Mercedes-Benz T-Class Review 2024

Mercedes-Benz T-Class At A Glance

4/5

+Easy and relaxing to drive with efficient 1.5-litre diesel engine. Huge boot (especially with the rear seats dropped). Posher interior than many direct rivals.

-Exact UK prices and specifications are yet to be confirmed. Doesn't entirely hide its van-based underpinnings.

Looking for a van-based people carrier with a little more prestige than cars like the Vauxhall Combo-e Life and Ford Tourneo Connect? The Mercedes T-Class reviewed here is a new contender in the world of versatile MPVs, set to rival the Volkswagen Caddy with prices expected to start from around £30,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

Based on the Mercedes Citan van (which itself shares underpinnings with the latest Renault Kangoo), the new T-Class has been poshed up with a car-like interior, generous spec levels and a refined diesel engine. We doubt it'll be enough to make people think twice about buying a new SUV, but it is an appealing choice for people who want something ultra versatile without losing the premium badge.

An electric model, badged the Mercedes EQT, is on its way but for now the Mercedes T-Class sticks with diesel power. The same 1.5-litre diesel as you'll find in the brand's small passenger cars (including the Mercedes A-Class and B-Class) is expected to be the only initial offering, likely in more powerful 116PS T180d form (a 95PS T160d is also offered elsewhere in Europe).

Engineers have been tasked with making the T-Class handle like a family car rather than a van, and it's certainly one of the more comfortable and refined van-based MPVs we've tried. Performance is leisurely while the steering is light rather than particularly dynamic, but that's fine in a vehicle like this. You do get a plethora of technology, too, so the T-Class is no more challenging to drive than, say, a Mercedes GLB SUV.

The interior looks pretty swish by commercial vehicle standards, too. You get the same steering wheel as you'll find in a Mercedes A-Class, while all T-Class models will come with a small-but-perfectly-formed seven-inch infotainment screen.

Of course, the new Mercedes T-Class is a very versatile choice. We're yet to see which accessories Mercedes will offer in the UK, but there's talk of being able to fit a pair of mountain bikes in the back (with the rear seats dropped, obviously) or a large dog cage. The sliding rear doors will come in particularly handy for parents with young kids.

After having its fingers burnt with the slow-selling Mercedes X-Class pick-up truck, the brand seems to be treading carefully with the new T-Class. While it's an impressive people carrier, only time will tell whether there's a market for it in the UK. We suspect it'll appeal to trades people who want a family car at the weekends and a slightly more upmarket image than mainstream competitors. It could also be popular with the motability market thanks to its easy access and room for a wheelchair in the boot.

What does a Mercedes-Benz T-Class cost?