Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Things have been slowly improving regarding Mercedes-Benz's long-term collaboration with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance after it first got off to a somewhat rough start.
The first and so far, only generation of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, which was a modified Nissan Navara, didn’t achieve the success desired by the company’s head honchos, so it eventually kicked the bucket.
The Mercedes-Benz Citan, essentially a rebadged Renault Kangoo, wasn’t born under a lucky star either but managed to go on surviving despite the continuous bad rep it shared with its French brother.
On top of it, the global trend of choosing SUVs and/or crossovers to the detriment of any other type of family car has hit hard into the station wagon and minivan/MPV market.
Having said that, Mercedes-Benz is still a very active player in the European MPV segment, which is why the compact Citan will not only get a replacement, but a much more expanded lineup.
Set to wear the T-Class moniker, the new compact MPV is going to be a European-only affair, with both utilitarian, civilian, and all-electric versions on the way.
The civilian model was teased by the carmaker back in July, while its French brothers were already shown a few weeks ago. That said, deliveries will start in the first half of 2021 for all of them.
"With the new Mercedes-Benz T-Class, we will offer a vehicle which makes it possible for families and those with active pastimes to step into the Mercedes-Benz world. These customers seek attractive and practical compact vehicles – and it is precisely these demands which the new T-Class fulfils", said Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
A variety of Renault-gasoline and diesel powertrains will likely comprise the engine lineup, but a lot of people will probably wait to learn more about an electric version as well, which has already been confirmed on the Renault Kangoo.
As far as the T-Class' design goes, this latest pre-production prototype our collaborating spy photographers caught gives off a ‘cute’ vibe, despite the angular shape it has. It will definitely have a roomy interior for its size and easy access thanks to the sliding rear doors.
The Mercedes-Benz Citan, essentially a rebadged Renault Kangoo, wasn’t born under a lucky star either but managed to go on surviving despite the continuous bad rep it shared with its French brother.
On top of it, the global trend of choosing SUVs and/or crossovers to the detriment of any other type of family car has hit hard into the station wagon and minivan/MPV market.
Having said that, Mercedes-Benz is still a very active player in the European MPV segment, which is why the compact Citan will not only get a replacement, but a much more expanded lineup.
Set to wear the T-Class moniker, the new compact MPV is going to be a European-only affair, with both utilitarian, civilian, and all-electric versions on the way.
The civilian model was teased by the carmaker back in July, while its French brothers were already shown a few weeks ago. That said, deliveries will start in the first half of 2021 for all of them.
"With the new Mercedes-Benz T-Class, we will offer a vehicle which makes it possible for families and those with active pastimes to step into the Mercedes-Benz world. These customers seek attractive and practical compact vehicles – and it is precisely these demands which the new T-Class fulfils", said Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
A variety of Renault-gasoline and diesel powertrains will likely comprise the engine lineup, but a lot of people will probably wait to learn more about an electric version as well, which has already been confirmed on the Renault Kangoo.
As far as the T-Class' design goes, this latest pre-production prototype our collaborating spy photographers caught gives off a ‘cute’ vibe, despite the angular shape it has. It will definitely have a roomy interior for its size and easy access thanks to the sliding rear doors.
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