Mercedes T-Class

The minivan segment is in the doldrums in Europe. The most familiar vehicles have given way to the all-powerful SUVs. The supply is getting smaller. The more traditional models have disappeared or have been reconverted. The Mercedes T-Class It is an unprecedented model in the German house launched in mid-2022, a minivan derived from an industrial, the Mercedes Citan, which seeks to tempt this versatile and rational clientele.

An SUV is not capable of matching the housing capacities of a minivan. Shape compromised by design reduces cargo space or interior versatility. In the T-Class, function is at the service of form, which allows maximizing interior space and living options. At the moment it has only been announced in a version for five passengers, although the arrival of a seven-seater version is expected.

Technical characteristics of the Mercedes T-Class

Although Mercedes has several minivans among its ranks, the Mercedes B-Class and Mercedes V Class, the T-Class is the first of its kind and should not be confused with the Mercedes Citan Tourer. In this case we are talking about family tourism with industrial lines and small changes. Under its body hides the CMF-C platform shared with the Renault-Nissan alliance. It is the same that we can see in the Renault Australia or Nissan Qashqai.

In this case it is adapted for a minivan belonging to the compact segment. The initially released version reaches some heights with 4,5 meters long, 1,86 meters wide and 1,81 meters high. To these measures must be added a wheelbase of 2,72 meters, which translates into a generous interior space for a maximum of five passengers. (The version with seven seats and three rows will be launched later)

Three of them are installed on a rear bench seat with three functional seats and capable of folding in a 60:40 ratio, where even three child seats can fit perfectly. As far as load capacity is concerned, the Mercedes T-Class offers a trunk with a minimum capacity of 520 liters, expandable above 2.000 liters by completely folding down the second row of seats.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mercedes T-Class

We are talking about a logical and rational purchase where benefits are far from the main needs of customers. For that reason the mechanical range of the T-Class sports a varied offer of diesel and gasoline engines. An offer of low and medium power that from 2023 will have the incorporation of a 100% electric version that will receive the name of Mercedes EQT.

By power, the range starts with the T160d. It is a block of four cylinders and 1.461 cubic centimeters turbocharged that develops 95 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. After this unit is positioned the T 160 gasoline with turbocharged four-cylinder engine 1.333 cubic centimeters. reaches a power of 102 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque.

In a more performance section we find the T180d. Using the same diesel engine mentioned above, performance rises to 116 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. Lastly, there is the T 180 of gasoline and engine of 1.333 cubic centimeters. Offers a maximum of 131 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. All versions can be associated with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Equipment of the Mercedes T-Class

Although the T-Class is an unprecedented model, everyone expected Mercedes to follow the same line of success that it once undertook with the Mercedes Vito and the V-Class. However, this time the differences are minimal. The presentation of the cabin is almost identical except for small details. Yes, quality is improved, giving access to more refined leather upholstery and different decorative moldings..

As usual in the house, Mercedes proposes different lines of finishes: Base, Style and Progressive. In addition to equipment, the main differences between them lie in the aesthetic, being able to have personalized elements in each case. In this way, the brand separates a little more the lines of the industrial model of family tourism.

As far as equipment is concerned, the T-Class sports typical elements of any tourism. The Full LED headlights, 16-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, multimedia system with a 7-inch touch screen, browser, voice control and multiple driving assistants and security elements stand out.

The Mercedes T-Class in video

The Mercedes T-Class according to Euro NCAP

Despite its shapes and the fact that it derives from an industrial vehicle, the Mercedes T-Class receives the five Euro NCAP safety stars in the summer of 2022, the highest possible score, being the best valued model in the category. The results by sections are: 91 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 93 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 69 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 90 out of 100 in driving assistants. It is the same rating that gets its commercial version, the Citan Tourer.

Rivals of the Mercedes T-Class

Although minivans are destined to disappear, the supply of relatives derived from industrialists has grown exponentially in recent years. The Mercedes T-Class will have to face similar models such as: Renault Kangoo, Volkswagen Caddy, Peugeot Rifter, Citroën Berlingo, Opel Combo, Toyota Proace City Verso o Ford Tourneo Custom. All of them similar in concept, although disparate in price or mechanics.

Highlight

• Equipment
• Versatility
• Interior space

To improve

• High price
• Little customization
• industrial look

Price of the Mercedes T-Class

Despite being a Mercedes, the T-Class is offered to customers at a very tight retail value. The starting price of the Mercedes T-Class is 28.062 euros, without offers or promotions. This amount refers to a T 160 model with a base finish. The most expensive version is the T 180 d with Progressive finish and automatic gearbox. Its price starts at 35.630 euros, without offers or promotions.

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