Mercedes Citan van gets more safety equipment, drivability improvements

BERLIN -- Mercedes-Benz will start sales of the new Citan small van next month.

The second-generation Citan, which is based on the Renault Kangoo, will be available as a panel van for inner-city deliveries and as a passenger version called the Tourer, Mercedes said in a statement on Wednesday.

A full-electric variant, badged as the eCitan, will launch in the second half of 2022, using Renault-Nissan EV technology.

A more premium version badged as the T-Class is also planned.

Mercedes said the Citan has much more interior space compared with its predecessor. Driving dynamics and ride comfort have also been improved.

Safety systems available include active distance assistance, which can automatically take over driving in traffic jams, as well as active steering assistance that helps the driver to keep the Citan in the center of the lane.

The automaker's MBUX operating system and connectivity features are also offered.

Prices for the Citan will start below 23,000 euros ($27,000) for the panel van version and below 25,000 euros for the Tourer.

The Citan will be available with a choice of three diesel and two gasoline engines from Renault.

The electric Citan's range is expected to be about 285 km (177 miles), measured by WLTP standards, and the company claims the battery takes 40 minutes to charge to 80 percent from 10 percent at rapid charging stations.

Mercedes is accelerating the electrification of its vehicles and the Citan will be the last new vehicle project for commercial customers to use a combustion engine, the brand said.