Mercedes Citan Review: The Small Van That Feels Way Bigger Than Your Life on Paper

You know that moment when your life simply doesn’t fit in your car anymore? The kids’ gear, the dog crate, weekend DIY projects, deliveries for your side hustle — all crammed into a hatchback that protests with every bump. You want space, flexibility, and comfort, but you don’t want to live with a lumbering cargo box that feels like a rental van.

That gap — between cramped cars and oversized vans — is exactly where the Mercedes Citan steps in.

Mercedes Citan is Mercedes-Benz’s compact van designed to be small enough for city streets, but smart and refined enough to double as a daily family car, a business workhorse, or both at once. Built on a platform shared with the Renault Kangoo but heavily reworked by Mercedes inside and out, it targets people who need practicality without giving up comfort, tech, or brand feel.

The Solution: A Van That Doesn’t Feel Like a Van

Instead of forcing you to choose between a cramped compact car and a full-size van, the Citan tries to be a sweet spot: compact footprint, tall and boxy interior, sliding doors, and a genuine Mercedes-style cabin. Available as a Panel Van (for pure business use) and Tourer (for passenger-focused duty), it’s aimed squarely at urban trades, delivery services, shuttle duty, and families who want a do-everything vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG, listed under ISIN: DE0007100000, positions the Citan as the entry point into its van line-up — below the Vito and the Sprinter — but doesn’t treat it like a budget afterthought. The second-generation Citan (and its electric sibling, the eCitan) brings modern safety systems, the MBUX infotainment platform as an option, and drivetrains tuned to feel more car-like than commercial.

Why this specific model?

The compact van segment in Europe is crowded: Renault Kangoo, Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit Connect, Citroën Berlingo, and others all chase the same customer. So why would you pick the Mercedes Citan?

• Comfort-first tuning: Reviewers and owners repeatedly point out that the Citan rides more like a small car than a commercial van. Suspension is tuned to soak up potholes and speed bumps rather than punish you for them, which matters if you’re behind the wheel eight hours a day.
• Premium-feeling interior (especially in Tourer trim): Inside, the Citan gets a distinctly Mercedes design language: circular air vents, tidy ergonomics, and optional MBUX with voice control ("Hey Mercedes") and smartphone integration. It’s still robust and wipeable for work, but it doesn’t feel like a bare-bones work van.
• Real-world practicality: Sliding rear doors, a low loading sill, and big tailgate or double rear doors make loading bulky items far easier than wrestling with a compact SUV. The Panel Van can swallow Euro pallets depending on configuration, while the Tourer gives you honest, useable space for luggage, tools, bikes, or strollers.
• Strong safety story: The new Citan brings systems like Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, traffic sign detection, and optional Blind Spot Assist — tech you’d expect on a compact Mercedes car, not an entry van.
• EV option if you’re ready to go electric: If your routes are mainly urban, the eCitan offers electric drive with city-friendly range and the same body versatility, giving fleets and small businesses a way to go greener without going bigger.

Under the hood, you’ll find turbocharged petrol and diesel engines (exact offerings vary by market), paired with manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Power isn’t about thrills; it’s about strong low-end torque for hauling and stop-start city driving. Owners on forums note that diesel variants in particular feel well matched to loaded driving, while petrol models win on refinement and quieter operation.

At a Glance: The Facts

Feature	User Benefit
Compact exterior length (around 4.5 m for many versions)	Easy to park and maneuver in tight city streets while still offering van-level cargo volume.
Sliding side doors and wide rear opening	Effortless access for passengers, tools, and bulky items even in narrow parking spaces.
Diesel and petrol engines, plus eCitan electric option	Pick what fits your use case: long-distance efficiency, quiet city driving, or zero local emissions.
Available MBUX infotainment with smartphone integration	Navigation, calls, music, and apps integrated into a modern touchscreen with voice control.
Advanced safety systems (Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, etc.)	Helps prevent accidents and keeps you safer during long shifts or hectic commutes.
High, upright driving position	Commanding view of the road, easier parking, and reduced fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Flexible interior (Panel Van and Tourer variants)	Configure as a people mover, cargo hauler, or mixed-use vehicle to match business and family needs.

What Users Are Saying

Look at Reddit threads and van forums and a clear picture emerges: the Mercedes Citan is generally liked by people who know what they’re buying — a compact, practical van with a Mercedes twist, not a luxury limousine.

Common praise:

• Comfort and refinement: Compared with some rivals, owners highlight a quieter cabin and more composed ride. It’s less fatiguing for couriers or tradespeople running all day.
• Quality feel in the Tourer: Those using the Citan as a family vehicle appreciate the more upmarket dashboard, good seats, and solid build, especially compared to more utilitarian competitors.
• City usability: People love the footprint: compact enough for tight European streets but with van practicality. The sliding doors are especially praised in dense cities and cramped parking garages.
• Safety and tech: Positive comments around the availability of driver-assistance and the familiarity of MBUX for those coming from other Mercedes models.

Frequent criticisms:

• Price premium: Community sentiment often mentions that the Citan costs more than a comparably equipped Renault Kangoo or Citroën Berlingo. You pay a bit extra for the badge, perceived quality, and refinements.
• Some cabin plastics still feel "van-like": While better than many rivals, it’s not S-Class territory. Hard plastics in lower areas remind you this is still a commercial-based vehicle.
• Power for heavy loads: Base engines can feel modest when the van is fully loaded or driven on highways with hills. Many recommend opting for more powerful diesel variants if you regularly carry heavy cargo.
• Availability and spec complexity: Depending on the country, not every engine or trim is easy to find, and some buyers find the options list confusing or dealer-dependent.

Overall sentiment is that if you value comfort, a recognizable brand, and a more refined driving experience in a small van, the Citan delivers — but you should be honest about your budget and how much you care about the "Mercedes feel" versus pure utility-per-euro.

Alternatives vs. Mercedes Citan

The Mercedes Citan doesn’t live in a vacuum. Here’s how it stacks up in broad strokes against the main rivals:

• Renault Kangoo: Shares the underlying platform with the Citan and is often cheaper. If you purely want function at the lowest cost, the Kangoo is compelling. The Citan, however, brings more polished styling, Mercedes-specific tuning, access to MBUX, and a stronger brand image for client-facing businesses.
• Volkswagen Caddy: One of the segment benchmarks for driving dynamics and tech. The Caddy can feel more like a car in some trims, but pricing can match or exceed the Citan. Choosing between them often comes down to dealer network, brand preference, and specific deals.
• Ford Transit Connect (and successors where available): Very popular with trades and fleets, known for good driving manners and strong payload ratings. Interior tends to be more utilitarian in many specs. The Citan fights back with comfort and the Mercedes badge appeal.
• Citroën Berlingo / Peugeot Partner: Masters of practicality with clever cabins and strong value. However, they lean more toward function than perceived premium feel. If you want the most space for the least money, they’re worth cross-shopping; if you want a quieter, more "upmarket" vibe, the Citan typically wins.

In short: the Citan isn’t always the absolute bargain, but it offers a blend of brand prestige, comfort, and tech that many of its direct competitors can’t match in one package.

Final Verdict

If your life or business has outgrown a normal car but you’re not ready to live with a giant van, the Mercedes Citan hits a surprisingly sweet spot. It’s compact enough for city stress, big enough for real work, and comfortable enough that you won’t dread long days behind the wheel.

Yes, you’ll typically pay more than you would for its stripped-back siblings from other brands. And no, it’s not magically transformed into a luxury SUV just because it wears a three-pointed star. But what Mercedes has done — especially in the latest generation — is take the humble compact van and inject it with better refinement, safety, and a sense of everyday calm.

If you’re a small business owner who regularly meets clients, a city-based family that hauls bikes, kids, pets, and gear, or a fleet manager looking to keep drivers happier in their rolling offices, the Citan deserves a serious look. Check the official Mercedes Citan page for the latest specs and configurations, compare it with the competition, and be honest about how much you value comfort and brand image.

Because sometimes, the smartest upgrade you can make isn’t a bigger vehicle — it’s a better one.