Mercedes tried and saw limited success with the X-Class bakkie but now the Stuttgart manufacturer is trying their hand at a light commercial vehicle that can be used by both business and families with active lifestyles. Say hello to the new T-Class.
These light commercial vehicles have seen growing success over the past few years, offering utility and practicality that SUV’s can’t seem to rival. Mercedes are now joining Ford, Volkswagen, Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen and Renault in their latest endeavour to try and win some of the niche market with a fancier offering than any of the aforementioned.
Like Mercedes did with the X-Class using an existing Nissan platform, so too will the new T-Class. This time around, the Germans will not be pairing up with their Japanese counterparts but rather their French neighbours since it is based on the Renault Kangoo – a model which debuted in 2020 and hasn’t been offered here amidst our craze with SUV’s.
Don’t expect it to boast the same affordable price tag of its French antecedent because the designers at Merc have decked out the new T-Class with all of the niceties you’d expect an esteemed model coming out of Stuttgart to have. This includes a 7-inch touchscreen display with smartphone integration, keyless entry and engine start and a multifunctional steering wheel. Two trims will be available, namely being Style and Progressive which will be visually different in exterior trim and each include different options.
Jump inside here.
On the powertrain side, the T-Class will employ a range of four-bangers, either a 70 kW 1.5-litre diesel or a more powerful 85 kW option of the same displacement. On the petrol power side of things, two are available – both 1.3-litre boasting either 75 kW or 96 kW. The standard six speed-manual gearbox can be replaced with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission on both diesel and the more powerful petrol motor.
Mercedes are aiming the newcomer squarely at the outdoorsy, stating it is “the premium-small van for active lifestyles” but there is no confirmation if South Africa will receive this newcomer.
