Mercedes-Benz T-Class: the best Mercedes for family use

At Mercedes-Benz they present their new Mercedes T-Class as an MPV, which fits its silhouette and the versatility offered by the interior. But this is not a conventional MPV, such as the Mercedes B-Class. In reality, we are looking at a very “car-like” version of a well-known van, the Mercedes Citan.

Nomenclature aside, in the transformation from “van” to MPV the new Mercedes T-Class bets on a large interior space, boasts the equipment possibilities of any car… and also a behaviour that should be nothing like a vehicle derived from a commercial vehicle, even though its silhouette gives it away. A formula we have already seen from other manufacturers, among which we could mention the Volkswagen Caddy as one of the main alternatives.

The design and dimensions of the Mercedes T-Class

Externally, the design of the T-Class is unmistakably Mercedes, thanks to the brand’s unmistakable grille. A long-wheelbase version is confirmed for later, which will allow it to have three rows of seats and seven seats. For now, the short version will go on sale, with five seats and a length of 4.50 metres. The width is 1.86 metres, with a height of 1.81 metres, the dimension that most identifies its “commercial” origin. As details that associate it more with a car we find the chrome radiator grille, the mirrors, the door handles and the bumper in body colour.

The double sliding side door, a feature very common in this type of vehicle, guarantees easy access to the rear seats, while the large tailgate is hinged at the roof and gives access to a huge boot with a very low loading sill (just 561 mm), offering many possibilities since the rear seats can be folded to leave a completely flat surface. Luggage capacity can range from 520 to more than 2,100 litres, depending on how the seats are configured. As an option, Mercedes offers a tailgate split in two parts.

As for the interior, the brand’s MBUX interface could not be missing. In this case, the touchscreen of the multimedia system is 7 inches and is placed in a floating position between the two central air vents. A second 5.5-inch screen in the full instrument cluster complements the information from the analogue dials. Special attention has been paid not only to the feel and quality of the materials used, but also to customisation possibilities, with two-tone finishes through inserts on some dashboard elements matching the bodywork, or an ambient lighting system with up to eight shades. Even the steering wheel is the one found in other cars from the brand, with Touch Control buttons.

There are two personalisation lines, called Style and Progressive, the first much more relaxed and the second more focused on refinement and luxury. And the latest in connectivity or driving assistants is not missing, with features such as voice control, Mercedes me connect digital services, active brake assist, the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC or LED headlights, among many others.

Petrol and diesel engines

The engine range of the Mercedes T-Class includes a 1.5 turbo diesel and a 1.3 petrol, both four-cylinder. The turbo diesel comes in two variants, the T 160 d, with 95 CV and a maximum torque of 270 Nm, and the T 180 d, with 116 CV and 270 Nm of torque. In the case of the 1.3 petrol there are also two options, the T 160 with 102 CV and 200 Nm of torque, or the T 180 with 131 CV and 240 Nm of torque. All of them come with a six-speed manual gearbox, and optionally a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox can be fitted, except on the T 160.

None of the mechanical versions available at the start of sales is announced with mild hybridisation, which would give them the ECO label from the DGT. It is confirmed that in the future the EQT electric-drive version will arrive, previewed by the EQT concept, and still in development. This option will open up Mercedes-Benz’s range of passenger vans with electric propulsion, as a much more affordable alternative to the Mercedes EQV.

Mercedes T-Class image gallery