A premium maker par excellence, Mercedes has constantly had lots of useful designs in the array. There was when the Vaneo, stemmed from the initial generation A-Class, with a sandwich flooring. An outstanding family members as well as traveler automobile, but too expensive since it was derived from an automobile. Mercedes then tried to make the sector successful as well as relied on a collaboration with Renault. However the first generation Citan was a failure, because the Swabian brand name acquired a weak security framework from Renault, and also to reduce prices, the automobile was almost the same to the Kangoo both in and out.
Currently things have turned out in a different way. Mercedes has actually been involved in the car’s development from the beginning together with Renault, as well as the exterior and also interior decoration is quite different from the Renault Kangoo, while preserving the Germans’ imprint. Mercedes did also something else: it made a decision to provide a more elegant individuals version called the T-Class along with the Citan Tourer, applying VW’s strategy from the previous Caddy generation, which likewise had the extra glamorous Life version.
Still, regardless of being a van in mind, the T-Class looks similar to a Mercedes. The front end births some resemblance to the A-Class and B-Class, and the fronts lights shine with High-Performance LED lights, requirement on the Progressive line. Inside, as well, in addition to the rounded air vents, multimedia system (not quite the most recent generation, yet Mercedes) and also control panel tool cluster with the typical Mercedes display screen between dials, the T-Class catches the eye with glossy black inserts on the indoor door takes care of, the multimedia screen, the round air vents with their particular change, and also the dashboard partially clad in a sort of sophisticated Alcantara that the Germans call Neotex. We expected the rest of the plastic on the dashboard to be soft, yet below we only located the strong plastic from the other versions.
But currently comes the eye-catching component, going on vacation. Below, as well, the T-Class has its toughness. Whether you have little kids or intend to take place an European tour or fishing expedition, you can fill up the cart, a big colder, a camping table, bags of baggage and also still have plenty of area, due to the fact that you can fold down
the 40/60 % back-rest if you need to, as well as the 520 litres of the boot increases to 2,120. The pillow of the back bench ingeniously folds down as you tilt the backrest offering you a flat surface area. And also if you still need room, you can buy the initial crossbars (378.42 euros, longitudinal ones currently exist), fit an additional roof covering rack or affix a trailer, as the T-Class can tow a tons of up to 1500 kg. And also there are two Isofix owners for kid seats on the back outer seats. It is Mercedes T-Class unique? Not really due to the fact that the very same centers are supplied by the Renault Kangoo, as well. Mercedes guarantees a lot more design.
To find this, we tested the T 180 d version with transmission on a really wonderful path. The T 180 d has the familiar 1.5 dCi engine as well as produces 116 HP and 270 Nm (without mild hybrid system), mated, when it comes to the examination auto, to Renault’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It sets you back 34,962/ 20 euro (six-speed guidebook version, 32,435.39 euro), plus 3,852.03 euro for the Progressive Line.
Better insulation but the 1.5 dCi has insufficient power
After the first few miles on the freeway, I noticed that Mercedes utilized much more soundproof materials than Renault, which must increase the sense of well-being on board. Well done, Mercedes. Nonetheless, at over 110-120 km/h, wind sound around the big mirrors starts to enhance. Yet not at all comparable to Mercedes criteria is the lack of sovereignty of the most powerful diesel on offer. In the area it’s enough, however on the motorway it has a great deal of work to do as well as for respectable characteristics you need a long time and patience, as the 0-100 km/h velocity requires 13.2 seconds. On the various other hand, the WLTP usage of 5.5 l/100 km is cost-effective. You can only achieve it on nationwide roads at rates of 90-100 km/h. On the freeway at speeds of 120-130 km/h, the large frontal area, which boosted drag, raises usage to 6.8-7 l/100 km.
In theory, a far better vibrant solution would be the 1.33-litre, 131 HP, turbocharged petrol engine with fragment filter. At least when it comes to the A-Class, an A 200 with this engine was a lot more lively than a Mercedes A 180 d with 1.5 dCi and also really did not take in far more. As well as it must coincide with the T-Class.
The gearshift isn’t on the right-hand side of the steering wheel column, like in a real Mercedes, however in the timeless put on the centre console. But beyond that, you can not fault anything, as the EDC, sorry DCT, dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission shifts as efficiently and also conveniently as in an automobile. If you want to move even quicker, it also has a Manual mode. The conventional assistance systems maintain the T-Class on the right track, but flexible cruise ship control is not available. On the other hand, you get a great sight of website traffic through the big home windows, with only the front column obstructing it a little when cornering.
Refined suspension tuning
The 2nd large difference from the Citan is the suspension adjusting. Whereas in the Citan Tourer the back axle bounces around on bumps when unloaded, the suspension being ideal only when the automobile is loaded, the checked T-Class geared up with the optional 17-inch wheels doesn’t capitulate to transverse joints as well as smoothly moistens longitudinal undulations, despite only 2 individuals on board. With a harmoniously balanced MacPherson strut construction up front as well as a torsion-bar axle in the back, the 1,811 mm high van is secure in contours and also leans just reasonably. Steering isn’t incisive like the A-Class, but it’s not indirect like a van either, however exact, easy to manage as well as with good feedback. If you do not have high vibrant demands, a lengthy drive can just be pleasurable. And access to the back is very easy many thanks to both standard sliding doors, which don’t, nonetheless, have power-assisted closing like the VW Caddy, and also the electrical tailgate isn’t offered.
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A 7-inch screen multimedia system is conventional, however navigating expenses an extra 819.91 euros. After getting utilized to bigger screens, it’s not precisely the most comfy to operate a 7-inch touchscreen, yet Mercedes has at the very least maintained the mini-touches on the guiding wheel, which are very convenient. I didn’t miss the touchpad from the A-Class family, yet I do appear to miss the old controller, which would have been functional in this instance.
Instead there are two USB-C sockets at the front as well as 2 timeless USB ports at the back. And also I likewise appreciated the timeless environment controls, which, while similar to those from low cost Dacia brand name, in shape very well in a Mercedes, with huge, pleasant-to-touch buttons with displays inside that are simple to access as well as operate. Along with the assistance systems offered as typical, there’s even an optional automatic parking system for 852.04 euro.
Long version as well as electric version EQT come next year
In future, those that desire a lot more room or have a household with greater than 3 children will certainly also have the ability to choose a long version with seven seats, and for the eco-conscious there will certainly be an electric variation, the EQT. Actually, from 2025 onwards, Mercedes will just introduce brand-new vans/commercial automobiles with electric propulsion on the new VAN.EA system.
Judgment
Much better soundproofed as well as a little more elegant than the Kangoo, the Mercedes T-Class has several benefits over its French brother or sister. It’s spacious, modular and perfect for a young family however too expensive, specifically as the 1.5-litre diesel doesn’t provide sufficient efficiency.
| Technical data |
Mercedes T 180 d 7-DCT |
| Engine/no. of cylinders |
L4, turbodiesel |
| Displacement (cmc) |
1461 |
| Max. Power/rev (HP/rpm) |
116/3,750 |
| Max. torque (Nm/rpm) |
270/1,750 |
| L x w x h (mm) |
4,498 x 1,859 x 1,811 |
| Wheelbase (mm) |
2,716 |
| Kerbweight/maximum tons (kg) |
1,678/ 521 |
| Boot volume (l) |
520 – 2,127 |
| Velocity 0– 100 km/h (s) |
13.2 |
| Top Speed (km/h) |
177 |
| Fuel consumption WLTP (l/100 km) |
5.5 |
| Rate (euro with VAT) |
34,962.20 |
