We’ve had to wait, but the second-generation Mercedes Citan van has finally gone on sale in the UK. Prices start from £21,310 (+VAT) for a vehicle that’s been available in Europe since 2021 – when we first tested it. Joint winner of the International Van of the Year title for 2022 with its sister van, the Renault Kangoo, the Citan arrives in short-wheelbase L1 guise with L2 long wheelbase versions, a five-seat Crew van and electric eCitan will follow before the end of 2023.
The new Citan completes a trio of Mercedes vans that includes the larger Vito and Sprinter models, adopting a new design that draws from its passenger car relative, the T-Class van-based MPV. A pair of trim levels are being offered in the UK, Progressive and Premium, with all models getting Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Assist, a reversing camera and six airbags. Premium models cost around £2,000 more and swap the standard 16-inch steel wheels for alloys, while adding body-coloured bumpers, LED headlights, metallic paint and various cosmetic enhancements.
The Citan will be Mercedes’ final combustion-engined van and it shares its powertrain with the Renault Kangoo. All UK models use the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel in 94bhp form, with 260Nm of torque. It can achieve up to 54.3mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The forthcoming electric version, called the eCitan, will launch later in 2023, with a WLTP range of around 176 miles. Its front-mounted electric motor produces 101bhp and 245Nm of torque, and the 44kWh (usable) battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 35 minutes thanks to 80kW DC rapid-charge capability.
At AC charging stations, the battery can be charged at 11kW, with 22kW AC charging capability available as an option. On the move, the driver can choose between two powertrain modes – Comfort and a range-optimised Eco setting – as well as three different levels of energy regeneration.
Mercedes Citan design and dimensions
At the front of the Citan, there are a pair of slim headlights either side of a twin-bar radiator grille, with smoother surfacing and a more ‘muscular’ look than before, according to Mercedes. The flanks largely mirror the Kangoo on which it’s based, with minimal detail lines.
The Citan is longer than the old van, at 4,498mm, allowing for a load compartment length of 3,050mm and more carrying capacity than the previous model. The L1 model offers a 1,806mm maximum load length and a 667kg maximum payload capacity. They can also tow trailers up to a maximum gross train weight of 3,500kg
Inside, the new Citan receives a bespoke interior design that sets it apart from the Kangoo, and it shares styling cues and switchgear with other Mercedes models. The firm’s MBUX infotainment system makes an appearance with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation with live traffic updates. MBUX can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, or the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant, as well as through the seven-inch touchscreen.
What does the new Mercedes Citan have to beat? Check out our list of the best small vans on sale right now…
