12/11/2024 Need a Mercedes-Benz MPV but don’t want a huge V-Class? The T-Class could be the answer. The large and luxurious V-Class and Vito Tourer are based on the Vito van, whereas the new T-Class is based on the Citan van (Irish Van of the Year 2024). The T-Class comes as a five-seater with sliding side doors and a huge boot. An even more accommodating seven-seater is available by special order and features a stretched body.
The T-Class has a Mercedes badge and the emblem catches the eye but there is no denying its van origins and as a passenger van it will only appeal to a few private buyers as its silhouette, at least for private buyers, may be a deal breaker – I mean its no CLE. Hotels, sports club etc. are far more likely buyers as the car has a air of premium to it. T-Class is 2mm shy of 4.5m long and 1,852mm tall – slightly taller than most rivals. At 1,859mm wide the car is narrow enough to effortlessly negociate car parks. Private buyers in the market for a practical MPV are more likely to find better value from many of the mainstream car makers and their van-based MPVs.
The exterior of the T-Class is imposing and the car has a presence, mainly due to its height. The design is utterly fine, with nothing offensive to the eye. Our test car is a T-Class 160d in Progressive spec. (starting from €48,460), including metallic paint it cost €49,234. Merc is pitching the T-Class at families with an active lifestyle. Fergus Conheady, commercial vehicles sales manager identifies some potential buyers: “…school-going families and enthusiastic weekenders, from team players to the likes of paddle boarders and mountain bikers”. The car’s boxy shape is certainly functional and screams versatility.
Inside the cabin space is, as you’d expect impressive. Five people sit in comfort on faux leather seating. The boot is vast and access to the middle row is superb with twin sliding doors. Up front the view is commanding and the T-Class feels compact and very easy to place on the road – thanks to its near vertical rear tailgate and slab sided body. For just a little under €50,000 the dash could and needs to be more premium car-like. The centre touch screen is embarrassingly small, although connectivity and smart phone-integration is good thanks to the use of Mercedes’ MBUX.
Our T160 features a low powered diesel that pushes out a nominal 95hp and 260nm. The 1.5 litre’s output hauls the front wheel drive, 1.7 tonne car around with just adequate power. Higher speed use, and motorway overtaking, requires a little active stirring of the six-speed manual gearbox to keep the car in its power band. Average fuel consumption is quoted at 5.3L/100km. As a compliant cruiser, the T-Class is fine and relatively quiet inside. On slippery surfaces, like autumn leaves, moving off can cause the front wheels to spin a little. Ultimately more informed or enthusiastic drivers will soon find the car’s van-like dynamics and its relative shortcomings compared to more sophisticated passenger car suspension set ups and refined driving dynamics. The stretched seven-seat version (T180) features petrol power.
The T-Class is expensive and really only makes sense for commercial operations who want to express/project a higher class experience. Private buyers or budget conscious MPV buyers should look to the mainstream brands for a better fit. Michael Sheridan
