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Mercedes-Benz will expand its line of delivery vans in Australia with the Renault-based Citan, but it’s unclear if an electric version is on the way to join a petrol model.
0The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Citan is coming to launch in Australia, Drive can reveal, with petrol power and an automatic transmission.
While buyers in Europe get a choice of diesel engines and manual gearboxes, the Citan will only be available locally with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 11.6 seconds.
Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
An electric model is also available in Europe – named the eCitan – based on the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, and powered by an electric motor producing 90kW and 245Nm, fed by a 45kWh for an estimated driving range of 285km (WLTP cycle).
It’s unclear if the eCitan will come to Australia in the coming years, though it was not listed in the initial set of government approval documents. Mercedes-Benz Vans has only confirmed plans for four electric vehicles to Australia by 2024 – the eVito, eVito Tourer, EQV and Sprinter.
At the unveiling of the eCitan in late 2021, European media outlets suggested the electric panel van could be priced similarly to the Nissan Leaf – which starts from $50,990 before on-road costs locally – theoretically making the Mercedes-Benz eligible for recently-announced tax exemptions in Australia.
Dimensionally, the van comes in at 4488mm long, 1859mm wide, and 1822mm high, with a wheelbase of 2716mm and a clearance of 179mm, and features 180-degree barn doors at the rear.
The petrol-powered Citan weighs 1529kg, and can tow up to 1500kg braked (730kg non-braked).
According to the government documents, the Citan will be offered with ‘autonomous steering’ as an option, suggesting buyers could have access to lane-keep assist and other safety features when the vehicle goes on sale.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Citan has yet to be confirmed for Australia by the German manufacturer, but expect a formal announcement in the coming months, ahead of a local launch in 2023.
Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia has been approached for comment about the Citan’s arrival, and this story will be updated with the company’s response.
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