Mercedes eCitan launch scheduled for late 2022

Scheduled for a launch in the second half of 2022, Mercedes-Benz’s fully electric van, the Mercedes eCitan, made its debut on August 25, 2021. With the eCitan, Mercedes-Benz will have one electric variant across its entire van lineup, including the eVito and the eSprinter.

Design

The Mercedes-Benz eCitan bears a silhouette that resembles a larger van thanks to the extended bonnet. It features the same kind of grille as the standard Citan that was launched alongside it. However, the charging port for the car hides behind the logo. The headlamps sport cues from other Mercedes cars, the C-Class, for example, with small changes. The DRLs form two strokes at the top of the unit and wrap around from the front to the side.

In its press release, Mercedes says customers will not need to make concessions when it comes to payload and load compartment space. Going by this, we can expect the eCitan to be available in both the Panel Van as well as Tourer variants, just like the conventional Citan. Currently available in just the short wheelbase version, the Citan measures 2,716 mm in length with a load compartment length of 3.05 metres in the Panel Van.

2022 Mercedes-Benz eCitan rear door
The Panel Van config of the eCitan comes with asymmetrical rear doors that customers can swap out for a tailgate. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Up to two sliding doors can be optioned while the rear doors are asymmetrical, with the left one being the larger of the two and needs to be opened first. These can be locked at 90 degrees or swung fully up to 180 degrees. As for the tourer, the rear gets a tailgate which can be optioned for rear doors instead, and buyers can fold the bench seats in a 1:2 ratio.

Powertrain

The eCitan will be powered by an externally excited synchronous motor that produces 75 kW of power and 245 Nm of torque. The battery powering the motor sits just ahead of the rear axle in the underbody, where it doesn’t cause problems to the practicality of the load cabin.

The 44 kWh pack can be charged using either a normal household socket or 75 kW DC rapid charging. With 11 kW AC charging, the battery goes from 0 to full in 4.5 hours, whereas at 22 kW, the same job is complete in 2 hours. On the other hand, DC rapid charging will allow for a 0-80 per cent charge time of just 40 minutes. Mercedes expects the van to return a range of 285 km on a full charge. The top speed is limited to 130 km/h (80.7 mph).

Interiors

The eCitan will feature a contemporary dashboard and centre console inspired by the Mercedes EQT concept, only less luxurious. Seats also get a high level of customisation with four different versions available in just the Panel Van variant. The Tourer variant also gets electric lumbar support adjustment. It gets a floating touchscreen infotainment system and, as an option, will get two-zone automatic climate control. The compact steering wheel can also get touch control buttons and, as an option, heating.

2022 Mercedes-Benz eCitan interior
The interior of the Mercedes eCitan is a cost-down version of the Mercedes EQT concept. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

The van is also expected to be available in Base and Pro trims, the latter of which adds to the visual enhancements and functionality. LED lights to illuminate the interiors on the Pro variant, and the sliding door on the side comes as standard, as does height-adjustability for the driver, air conditioning and power windows in the front. The Pro variant of the Panel Van also gets plastic flooring as standard in the load compartment.

Features

Mercedes-Benz is also offering many personalisation features. Keyless-Go, for example, allows keyless ingress and egress and keyless ignition, much like Mercedes current passenger car lineup. The rear parking package provides sensors and a camera at the back of the van to allow better parking.

The parking package adds in Active Parking Assist with Parktronic. This allows the driver to locate parking spaces and takes over steering to park itself or leave the parking space. Both perpendicular, as well as parallel parking is supported. In all, Mercedes is offering a total of 10 equipment packages, including the Construction Site Package, which raises the ground clearance and the Interior Design Package, which adds chrome elements to various components such as air vents, speakers, and door handles.

Mercedes eCitan Specifications

Drive SystemFront end
Electric motorExternally excited synchronous motor
Output75 kW
Torque245 Nm
Top-speed135 km/h (80.7 mph)
Battery capacity44 kWh
Expected range (WLTP)285 km
AC Charging at 11 kW 4.5 hours
AC Charging at 22 kW2 hours
75 kW DC rapid charging (10-80 per cent)40 minutes
Mercedes eCitan specifications (preliminary) as per the press release issued on Aug 25

Release Date

The Mercedes-Benz eCitan is expected to enter the market, including the UK, in the final weeks of 2022.

Mercedes eCitan FAQs

What is the Mercedes eCitan release date?

The Mercedes eCitan is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2022. It should be available in the UK.

What is the range of the eCitan?

Mercedes expects the eCitan to do a 285 km range (WLTP) corresponding to the needs of the commercial user.

How much will the base Mercedes eCitan cost?

The prices of the eCitan, which will rival the Kangoo E-Tech & e-Berlingo, could start at about GBP 30,000.

Featured image: Daimler