The van-based 2023 Mercedes-Benz T-Class seems poised to make his Australian debut, with government papers seen by drive Indication of first showroom arrivals due this year.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has submitted documents to the Department of Infrastructure to pave the way for local sales of the T-Class – a city van converted into a five-seat station wagon.

Although not a popular category in Australia, the Mercedes-Benz T-Class would compete with the passenger version of the Volkswagen Caddy.

As with the Caddy, which is available as a panel van or as a family transporter, the T-Class is the more comfortable people-mover version of the Mercedes-Benz Citan transporter that has already been presented drive Coming to Australia in December 2022.

The T-Class (and its Citan twin) are based on the new Renault Kangoo, which after delays is due to launch in Australia in the first half of this year – albeit only as a commercial van, with no people-mover version.

The all-electric Renault Kangoo E-Tech – Europe’s best-selling electric light commercial vehicle – will also soon be available in local showrooms, offering a range of up to 285 kilometers from its 45 kWh battery.

The electric Kangoo could pave the way for sales of the Mercedes-Benz EQT or the eCitan – electric versions of the T-Class or van range.

Although not yet confirmed, the T-Class is expected to be powered by the same 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine found in the Citan, sending 96kW and 240Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission .

For comparison: The Volkswagen Caddy also uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but is instead available with a choice of 1.5-liter turbo petrol or 2.0-liter turbo diesel.

The T-Class features a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Mercedes-Benz MBUX operating system, a 5.5-inch multifunction display, keyless start and ambient lighting.

The T-Class comes standard with seven airbags, Hill Start Assist, Crosswind Assist, Fatigue Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Assist, Speed ​​Limit Assist and Tire Pressure Indicator Warning System.

The T-Class is 4488mm long, 1859mm wide, 1860mm high and has a wheelbase of 2716mm, with a seven-seat long-wheelbase version promised for the future of Mercedes-Benz in Europe – although no word is known about it is whether it is offered locally.

Mercedes-Benz Australia declined to comment on local plans for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz T-ClassBut drive An announcement on this – and on the Citan commercial vehicle – is expected in the coming months.