The new Mercedes-Benz Citan arrives in the UK in February, featuring a more defined appearance and attractive interior design, with prices beginning at £21,310 plus VAT.

The range is built upon the new Renault Kangoo, starting initially with the short-wheelbase L1 model powered by a diesel engine. Later this year, Mercedes will add long-wheelbase models to the range, and an electric model is anticipated to be available by the end of 2023.

Mercedes-Benz Citan: Comprehensive Equipment

Mercedes will introduce the Citan with two trim levels, Progressive and Premium. However, all will come well-equipped, with the van loaded with tech.

Every van will come equipped with Mercedes Me connectivity, providing useful onboard technology. The system enables real-time monitoring of the van, with data accessible via a smartphone app. The connected app will be appreciated by owner-operators and fleet managers alike, proving useful for optimising uptime and ensuring safety and security — including the ability to monitor the vehicle in the event of theft.

Users will also be able to monitor fuel levels, mileage, and remote door-locking functionality, with over-the-air updates ensuring the vehicle is kept up to date.

Safety technology is also notable, with all models including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition technology, a system to alert drivers to take breaks if their attention wanders, hill-start assist to prevent rolling back, a speed limiter, rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.

All Citan trim lines also come standard with a new infotainment system featuring a 7.0-inch touch screen, which includes the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant. Although not perfect, it is one of the better systems available in the market and offers additional functionality on top of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

Mercedes-Benz Citan van front
Mercedes-Benz Citan: Cargo Carrying

Despite being a compact van, the shorter L1 Citan model has a maximum load length of 1,806mm, a load height of 1,256mm, and a width of 1,524mm, reducing to 1,248mm between the wheel arches. That’s still enough to take a couple of Euro pallets, which can be loaded with a forklift thanks to rear doors that open to 180 degrees.

The entry-level Progressive specification has a payload limit of 667kg; this reduces by just a single kilogram in the plusher Premium model.

The Citan has a maximum gross train weight of 3,500kg, which provides the potential to carry a load of up to 1,937kg (including any payload and passengers) thanks to a relatively low unladen weight of 1,563kg.

Loads are protected by double locks and an integrated alarm system.

Mercedes-Benz Citan: Engine Options

All versions of the Citan will be equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine generating 95hp and 260Nm of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox available for an extra £1,825.

The single engine option provides fuel economy of 54.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 137g/km, complying with Euro 6d regulations and making it safe to visit any current ULEZ zone.

A fully electric version of the Citan is expected to arrive later in the year, with a range of up to 176 miles and 80kW charging rates — enough to charge up to 80% in just 35 minutes where available. No petrol or hybrid options are planned for the UK.

Mercedes-Benz Citan van profile
Mercedes-Benz Citan: Price and Availability

The Citan starts at £21,310 for the short-wheelbase L1 Progressive model, rising to £23,285 for the L1 Premium vans. The long-wheelbase L2 models will see an additional £1,325 added to the list price.

The L1 model will be available for delivery in February, while the longer L2 models, crew vans, and electric eCitan models will arrive later in 2023. A three-year unlimited mileage warranty will cover all models.

LengthTrimGearPrice exc VATPrice inc VAT
Citan 110L1ProgressiveMan£21,310£25,572
Citan 110L2ProgressiveMan£22,635£27,162
Citan 110L1PremiumMan£23,285£27,942
Citan 110L2PremiumMan£24,610£29,532
Citan 110L1ProgressiveAuto£23,315£27,762
Citan 110L2ProgressiveAuto£24,460£29,352
Citan 110L1PremiumAuto£25,110£30,132
Citan 110L2PremiumAuto£26,435£31,722

“In the new Citan, van operators have a vehicle that exemplifies all the renowned Mercedes-Benz virtues of reliability, safety and cost-effective performance, backed by a national network of dedicated Dealers who provide the highest standards of customer care,” commented Sarah Palfreyman, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK sales director. “It’s much more than just a great small van, though. The services available through Mercedes me once again demonstrate that we’re dedicated to supporting our customers by doing all we can to keep their businesses moving.”


Phil Huff