luxury Kangoo (video presentation)

Launched in 2010, the industrial alliance between Mercedes (later Daimler) and Renault officially ended in November 2021.

During this time, the groups will jointly develop engines (the 1.3 petrol block that can be found under the hood of the Dacia Duster and the Mercedes A-Class), unsuccessfully tried to sell a Nissan pickup under their own brand. Mercedes will have introduced the Citan from 2012, a utility that is very closely derived from the second-generation Kangoo.

The commercial performance of this model was convincing enough for the two manufacturers to continue their collaboration.

The Kangoo 3 thus takes the form of the new Citan, a model already tested by Mercedes, Carradisiac, but also of the MPV (luxospace?) Class T that interests us today.

Maubeuge’s Benz

The T-Class, which can be ordered from May 2, is leaving Kangoo at multiple locations for the first deliveries, which should take place in early July. According to a representative of the brand, the fact of embodying the Mercedes DNA, ” big work »

The most visible changes are related to the grille and instrument cluster. In addition, there are reworked suspensions and seats that are presented to us as more comfortable to create the more “premium” character of the vehicle.

Despite the many efforts made by Mercedes, this model Made in Maubeuge it cannot completely hide its utilitarian origins, betrayed by hard plastics that are easily scratched, especially on the trunk side.

But hey, family customers who enjoy the space and practical aspects will greatly find their account in this vehicle with its rather exceptional payloads. Loading volume ranges from 520 to 2,127 litres, while sliding rear doors provide access to the rear seats and offer plenty of legroom.

On the other hand, let’s talk about the roof rails that integrate the roof bars. The ramps in question can turn 90° by pressing two buttons and can turn into sleepers, each of which can carry a load of 40 kg. Particularly well thought out equipment is also available in Renault and the new Dacia Sandero Stepway.

In passing, it should be noted that at the end of the second half an extended-body version will appear, which allows to carry 7 passengers.

electrical reinforcement

On the techno side, all conceivable driving aids for this type of vehicle will be offered as standard (emergency brake assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, etc.) or optional. The T-Class isn’t a cheap car, say it.

To drive this vehicle, Mercedes chose a petrol engine producing 131 hp and two diesel engines with 95 and 116 hp for France. All these blocks will be automatically paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a 7-speed automatic transmission will be available for an additional fee.

And if we don’t expect a hybrid engine to emerge that will allow for more moderate consumption in urban areas, Mercedes will quickly offer a 100% electric version of the machine called the EQT. This will put it in direct competition with the Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroën ë-Berlingo, and of course Renault’s electric Kangoo Van E-tech, which promises a range of up to 300 km.

A final word on pricing. The “first price” T-Class will retail for around €30,000 or €1,500 more than the Kangoo with an equivalent engine (95 diesel or 131 hp petrol). Any price difference that remains reasonable and is available at the time of sale is subject to the “star” effect.