The new edition of the Mercedes Citan is not even on the market yet, one of them is already celebrating at the caravan salon Camper-Variant Premiere. With expansion modules from VanEssa, the Citan Camper becomes an all-rounder that can be used equally for everyday life and leisure.
The commercial vehicle division of Mercedes-Benz has massively increased its involvement in the travel and leisure vehicle market in the recent past. The latest Sprinter generation is more in demand than ever among motorhome manufacturers, the in-house Marco Polo has been expanded into a complete family of models, and now the new Citan is also set to arouse more and more desires in the increasingly popular micro-camper segment. No wonder that the new Citan is celebrating its exhibition premiere at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon (August 28 to September 5) and can also be seen there in a version converted into a camper van.
The Citan Camper is sufficient for a weekend excursion
In terms of security and connectivity - including the optional MBUX multimedia system - the Citan is perfectly equipped from the start. In cooperation with the company VanEssa, which is known for high-quality expansion modules, the high-roof combination is transformed into what is probably the most compact form of a camper, which enables double use as a spacious everyday car and as a leisure vehicle with sleeping and cooking facilities for two people . At least this applies to long weekend trips or the practice of elaborate outdoor sports.
The Mercedes Citan Camper, which is based on the approx. 4,50 meter long short version of the Citan in Düsseldorf, relies primarily on two modules: the VanEssa system kitchen mounted in the rear of the vehicle and the folded bed on the mobile kitchen.
The kitchen is based on a drawer system in which a cartridge cooker, a flush option with a 13-liter water tank and a 31-liter compressor cooler are integrated. The module, which weighs around 60 kilograms and can be easily removed and installed by two people, also has space for dishes and small quantities of supplies. There is scope for individualization through various color options. The cool box is connected to a 12-volt socket in the rear. An external 230 volt power connection can also be set up as an option.
Not the biggest bed
The three-part bed is folded out into a 1,15 meter wide and 1,89 meter long bed. It's eight centimeters wider than the VW Caddy California, which is also celebrating its exhibition premiere in Düsseldorf, but for two people it gets snuggly tight here and there. The bunk built into the Citan, however, is nine centimeters shorter than that of its rival in Lower Saxony. If the bed is folded up in the rear on the kitchen module, the Mercedes remains a fully fledged five-seater. The second row is of course omitted for the sleeping configuration, and some of the front seat backrests also have to be folded forward. At least it is possible to completely expand the rear row of seats, which creates additional storage space under the bed for camping use.
All Citan's engines are possible
Only a very small number of Mercedes dealers will hand over the Citan Camper to potential customers as a complete vehicle. Rather, it is a "two-deal purchase". For the base of the recreational vehicle, you are spoiled for choice among the numerous engine and equipment variants of the Citan and soon also between the short and long version. The VanEssa dealers then take over the expansion of the camping site. The kitchen module is offered at prices starting at around 2.000 euros. A little over 1.000 euros are called for the sleep system. Realistically speaking, the total price of the micro-camper with the star, especially in the more spacious long version, should hardly be less than 30.000 euros.
The VanEssa variant will certainly not remain the only camper offer on the Mercedes Citan. The Stuttgart-based company wants to establish the high-roof station wagon as a base vehicle in the growing segment of compact leisure vehicles, just as the Sprinter succeeded in two classes higher. There is interest in other expansion brands. It remains to be seen whether the conquest rate will be as high as with the large transporter.
