Mercedes-Benz Vans has confirmed a new “small” van-based model called the T-Class will join its range in the first half of 2022.

Like the upcoming new Citan, the fresh-faced T-Class will be “established in co-operation with” the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Of course, the X-Class bakkie was also conceived in partnership with the Alliance, but the Navara-based bakkie has since been canned.

The Stuttgart-based firm says the new vehicle will be “tailored to the needs of families” while also being “a suitable companion for active leisure enthusiasts”, all at “an attractive price-value ratio”. What this means for the future of the B-Class remains to be seen.

Benz promises the new T-Class will offer a “large amount of space”, making it suited to a “range of different uses”, all while “not compromising on comfort”. The newcomer will be offered with “wide-opening” sliding doors on both its left- and right-hand sides.

Alongside conventional drive systems, Mercedes says there will be also a fully electric version.

"With the new Mercedes-Benz T-Class, we will offer a vehicle which makes it possible for families and those with active pastimes to step into the Mercedes-Benz world. These customers seek attractive and practical compact vehicles – and it is precisely these demands which the new T-Class fulfils," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

"With the T-class’ new layout and design we achieve a fusion of functionality and desirability,” added Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at the Daimler Group.

"With our unique design philosophy of ‘sensual purity’ we create an attractive family companion being the T-Class inspiring with its design, proportions and its perceived value."

Original article from Car