New Mercedes-Benz T-Class revealed

Mercedes-Benz has released pictures of its 2022 Mercedes-Benz T-Class, the compact people-mover it hopes will steal sales from the Volkswagen Caddy.
 
Related to the Mercedes-Benz Citan delivery van and part of a joint-venture program with Renault that has also developed the latest-generation Renault Kangoo, the T-Class is set to be offered as both a standard wheelbase with five seats and a larger, longer-wheelbase model that will accommodate up to seven occupants.

 
The latter isn't set to arrive until 2023, while the former will make its debut later this year in Europe.
 
Measuring in at 2298mm long, 1859mm wide and standing 1811mm tall, the standard five-seat T-Class is closely matched in size with the Volkswagen Caddy and is only 2mm shorter, 4mm wider and 9mm lower than its key rival.

 
Once introduced, the German prestige brand will also debut its all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQT that will share the same powertrain as the latest Renault Kangoo ZE.
 
Differing from its Renault relation, all T-Class models share styling with the small Citan delivery van, getting the firm's usual imposing three-pointed star grille and A-Class-inspired headlights and bumper.

 
From the windscreen backwards, the T-Class and Kangoo are near identical, with the Benz offering useful sliding rear doors.
 
At the rear of the people-mover there's the option of either a traditional tailgate or split barn doors.
 
Within the cabin, the T-Class gets a multifunction steering wheel, its own instrument graphics, round air vents and other detailed changes to try and ensure it differentiates itself from the Renault.

 
The seats, too, are unique with firmer cushions, while range-topping models have a faux leather-wrapped dash for more of a premium look and feel.
 
There's no digital instrument cluster but a 7.0-inch infotainment system is included, offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
 
Larger floor bins, foldable plastic tables and numerous other stowage spots dotted around the cabin enhance the practicality of the T-Class.

 
As well as being practical, the new Mercedes-Benz T-Class also has strong safety credentials, having already been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

Among its safety features is a centre airbag between the driver and front passenger to prevent head strike in the event of a collision, while the driver-assist tech suite includes active cruise control with lane keep assist.
 
Under the bonnet there's a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 70kW/230Nm in the T160d or 85kW/260Nm in the T180d.

 
On the petrol side, there's a 1.3-litre turbo that kicks out 75kW/200Nm (T160) or 96kW/240Nm in the T180.
 
Both engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission offered on the T180d and the T180.
 
Pricing in Germany begins at €30,000 ($A45,000) for the entry-level T160. That compares favourably to the TSI220 Volkswagen Caddy people-mover, although there's still no date for the T-Class' introduction Down Under, despite the small van being under consideration by Mercedes-Benz Australia.