Mercedes-Benz reveals Citan van, no Australian plans confirmed

The new Mercedes-Benz Citan will be the German manufacturer's final van to be made available with an internal combustion engine, with an electric variant demonstrating the nameplate's future direction.

Badge-engineered alongside the third-generation Renault Kangoo, the Citan commercial van is powered by a choice of three Renault diesel engines – making 55kW, 70kW and 85kW respectively – while the Tourer people carrier variant only offers the 70kW diesel alongside a choice of two petrol units, which produce 75kW and 96kW.

A fully-electric version of both the commercial and passenger vans will be made available in the second half of next year. Dubbed the eCitan, it will feature a motor and battery which allows for up to 285 kilometres of WLTP driving range.

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Exterior dimensions are identical to the Kangoo with an overall length of 4498mm which provides 3050mm of load space compartment length, while the entry to the rear compartment is 615mm wide and 1059mm tall.

Mercedes-Benz will offer Citans with a choice of a flexible or fixed partition wall – available with and without a window – which provides extra protection for front row occupants.

In the Tourer variant, its second row of seating can either be left up to fit three adults or folded in a one-down/two-down split, increasing rear room for luggage.

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Each Citan variant will also be available in a range of two trim levels – Base and Pro. While Mercedes-Benz doesn't specify which trim scores what equipment, both are understood to include a 7-inch touchscreen, touch control buttons on the steering wheel, voice assistant, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bluetooth and digital radio (DAB and DAB+) as standard.

Safety features such as; lane keep assist, hill start assist, a fatigue warning system, Mercedes-Benz emergency call are standard across the van and Tourer, while the latter also gains; active brake assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot assist and speed limit assist.

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When Wheels asked Mercedes-Benz Vans in July about potential for a local release of the Citan, the Australian arm said it was looking at the possibility of bringing the van Down Under – but had not committed to any plans.

"We are currently assessing the suitability of the new Citan for our market, including both the electric and ICE variants, but no decision to launch in Australia has been made," said the spokesperson.

With the second-gen Citan set to launch in Europe next year, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will be the last commercial vehicle to be powered by an internal combustion engine, with the new T-Class and EQT set to go fully-electric after the Citan's lifecycle comes to an end.

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