Mercedes-Benz T-Class

The first-ever Mercedes-Benz T-Class has arrived as the German equivalent of the third-generation Renault Kangoo, which is odd because the Citan is meant to be the said equivalent. Why start another? Let's investigate.

2023 Mercedes-Benz T-Class

2023 Mercedes-Benz T-Class interior

Priced at 31,095 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever T-Class, like the Citan, is the German equivalent of the third-generation Renault Kangoo, and similarities aside, there are a few differences that separate the T-Class to the Citan because while the Citan is built for business purposes in mind, the T-Class is built for family use. Either way, you might want to color their rear badges to the colors of the German flag just as Kangoo owners did by painting the rear badge with the French flag motif.

Beginning with the design, the T-Class eschews the black cladding from the Citan in favor of a premium look. Still, despite the Mercedes front, it's basically a third-generation Renault Kangoo underneath, meaning it shares similar dimensions as the French minivan it was based on. Mind you, you can even have the T-Class equipped with double rear doors and when you have them, feel free to paint the rear badges to the colors of the German flag just like...well...you get the point.

As for the interior, it's just like the Citan but, again, with a more premium feel because of the choice of trim and upholstery with the most expensive versions come with matte silver trim elements, chrome trim strips on the tailgate, and many others. If you can recall, the latest Citan is bigger and roomier than its predecessor. In the first-ever T-Class, it's the same story but with more feel to it.

Like the Citan and the Kangoo, the T-Class is powered by a choice of petrol and diesel engines with the most powerful bearing the 1.3L petrol engine with 131PS of power, 240Nm of torque, and while mated to a 7G-DCT, 0-100kph takes about 11.6 seconds and flat out in 184kph. Kiss your Toyota Sienta goodbye with this one.

In terms of safety, the T-Class features a wide array of ADAS ranging from Hill Start Assist, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and so on.

With the first-ever T-Class, the Citan's taken a premium approach but either way, they work just like its Renault Kangoo equivalent as expected.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz