MERCEDES-BENZ

MB T-Class 2023: the luxury minivan

In the absence of classic minivans, many brands, including some premium ones, have decided to create interesting passenger versions of their commercial vehicles. The latest example is the Mercedes-Benz T Class 2023, derived from the Citan, which in turn is based on the new Renault Kangoo.

Available in five- and seven-seat versions, it measures 4.49 meters long, 1.85 meters wide and 1.81 meters high, although the version with three rows of seats has an extended wheelbase.

Sliding doors offer ample space in and out of the cabin, and the rear seat folds as standard, creating a virtually smooth load surface. The tailgate comes standard, although a double door can be ordered, which can be opened to a maximum of 180 degrees.

The second row seats are individual, in which three child seats fit, and as if it were a passenger car, the T Class 2023 includes, without change in price, the MUBX multimedia system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and integration of Android protocols. Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the electromechanical parking brake, as well as seven airbags and a large number of electronic driving aids.

In terms of design, the chrome blades of the grille and the different elements painted in the color of the body (mirror housings, door handles and the front bumper) provide that touch of quality characteristic of a Mercedes-Benz.

Optionally, the alloy wheels measure 17 inches and can be chosen in a ruby ​​red metallic color for the bodywork. Door sills with the Mercedes-Benz lettering do not imply an extra cost.

Inside, all 2023 T Class have air conditioning, instrumentation with 5.5-inch color screens, LED lighting, KEYLESS Start button start, multifunctional steering wheel with touch buttons and smartphone integration. For those with a bigger budget, there are the Style and Progressive equipment lines.

The first features folding tables, 16-inch five-spoke wheels, tinted windows, synthetic leather and microfiber upholstery, chrome inserts and height-adjustable front seats and the driver's seat with lumbar support.

In the second, luxury is very present with frosted silver trim, High Performance LED headlights, synthetic leather seats, 16-inch wheels with ten-spoke design and power windows on the sliding doors.

In terms of connectivity, a browser with real-time traffic information and remote consultation services can be included, in addition to the 'Hey Mercedes' voice assistant, which understands colloquial language.

As mentioned before, the Mercedes-Benz T Class 2023 has many technological assistants as standard, such as the ATTENTION ASSIST fatigue alert, hill start aid, involuntary lane change detector and blind spot warning. .

The mechanical line comprises two 1.5-liter turbodiesel engines with 95 and 116 hp, plus two other 1.3-liter gasoline engines, also turbocharged, with 102 and 131 hp.

In addition to the 6-speed manual transmission, a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT) is also available for both diesel and petrol options. In the best case, the German minivan accelerates from 0 to 100 in 11.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 165 km/h.

Later, a 100% electric version will arrive, the EQT, developed from the eponymous prototype presented last year. For now, there is no pricing or release date for either the thermal options or, of course, the 'battery' alternative.

It remains to be added that the T Class homologates a maximum towable mass of up to 1,500 kg, and its loading edge is only 56 centimeters from the ground, which makes it extremely easy to fill and empty the trunk.

Remembering that the Citroën Berlingo, the Peugeot Rifter and the Opel Combo are marketed only with a 136 hp electric motor, so that for the new Mercedes-Benz, the Toyota Proace, which retains thermal thrusters, and the Renault Kangoo itself are rivals. , although none offers such advanced equipment or such careful materials.

Autonews