Benz's local van plan revealed!

After a long wait, Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce its small European Citan commercial van and its T-Class people-mover spin-off to Australia, sitting under the Vito and V-Class and competing with the likes of the Volkswagen Caddy and Peugeot Partner.

Now in its second-generation having launched in Europe in 2021, the Citan and T-Class share their modular CMF platform underpinnings with the Renault Kangoo, the new generation of which is also set to land in Australia at some time in 2023.

Homologation data shows the Citan registered for Australian use, in a single 113 short-wheelbase van variant, which employs a Renault-Nissan-Alliance-sourced 1.3-litre petrol engine producing 98kW/240Nm, mated to either a six-speed manual, or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

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A Renault-sourced 1.5-litre diesel engine is also available in the range overseas, with up to 87kW/270Nm on tap.

Alternatively, the fully electric eCitan, which is equivalent to Renault's Kangoo E-Tech, also confirmed for Australia, sports a 90kW/245Nm electric motor and 44kW battery pack good for a claimed 285km on the WLTP combined cycle. It is equipped with a relatively fast 11kW charger on the AC standard for a four-hour charge time, or an optional 22kW inverter for a two-hour charge time. On fast-charging DC outlets, the eCitan can charge at a rate of 75kW allowing a charge time of closer to half an hour.

The T-Class meanwhile was homologated in the first week of February, in a single T180 petrol variant, employing the same drivetrain as its commercial equivalent.

The T-Class in Europe is wide enough to allow for three child seats across its second row, as well as the option for a three-row seven-seater. Setting the T-Class apart from its Kangoo relation, Mercedes offers the car with a completely bespoke interior with Mercedes' signature Artico seat trim and MBUX digital operating system and exterior with Mercedes light fittings, grille, wheels and unique body shape. The T-Class also has a claimed higher degree of safety, which has awarded the van  a maximum five-star EuroNCAP score.

The T-Class is also offered in Europe with a from-the-factory camper variant, dubbed the Marco Polo, much in the same vein to Volkswagen's Caddy Beach.

Like the eCitan, the T-Class is set to receive an electric equivalent, dubbed the EQT. While not yet shown in production form, the EQT has been revealed as a concept car complete with Mercedes' EQ styling language inside and out. Expect it to share its specs with the eCitan.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has been contacted by CarsGuide for comment but did not respond in time for publishing. The models are both homologated as 'MY23' versions, so expect to hear more about them officially soon.