The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Citan will be launched in Australia, initially with petrol power and automatic transmission, but an electric version could follow, according to Drive.
The first-generation Mercedes-Benz Citan wasn’t sold in Australia due to the company choosing not to import it because it lacked a five-star safety rating.
At present, documents filed with the Department of Infrastructure show Mercedes-Benz is prepared to introduce the new-gen short-wheelbase Citan to the Australian market in the upcoming months after nearly a decade of attempting to bring the commercial van to local showrooms.
The new Mercedes-Benz Citan, based on the new Renault Kangoo, is also due to launch in Australia early next year following delays.
Initially, Mercedes-Benz plans to offer its version of the city van with a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine producing 96 kW and 240 Nm.
While European buyers get a choice of diesel engines and manual gearboxes, the Mercedes-Benz Citan will only be initially available locally with a petrol engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing power to the front wheels, and with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 11.6 seconds.
The claimed average fuel consumption is listed at 6.6 liters per 100 km.
Mercedes-Benz eCitan
Notably, an electric version is also available in Europe, the Mercedes-Benz eCitan, based on the Renault Kangoo E-Tech. It is powered by an electric motor producing 90 kW and 245 Nm, with 45 kWh for a 285 km (WLTP cycle) estimated driving range.
It is unclear if the Mercedes-Benz eCitan will come to Australia in the upcoming years. It wasn’t listed in the initial set of government approval documents.
Mercedes-Benz releases three out of four EVs in Austalia
Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz Vans launched three of the four EVs it planned for Australia by 2024, the EQV, eVito, and eVito Tourer, with the Sprinter yet to come.
At the release of the eCitan late last year, European media outlets suggested the electric panel van could cost similarly to the Nissan Leaf, which begins from $50,990 before local on-road costs. It potentially makes Mercedes-Benz eligible for the recently announced Australian tax exemptions.
Dimensions of the new Mercedes-Benz Citan
The new Mercedes-Benz small van’s dimensions include 4488 mm long, 1859 mm wide, and 1822 mm high, with a 2716 mm wheelbase and a clearance of 179 mm, and it comes with 180-degree barn doors at the rear.
The gasoline-powered Mercedes-Benz Citan weighs 1529 kg and can tow up to 1500 kg braked (730 kg unbraked).
According to the government documents, the Mercedes-Benz Citan will be provided with ‘autonomous steering’ as an option in the country, suggesting consumers can have access to lane-keep assistance and other safety features when the vehicle goes on local sale.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Citan has yet to be confirmed for Australia by the automaker. However, a formal announcement is anticipated in the upcoming months ahead of a local launch next year.
