Mercedes-Benz Vans is looking to introduce an all-new small people mover in 2022 called the T-Class, though it’s unclear whether it will make its way to Australia.
The new nameplate will form part of the next-generation Citan range – which isn’t sold locally – as a passenger-focused companion to the Citan, in the same way the V-Class is to the Vito. All-electric versions of the Citan and T-Class are planned too, meaning an ‘EQT’ is coming as well.
According to the three-pointed star, the T-Class will be “suited to a range of different uses, including passenger transportation as a reference within sharing services”, with the ‘T’ model designation standing “for efficient room concepts and is thus perfectly suited as a model designation for compact family vans bearing the three-pointed star”.
Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed the new Citan and T-Class will be developed in cooperation with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, meaning it will likely have a lot in common with the next Renault Kangoo.
“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,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
“These customers seek attractive and practical compact vehicles – and it is precisely these demands which the new T-Class fulfils.”
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
When it hits European showrooms in 2022, the T-Class will serve as a premium alternative to the array of van-based small MPVs on sale in the region, including the Ford Tourneo Connect, the Toyota ProAce Verso, Volkswagen Caddy Life and the Citroen Berlingo MPV.
Here in Australia, the segment isn’t quite as popular due to our market’s preference for SUVs and crossovers, though the Volkswagen Caddy Life is sold locally.
Speaking with CarExpert, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia said: “We are currently assessing the suitability of the Citan successor and T-Class for our market, but no decision to launch in Australia has been made yet”. Stay tuned for all the latest.
