The Renault-Mercedes partnership has been going strong for a number of years now. While some models resulting from this collaboration, like the X-Class failed, the Kangoo-based Citan has been a pretty good product for the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Division in Europe. Mercedes-Benz has pushed the Citan into more passenger-friendly territory with the new T-Class, which was unveiled today nearly 2 years after they first announced plans for it.
At launch, the all-new Mercedes-Benz T-Class will be available with petrol and diesel engine options with up to 121PS and 295Nm of torque available on the high-output diesel model. These ICE motors are paired to either 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch transmissions and they all feature ECO start/stop functionality. An all-electric EQT is currently in development.
Equipment levels are quite high on the T-Class. A 7″ touch-enabled MBUX Infotainment screen, multifunction steering wheel with touch control buttons, 5.5″ colour display for the driver instrument cluster, 7 airbags, driver assistance systems, and an electric parking brake are standard features. 17″ light-alloy wheels, Keyless-Go, up to 8 colour ambient lighting, Artico and microcut seat upholstery are all available. Prices begin at under 30,000 euros.
Mercedes-Benz has ‘blinged’ up the T-Class so that it looks just as premium as anything else in their current lineup with paint options like rubellite red metallic being made available.. The radiator grille comes chrome plated, while the mirror housings, door handles and front bumpers have been finished in body colour. Mercedes-Benz is written on the side sills too.
Inside, the armrests are covered in synthetic Artico leather, while the door cards are made of Neotex, which is found on the Mercedes-EQ models. There are chrome highlights on the air vents, loudspeakers and door handles and the Style Line of the T-Class even comes with double topstitching and gloss black interior trim elements.
It is unlikely that the Mercedes-Benz T-Class will ever be sold in Malaysia, but if it does end up coming here, how much do you think it’ll sell for? How many units would Mercedes-Benz Malaysia be able to sell? We think it’s a pretty practical and stylish proposition, but the GLB already has the market cornered at this price point.
