noted in passing that a version with an extended body that allows the transport of 7 passengers is displayed at the end of the second half.
Reinforcement with el
On the techno side, all conceivable driving aids for this type of vehicle will be available as standard (emergency braking assistance, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, etc.) or as an option. The T-Class is not a cheap car, let it be said.
To drive this vehicle, Mercedes to France has chosen a petrol engine that develops 131 hp, as well as two diesel engines of 95 and 116 hp. All of these blocks will automatically pair with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a 7-speed automatic transmission will be available at an additional cost.
And if we were not to hope for the appearance of a hybrid engine that would allow a more moderate consumption in urban areas, Mercedes will quickly offer a 100% electric version of the machine, called the EQT. This comes in direct competition with the Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroën ë-Berlingo, and of course with the electric Kangoo Van E-tech, its Renault counterpart, which promises a range of up to 300 km.
One last word on pricing. The “first price” T-Class will sell for around € 30,000, or € 1,500 more than the Kangoo with a similar engine (95 diesel or 131 hp petrol). A price difference that remains reasonable and can also be found at resale commits the “star” effect.
