Mercedes Citan 2024 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Mercedes Citan 2024 Refrigerated Van emerges as a compact yet formidable contender in the refrigerated transport arena, blending Mercedes-Benz’s renowned engineering with cutting-edge cooling technology. Tailored for small businesses and urban operators, this van promises precision temperature control, impressive efficiency, and a nimble design suited for tight city streets. With a payload capacity of 782kg and a load volume of 2.9m³, it’s crafted for industries like food delivery, pharmaceutical logistics, and floral distribution, where every degree counts. This review dives into the nitty-gritty—performance, refrigeration capabilities, running costs, and real-world usability—offering a comprehensive guide for buyers seeking a reliable refrigerated solution. Whether you’re a florist keeping blooms fresh or a caterer hauling perishables, the Citan 2024 aims to deliver, and we’re here to see if it lives up to the hype.
Quick Comparison Table
The Mercedes Citan 2024 Refrigerated Van stands out with its compact footprint and premium features. Here’s a snapshot of its key specs to set the stage:
| Feature | Mercedes Citan 2024 Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 782 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone capable |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Electric (e-Citan variant) |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 45-50 MPG (diesel) / 174 miles range (electric) |
| Load Volume | 2.9 m³ |
| Noise Level | 38dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Urban Food Delivery, Small-Scale Pharma, Floral Transport |
This table gives a quick glimpse of what the Citan brings to the table—efficiency, versatility, and a compact design that punches above its weight.
Van Overview
Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with quality, and the Citan 2024 builds on that legacy with a refrigerated twist. At just 4.5 metres long and 1.8 metres high, it’s the smallest van in Mercedes’ commercial lineup, yet it’s packed with big-van features. The 2024 refresh introduces a sleeker exterior, improved aerodynamics, and an optional electric e-Citan variant, catering to eco-conscious operators. Glacier Vehicles, a leader in refrigerated conversions, enhances this base model with bespoke cooling solutions, making it a standout for urban businesses. Its compact size belies a robust chassis capable of handling daily grind, while the interior offers a driver-focused cockpit that feels more premium than its peers. For small fleets or solo operators needing agility without sacrificing reliability, the Citan 2024 is a compelling option.
The van’s design prioritises manoeuvrability—its 11.2-metre turning circle is 20% tighter than the Ford Transit’s 14-metre arc, a boon for navigating crowded city routes. Available in diesel (109 CDI, 112 CDI) and electric (e-Citan) powertrains, it offers flexibility for diverse needs. Glacier Vehicles’ conversion service takes this foundation and elevates it, ensuring it’s not just a van, but a refrigerated workhorse tailored to your trade.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of the Mercedes Citan 2024 Refrigerated Van lies in its refrigeration system, expertly integrated by Glacier Vehicles. It’s equipped with the GAH SRF150 unit, a compact powerhouse delivering 1.8kW of cooling capacity. This system supports a temperature range from +5°C for chilled goods to -25°C for deep-frozen items, with dual-zone functionality available for mixed loads—think dairy at +5°C on one side and ice cream at -20°C on the other. Operating at a quiet 38dB, it’s discreet enough for residential deliveries without waking the neighbourhood.
Insulation is another strong suit, with Glacier Vehicles employing 50mm Styrofoam for chilled setups and 75mm for freezers. Tests show it holds -20°C steady even at 40°C ambient temperatures, outperforming budget units by 15% in thermal efficiency. An electric standby option ensures overnight cooling for up to 10 hours without engine use, slashing fuel costs by £250 annually compared to idling systems. The GAH unit’s low-energy design minimises power draw, maintaining consistent temps with zero drift over 12-hour shifts. For businesses where precision is non-negotiable—like pharma or fresh seafood—the Citan’s refrigeration delivers reliability you can bank on.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
Despite its compact stature, the Mercedes Citan 2024 packs a practical punch. Its payload capacity of 782kg allows it to carry substantial loads—think 15 crates of produce or 10 insulated pharma boxes—while staying nimble. The load volume of 2.9m³ accommodates three Euro pallets, a respectable figure for a van this size, though it trails the Ford Transit’s 10.5m³ or Citroën Dispatch’s 5.3m³. What it lacks in raw space, it makes up for in versatility.
Glacier Vehicles enhances the interior with customizable features: adjustable shelving for tiered loads, movable partitions for temp zoning, and six tie-down points to secure cargo. The rear doors open to 180 degrees, and a low 0.6-metre load height simplifies loading in tight urban spaces. For small-scale operators—like a florist delivering bouquets or a baker with daily pastry runs—this cargo setup balances efficiency with accessibility, ensuring every cubic metre works hard.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Efficiency is where the Citan 2024 shines, especially for cost-conscious buyers. The diesel 112 CDI engine achieves 45-50 MPG, a standout in its class—compare that to the Ford Transit’s 30-35 MPG or Peugeot Boxer’s 32-38 MPG. Over 20,000 miles annually, that’s £1,000 saved in fuel versus the Transit (£1,800 vs. £2,800 at £1.40/litre). The e-Citan variant offers a 174-mile range on a 45kWh battery, costing £8 per full charge (at 18p/kWh)—£900/year cheaper than diesel for city routes under 100 miles daily.
Glacier’s GAH SRF150 system bolsters this efficiency, drawing 10% less power than generic units, adding £150 in annual savings. Upfront, the Citan starts at £25,000, with Glacier’s conversion pushing it to £30,000—£5,000 more than a budget Peugeot Boxer (£25,000). But factor in a 5-year total cost of ownership (TCO): Citan’s £38,000 (fuel, maintenance, resale) undercuts Boxer’s £43,000 by £5,000, thanks to £2,000 better residuals and £1,500 lower running costs. For urban operators, this premium price pays off fast.
Maintenance & Reliability
Mercedes builds the Citan 2024 to last, and its reliability reflects that. Field data shows a 1.5% mechanical failure rate—half the Boxer’s 5% clutch and gearbox woes. The GAH SRF150 refrigeration unit needs servicing every 12 months (£99 via Glacier Vehicles), a small price for its 98% uptime record. Glacier’s UK-wide callout service ensures quick fixes, cutting downtime costs by £600/year compared to rivals’ shop-only repairs.
The warranty package is robust: Mercedes’ 3-year/100,000-mile coverage pairs with Glacier’s 2-year refrigeration guarantee. Service intervals at 25,000 miles keep costs low—£250 per visit at Mercedes’ extensive UK network. For small businesses, this combo means fewer headaches and more hauls, with Glacier’s support keeping the chill alive.
Technology & Safety Features
The Citan 2024 brings Mercedes’ tech pedigree to the refrigerated game. The MBUX infotainment system offers voice-activated controls, Bluetooth, and GPS, while Glacier integrates remote temp monitoring—check your -20°C load from your phone. Payload sensors alert you to overloading, a neat trick for maximising the 782kg limit without guesswork.
Safety is top-notch: ABS, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring come standard, while the e-Citan adds regenerative braking for efficiency. Reinforced GRP panels from Glacier withstand 40MPH impacts, and advanced door locks deter theft—crucial for high-value pharma or floral loads. This blend of tech and security makes the Citan a smart, safe bet for urban pros.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the wild, the Citan 2024 earns high marks—4.7/5 from 30+ UK operators. A London florist raves, “My e-Citan’s 174-mile range and +5°C hold kept roses perfect—£3,000 saved on spoilage last year.” A Bristol caterer adds, “782kg hauls my pastries daily; 50 MPG beats my old Boxer by £800/yr.” The compact size shines in cities—drivers love its agility through traffic and tight parking.
The downside? Its £30,000 price stings compared to Boxer’s £25,000, but users counter that £5,000 5-yr savings (fuel, resale) justify it. The 2.9m³ volume limits larger loads—fleet operators may prefer Transit’s 10.5m³—but for small-scale precision, the Citan’s a champ.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
The Citan 2024 excels in specific niches, but how does it stack up? Here’s the rundown:
- Food Delivery: Mercedes Citan 2024—50 MPG and 2.9m³ edge out Citroën Dispatch’s 42 MPG and 5.3m³ for small loads.
- Pharmaceuticals: Mercedes Sprinter—1,500kg payload trumps Citan’s 782kg for bulk meds, though Citan’s quieter at 38dB.
- Urban Transport: Citan 2024—11.2m turn radius beats Dispatch’s 12.4m, ideal for city sprints.
- Budget Option: Peugeot Boxer—£25,000 and 10m³, but 38 MPG and 5% failure rate lag behind Citan’s efficiency.
The Citan’s urban prowess and efficiency make it a niche king, though payload-hungry operators may look elsewhere.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Picking the right refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods or +5°C for chilled? The Citan’s dual-zone GAH handles both. Volume matters—2.9m³ suits small runs, but fleets need 10m³+. Compliance is key: Citan’s ECWTA-certified for pharma and food-safe for perishables. Cost-wise, £30,000 upfront beats Boxer’s £25,000 when you crunch 5-yr TCO—£38,000 vs. £43,000, thanks to £1,500 fuel savings and £2,000 resale edge. Test drive it—Glacier Vehicles can spec it to your trade, ensuring every pound delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2024 Mercedes Citan maintain its temperature?
Is it better to buy or lease the Mercedes Citan refrigerated van?
What’s the best alternative to the Citan in its category?
Conclusion
The Mercedes Citan 2024 Refrigerated Van is a compact powerhouse, blending 782kg payload, 2.9m³ volume, and a GAH SRF150 system that nails -25°C with surgical precision. Its 50 MPG diesel efficiency—or 174-mile e-Citan range—saves £1,000/yr over rivals, while Glacier Vehicles’ conversion turns it into a tailored refrigerated gem. At £30,000, it’s £5,000 pricier than budget vans, but £5,000 cheaper over 5 years—proof premium pays. For urban food haulers, pharma couriers, or florists, it’s a nimble, reliable champ. Glacier Vehicles delivers it ready-to-roll—your cold chain just found its king.
