We see a form of pragmatism expensive to Mercedes, but also the tribute that a German manufacturer pays to a French car of modest extraction. The new Mercedes T-Class is a leisure vehicle very close to the latest generation of the Renault Kangoo.
It is not the first time that the star brand has made this type of assignment, but the last time it was to offer the Citan, a utility vehicle. Today, by designating this new vehicle with the unique name of Class T (“a name that, within the range, must be earned”we insist on Mercedes), the manufacturer on the other side of the Rhine rolls out the red carpet under the wheels of a vehicle that is therefore officially part of the range of the big house from Stuttgart (southwest).
By setting its sights on the Kangoo, the German firm is subscribing to an increasingly common practice of “borrowing” a model from another manufacturer to fit it into its range. Mitsubishi will be able to accommodate the Renault Clio and Captur, while Suzuki does the same with two Toyota models.
On the engine side, Renault has been called
In this case, the German firm makes an industrial calculation. The minivan market: this “light utility” gentrified, transformed into a wagon capable of transporting the whole family and their bikes − it is doing quite well, but not enough to allow a model to be profitable former nihilo.
However, Mercedes has gone out of its way to customize the T-Class so that, for self-esteem, it doesn’t look like a Renault. This receives the headlights of the B-Class minivan, a chrome grille adorned with an imposing star and a specially designed hood.
Renault-style hard plastics give way to a less minimalist finish, and the cabin can lend itself to nightclub-style ambient lighting.
Inside, customers of the type will be able to have a specific dashboard (equipped with a 7-inch screen… smaller than that of the Kangoo), the German brand’s infotainment system, a large steering wheel and gear lever knob. changes lined in leather, as well as seats upholstered in special foam. Renault-style hard plastics give way to less minimalist upholstery and the cabin can lend itself to nightclub-style ambient lighting.
The T-Class has no trunk, but a “cellar” with a capacity of 520 liters, and in the rear, three baby seats can be installed side by side on the divided bench seat. On the engine side, Renault was involved. The choice will be made between a 131-horsepower gasoline and two diesels (reflecting a utilitarian tropism, no doubt) of 95 or 116 hp that do their duty with discretion and some efficiency, but without avoiding the sanction of the ecological penalty.
You still have to read 32.32% of this article. The following is for subscribers only.