STUTTGART: Mercedes' new T-Class saloon is among the cheaper models from the German brand, starting at just under €30,000 (RM141,000) for the basic model.
Only the basic model of the A-class, the brand's entry-level vehicle, can be had for less. Similarly spacious cars like the B-Class MPV or the GLB will cost you several thousand more.
The T-Class saloon is a posher version of the Citan panel van - itself based on the Renault Kangoo - with more painted add-on parts, fancier consoles and better equipment.
With a length of almost 4.5 metres the practical people carrier has enough room for five seats, two sliding doors and between 520 and more than 2,000 litres of luggage when the seats are folded flat.
Mercedes is planning to launch an even longer version with more space and seven seats next year.
Initially, there will be four engines to choose from: two four-cylinder diesels, with a displacement of 1.5 litres and 70 kW/95 hp or 85 kW/116 hp, and two four-cylinder petrol engines, with a displacement of 1.3 litres and 75 kW/102 hp or 96 kW/131 hp.
The T-Class can reach between 164 and 184kph and, according to the manufacturer, has a fuel consumption of between 5.3 and 7.3 litres per 100km (CO2 emissions between 138 and 155 g/km).
By the end of the year, the van-based saloon will also be available as an EV, the Mercedes EQT, the brand has announced.
Equipped with a 45 kWh battery, it will be powered by an electric motor with 90 kW/122 hp on tap, enabling a maximum range of 300km.
Prices will start well below the EQA, the cheapest electric Mercedes to date, which costs upwards of a steep €47,000 (RM221,000).
