The new Mercedes-Benz Citan is set to arrive in the UK in February, with a new, sharper design and stylish interior, with prices starting from £21,310.
The range is based on the new Renault Kangoo and starts with the diesel-powered short-wheelbase L1 model. The range will be filled out by the addition of long-wheelbase models later in the year, with an electrically powered model expected towards the end of 2023.
Safety and Security
The Citan has plenty of safety equipment as standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition technology, a system that detects when the driver's attention strays from the road and encourages them to take breaks, and hill-start assist to prevent rolling back. There’s also a speed limiter, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and six airbags across all models.
Blind spot warning, active lane-keeping assistance, and speed limit warnings are also available but are all optional extras.
The Citan also includes anti-theft protection in the form of double locks and an integrated alarm system, giving customers an added boost in security.
Cabin Technology
There’s helpful tech on board the Citan, with Mercedes Me connectivity fitted as standard. The system allows real-time monitoring of the vehicles, with data easily accessible via a smartphone app, helping owner-operators and fleet managers optimise vehicle uptime, safety, and security.
Features of the system include over-the-air software updates and access to vehicle monitoring in the event of theft. The app can also check fuel levels, mileage, and remote door-locking functionality.
There is also a new infotainment system, which includes a 7.0-inch touch screen, fitted as standard across all Citan trim lines. The system features ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant — one of the better systems on the market, although far from flawless — and smartphone integration via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Cargo Carrying
The Citan is a compact van, but the shorter L1 model still has a maximum load length of 1,806mm, with a payload limit of 667kg in the entry-level Progressive specification. This drops by a single kilo on the Premium model.
Maximum height and width in the cargo area stand at 1,256mm and 1,1524mm, the latter dropping to 1,248mm between the wheel arches. Mercedes hasn’t yet confirmed the total load volume. The twin rear doors swing open to 180 degrees, allowing for easy loading, even with a forklift.
Both are rated to tow trailers up to a maximum gross train weight of 3,500kg. With an unladen weight of 1,563kg, that gives a potential maximum of 1,937kg, including any payload and passengers.
Diesel Power, for now...
Initially, all versions of the Citan will be powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which generates 95hp and 260Nm of torque. The front-wheel drive setup comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, with an optional seven-speed automatic available for an extra £1,825.
Fuel economy of 54.3mpg is promised under the WLTP testing regime. CO2 emissions are quoted at 137g/km, with the Citan being Euro 6d compliant, meaning it’s safe to visit any ULEZ zone.
A fully electric Citan will follow later, which is expected to offer a range of up to 176 miles. 80kW charging rates, where available, will allow an 80% charge to be carried out in just 35 minutes. There are no plans in the UK for petrol or hybrid options.
Trim Levels
Mercedes will offer the Citan in just two trim levels, Progressive and Premium. Both come relatively well equipped, with all vans featuring a multi-function steering wheel, heated side mirrors (handy at the moment, with sub-zero temperatures) and 16-inch wheels — steel on the Progressive and alloy on the Premium.
Premium adds various cosmetic enhancements, including body-coloured bumpers, chrome trim and a gloss black dashboard finish. There’s also metallic paint, a light package that comprises LED headlights with automatic high beam, and front fog lamps.
Pricing and Deliveries
Prices start from £21,310 for the Progressive model and rise to £23,285 for the Premium vans, both in short-wheelbase L1 form. Prices for the L2 models and electric Citan haven’t been released yet, but we expect a £1,500 uplift for the longer model.
Deliveries of the L1 model will begin in February, with longer L2 models, crew vans and the electric eCitan models arriving later in the year.
A three-year, unlimited mileage warranty will cover all models.
Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Sales Director Sarah Palfreyman said:
“In the new Citan, van operators have a vehicle that exemplifies all the renowned Mercedes-Benz virtues of reliability, safety and cost-effective performance, backed by a national network of dedicated Dealers who provide the highest standards of customer care. It’s much more than just a great small van, though. The services available through Mercedes me once again demonstrate that we’re dedicated to supporting our customers by doing all we can to keep their businesses moving.”
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