Mercedes-Benz Citan Panel Van (2023 - ) review

Available in two lengths, the Mercedes-Benz Citan can be a practical van for the right business. The L1’s load volume is 2.9 cubic metres, while the L2 models increase that to 3.62 cubic metres. Payload tops out at over 680kg in the panel vans, but is model dependent, while the twin side doors are standard on L2 models only, so if that’s what you’re after it’s worth the upgrade to the longer vehicle. Citan’s at the PRO trim level and above will have LED lighting and plastic flooring in the load space, which feels like it should be a standard offering, but isn’t. So, it’s not overly competitive on payload, but for a lighter-weight business it should work. However, practicality should always be offset against price, so bear that in mind while comparing the Citan against other small vans.

I’ll just come out and say it, I like the Citan’s interior. It feels plush (not too plush) and snug, and exactly like a Mercedes-Benz vehicle should. The higher the trim, the more premium it feels, but you still get a lot at the entry level. You get a full multi-function steering wheel, decent glove box with cover, a very comfortable height-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning system, the latest MBUX multimedia system with a sharp 9.5-inch display, smartphone integration and cruise control. Step up to PRO trim and you get LED Interior lighting, electric front windows with one-touch operation, an armrest with stowage compartment, height adjustable passenger seat and lumbar support added to the driver’s seat. Finally, top SELECT trim adds the chrome interior package, high-gloss black dashboard trim, and a leather steering wheel and shift lever knob. Storage is fine, with the doors alone capable of holding 1.5-litre bottles. It’s nice, take a look at the pics and you’ll see what I mean.

Officially, the Citan claims to have one of the most efficient engines on the market, with the single option of a 1.5-litre 95PS diesel unit providing a return of up to 54mpg. Acquisition cost is slightly higher than the Renault Kangoo or Nissan Townstar, but you get the three-spoke charm, bags of equipment and unlimited mileage on a three-year warranty to offset that cost. Break down the purchase price further with finance or a lease deal and you’ll be in a good position to enjoy a Citan. You can also find them on the Auto Trader marketplace here.

Unlike the Renault Kangoo’s warranty which is mileage limited to 60,000 miles, the Mercedes-Benz Citan comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and 24/7 breakdown support offering enormous peace of mind. The new Kangoo platform is seen as reliable, although in its relatively short lifespan to-date there’s not been enough time to gather enough data on HOW reliable it is.

The Citan is easy to operate, drive and use as a panel van. Loading is easy thanks to the hugely accessible loadspace and the twin side doors make such a difference. The driving position feels safe and snug, and the cabin is a genuinely nice place to be. Being a car-like small van, the cabin feels more cramped than those you’d find in van-like small vans (such as the Vauxhall Combo), but it’s not a deal breaker, unless you need to carry two passengers.

Mercedes-Benz has made sure the Citan drives differently to the Kangoo with slightly stiffer suspension and more precise steering, which was a pleasant surprise. The Kangoo already drives well, so the Citan driving better is a testament to the team behind the three-spoke version of it. On my 30-mile loop of urban, motorway and country roads I felt completely in control, and found it nice to drive with my dummy load of 250kg in the back. It’s so car-like to drive that I forgot at least a few times that I was driving a van! The 1.5-litre diesel unit felt powerful enough for most situations and the automatic gearbox was very smooth.

So, the Renault Kangoo was awarded a platinum NCAP safety rating in 2024, which means the Citan shouldn’t be far away from that. As standard, all Citan’s come with a rear-view camera, rear parking aid, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Brake Assist, tyre pressure monitoring, driver and passenger airbags, Attention Assist, Hill-Start Assist, an alarm system and double locks on the doors. Stepping up to the middle PRO trim level adds Blind Spot Assist, while the jump to the top SELECT trim level adds Highbeam Assist, active parking assist and the useful KEYLESS-GO system. That’s a lot of safety and peace of mind right there.

The equipment list is generous, as you’ve no doubt seen, so I won’t restate the list here. It’s worth mentioning though that at the top trim level you do get LED headlamps, sixteen-inch ten-spoke light-alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, metallic paint and painted bumpers, which really make the vehicle look good and may make it worth going for the top SELECT trim level.

The three spokes say a lot without having to talk… not that a badge can physically talk. So, why choose the Citan over the Kangoo? Precisely because of the badge that I said couldn’t talk. It’s the best Citan yet, offering a stack of safety tech and equipment, offset only by low payloads and a slightly higher asking price from new. It will work for some businesses, and the right finance or lease deal will make driving one even more pleasant than it already is.