Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment, with its V-Class and Vito Tourer a regular fixture at the likes of airport arrivals and posh hotels. Both of those models are based on the Vito van, whereas the latest Merc to arrive on Irish roads – the T-Class – sits on the same platform as the diesel-powered Citan, which won the Irish Van of the Year award for 2024.
With its T-Class, Mercedes-Benz brings comfort to the growing private small van segment whilst also offering all those who need lots of space an attractive entry into the world of the brand with the star. This five-seat passenger carrier combines multi-functionality and a huge amount of space with a high-end level of equipment.
Standard equipment includes the MBUX infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration, multifunction steering wheel with touch control buttons, air conditioning, an electric parking brake, and seven airbags. The T-Class is rated five-star by Euro NCAP, and comes also as standard with numerous driving assistance systems. An extensive choice of optional features includes items such as 17-inch light-alloy wheels, ambient lighting, keyless-go and man-made leather seat upholstery to name some.
Sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle provide quick and easy passenger entry and exit, as well as flexible loading options thanks to a 60/40 folding arrangement. Behind the second row is a 520-litre boot which can be increased to van-esque 2,300-litres with the back seats dropped. A caveat that should be noted is the extremely long manual tailgate that requires a fair amount of clearance to fully open – so park with care.
Naturally, behind the wheel of the T-Class feels very much like that of van – so no complaints here. It offers sound suspension and a smooth manual gearbox, with a decent average fuel consumption of 5.3l/100km. There’s plenty of storage throughout the cabin, including an overhead shelf, a low-down compartment with wireless charging, decent sized door bins and a large, lidded bin under the centre armrest.
Prices begin at €42,530, including taxes, for the T 160 d ‘Style’ model with a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre diesel engine with 95hp and 260Nm of torque. Tested here was the ‘Progressive’ spec with a €48,460 starting price. Add the €774 optional silver metallic paint, and my press model came in at just shy of €50k. MDL, Merc’s Irish importer and distributor, reckons the T-Class will have significant appeal to school-going families, but there are certainly much cheaper MPV options on the market to fulfill those needs. Available to order also is a stretched seven-seater T180 petrol version in which the extra seats are a standard fitment.
