Mercedes-Benz is set to debut an all-new MPV by 2022, developed in partnership with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Badged the Mercedes T-class, the new MPV will be positioned below the V-class in the company’s line-up.
- All-new MPV to be developed alongside the new Citan commercial van
- Confirmed to get an all-electric variant alongside conventional engine options
Will it replace any model in Mercedes’ line-up?
The new T-Class is essentially the spiritual successor to the short-lived Vaneo MPV the firm produced between 2002 and 2005. Marcus Breitschwerdt, the head of the firm's Vans division, said the new machine was designed for "families and those with active pastimes".
Set to go on sale in the first-half of 2022, the new Mercedes T-class will be developed alongside the second-generation Citan commercial van. The current Citan, which was launched in 2012, is heavily based on the Renault Kangoo, and the new T-class will effectively replace the Citan Tourer passenger derivative.
What about the T-class’ design?
While it will be developed with the help of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Mercedes said that the T-Class will feature "unmistakably typical characteristics" of the firm's models. It will be designed for a range of uses, including passenger transportation as part of "sharing services", with sliding doors on both sides. Additionally, the teaser provides a hint as to the new T-class’ profile.
What will power the T-class?
Mercedes-Benz has yet to detail specific powertrains but has said that a fully electric version would be offered alongside combustion-engined ones. The EV version of the current Kangoo features a 60hp electric motor offering a range of around 160km.
The current Citan is produced at a Renault commercial vehicle factory in France. It is likely, although unconfirmed, that this arrangement will continue with the T-class and next-generation Citan when they enter production globally in 2022.
Will it come to India?
It’s still very early to say if this all-new model would make it to India. However, with Mercedes offering an extensive range of models including the V-class in India, there could be a chance that the new T-class could be launched here as well.
Following the easing of lockdown restrictions in India, the carmaker has proceeded to launch the new GLS, the AMG C 63 Coupe and the updated AMG GT R and more variants of the new GLE. Presently the carmaker is gearing up to launch the all-new A-class limousine and the all-electric EQC in India in the coming months. The carmaker has also revealed that it plans to introduce more AMG models before the end of the year.
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