Here’s our first real life glimpse of Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming Citan urban delivery van that was teased through a handful of sketches earlier this month. If the Citan’s shape looks familiar, that is because it’s based on the Renault Kangoo series.
To elaborate, the two automotive groups have formed a strategic alliance that will see them working together on a number of projects including, but not limited to, the development of a common platform for the next Smart models and the Renault Twingo.
The prototype you see here is a test mule. The production model will sport different front and rear end designs as well as trims and alloy wheel styles. We don’t have any pictures of the interior yet, though the official sketches suggest that the Mercedes-Benz branded model will get bespoke dashboard design and controls.
The German company said that the Citan will eventually be available in plenty of configurations including panel van, crew bus and Mixto, the latter being a passenger version, in a variety of lengths and weight categories.
The entire engine range is expected to be carried over from the Kangoo and will include a pure electric version based on the Kangoo Z.E.
Merc’s entry in the compact LCV segment will be introduced at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover this September with sales to follow by the end of 2012.
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