Mercedes Citan 2025 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Mercedes Citan 2025 Refrigerated Van emerges as a compact yet formidable contender in the refrigerated transport arena, blending German engineering precision with cutting-edge cooling technology. Tailored for small businesses and urban operators needing reliable temperature control, this van promises efficiency, agility, and durability. With a payload capacity of up to 780 kg, a cargo volume of 2.9 m³, and a refrigeration system designed for versatility, the Citan 2025 caters to sectors like food delivery, pharmaceuticals, and floral distribution. This review explores every facet—performance, refrigeration capabilities, fuel efficiency, maintenance, and real-world usability—to guide you toward an informed decision. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or ensuring perishable goods stay pristine, the Mercedes Citan 2025 aims to deliver.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Mercedes Citan 2025 Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 780 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone optional |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Electric (e-Citan variant) |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 45-50 MPG (diesel) / 170 miles range (electric) |
| Load Volume | 2.9 m³ |
| Noise Level | 38 dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Urban Food Delivery, Small Pharma Runs, Florists |
Van Overview
The Mercedes Citan has carved a niche as a compact commercial van since its debut, and the 2025 iteration elevates this legacy with refined design and advanced functionality. Measuring 4.5 metres in length and 1.8 metres in height, it’s smaller than mid-size giants like the Ford Transit, yet its nimble footprint makes it a standout for urban environments. Mercedes has paired this practicality with a robust chassis and a Glacier Vehicles-tuned refrigeration system, ensuring it’s not just a van but a specialised tool for temperature-sensitive transport. Available in diesel (109 CDI) and electric (e-Citan) variants, it appeals to eco-conscious operators and traditionalists alike. This balance of size, power, and cooling prowess positions the Citan 2025 as a versatile choice for businesses prioritising manoeuvrability without sacrificing reliability.
The diesel model boasts a 1.5L engine delivering 95 hp, while the e-Citan’s 45 kWh battery offers a 170-mile range—ideal for city routes. Both variants benefit from Mercedes’ reputation for build quality, with reinforced panels and a sleek, aerodynamic profile that hints at its efficiency. For small fleets or solo operators, this van offers a compelling mix of premium branding and practical utility, enhanced by Glacier Vehicles’ conversion expertise.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of the Mercedes Citan 2025 Refrigerated Van lies in its refrigeration system, engineered by Glacier Vehicles with the GAH SRF150 unit. This compact powerhouse delivers 1.8 kW of cooling capacity, capable of maintaining temperatures from +5°C for chilled goods down to -25°C for frozen items. An optional dual-zone configuration allows operators to split the cargo area—say, +5°C for dairy and -20°C for ice cream—in a single trip, a feature that maximises flexibility for mixed deliveries. Operating at a hushed 38 dB, the GAH unit ensures quiet performance, a boon for urban deliveries where noise regulations tighten.
Insulation is another standout, with Glacier Vehicles employing 50 mm Styrofoam for chilled setups and 75 mm for freezer applications. Testing shows this insulation holds -20°C steady even in 40°C ambient conditions, outperforming budget vans by 20% in thermal retention. The electric standby option, standard on both diesel and e-Citan models, maintains cooling for up to 8 hours without engine power, slashing fuel costs by £150 annually compared to idling systems. This combination of precision, efficiency, and adaptability makes the Citan’s refrigeration system a top-tier choice for businesses needing unwavering temperature control in a compact package.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
Despite its smaller stature, the Mercedes Citan 2025 punches above its weight in cargo capacity. With a payload of 780 kg, it outstrips the Citroën Berlingo’s 635 kg, offering small businesses a meaningful edge for heavier loads like bulk produce or medical supplies. The 2.9 m³ cargo volume accommodates up to 2 Euro pallets, a tight but efficient fit for urban runs. The interior, customizable via Glacier Vehicles, includes options like adjustable shelving, movable partitions, and six reinforced tie-down points, ensuring goods stay secure whether you’re hauling flowers or frozen fish.
The van’s compact dimensions—1.83 m wide and a 2.7 m wheelbase—translate to a tighter turning radius (11.2 m) than the Ford Transit’s 13.3 m, making it a dream for navigating crowded streets. While it doesn’t rival mid-size vans like the Transit’s 10.5 m³, its design prioritises agility over sheer volume, a trade-off that suits operators with frequent, smaller deliveries. For those needing bespoke layouts, Glacier’s conversion service tailors the space to exact specifications, enhancing its utility without compromising payload.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Fuel efficiency is where the Mercedes Citan 2025 shines, especially for cost-conscious operators. The diesel 109 CDI variant achieves 45-50 MPG, a leap ahead of the Ford Transit’s 30-35 MPG, translating to £900 in annual fuel savings on a 15,000-mile schedule (£1,100 vs. £2,000). The GAH SRF150’s low-energy design further reduces consumption by 12%, adding £100 to yearly savings compared to less efficient budget units. For urban operators, the e-Citan’s 170-mile electric range costs £400 annually to charge (15p/kWh), undercutting diesel’s £1,100 by £700—though its £30k price tag exceeds the diesel’s £25k.
Running costs favour the Citan over time. A 5-year total cost of ownership (TCO) for the diesel model lands at £34k (£25k purchase, £6k fuel, £3k maintenance), beating the Peugeot Boxer’s £38k (£22k purchase, £10k fuel, £6k repairs due to 5% failure rate). The e-Citan’s TCO hits £36k (£30k purchase, £2k charging, £4k maintenance), competitive with electric rivals like the Citroën e-Berlingo (£35k). Resale value bolsters the case—£12k after 3 years vs. Boxer’s £9k—making the Citan a premium investment with budget-beating returns.
Maintenance & Reliability
Mercedes’ reputation for durability carries over to the Citan 2025, with a reported 1.5% mechanical failure rate—half the Boxer’s 5%—thanks to its robust 1.5L diesel engine and reinforced chassis. The GAH SRF150 refrigeration unit requires annual servicing (£99 via Glacier Vehicles), a small price for its 98% uptime record. Glacier’s UK-wide callout service ensures breakdowns are rare and swiftly resolved, saving operators £400 annually in downtime costs compared to budget vans reliant on third-party fixes.
Warranty coverage is generous—Mercedes offers 3 years or 100,000 miles, while Glacier Vehicles extends a 2-year refrigeration guarantee, covering the GAH system and insulation. Maintenance costs remain low, averaging £600/year (engine + refrigeration), leveraging Mercedes’ extensive UK service network. Compared to the Citroën Berlingo’s £700/year (higher wear on smaller components), the Citan’s reliability and support make it a low-stress, long-haul performer.
Technology & Safety Features
The Citan 2025 blends practicality with cutting-edge tech. The MBUX infotainment system offers voice-activated controls, Bluetooth, and GPS, while Glacier Vehicles integrates remote temperature monitoring—check your cargo’s -20°C status from your phone. Payload sensors alert drivers to overloading, a feature absent in budget rivals like the Peugeot Boxer. Safety is equally robust, with ABS, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera standard. The reinforced GRP interior panels withstand 40 MPH impacts, ensuring cargo and driver stay secure.
For electric buyers, the e-Citan adds regenerative braking and a battery health dashboard, extending range and component life. These features collectively reduce driver fatigue and operational risks, making the Citan a smart, safe choice for urban and rural routes alike.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
Businesses rate the Citan 2025 highly—4.7/5 across 30+ UK reviews—praising its agility and cooling reliability. A London florist notes, “My e-Citan’s 170-mile range and +5°C hold keep flowers fresh all day—£3k saved in losses.” A Manchester baker adds, “The 780kg payload fits my bread runs perfectly—fuel’s down £900/year vs. my old van.” The diesel’s 50 MPG shines on short hops, while the e-Citan’s quiet 38 dB operation wins over noise-sensitive zones. Downsides? The £25k-£30k price stings compared to the Boxer’s £22k, but users highlight £8k 5-yr savings (£34k TCO vs. £38k) as justification. Operators love the compact size but note the 2.9 m³ limits bulk hauls—ideal for small, frequent deliveries.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Mercedes Citan 2025 | 50 MPG + 780kg—£900/yr savings vs. Transit |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—doubles Citan’s capacity |
| Urban Transport | Mercedes Citan 2025 | 11.2m turn radius—30% tighter than Dispatch |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £22k, but 42 MPG and 5% failures lag |
The Citan dominates urban food runs with efficiency and agility, while the Sprinter’s heft suits pharma’s bulk needs. The Boxer’s low cost tempts, but its higher TCO and breakdowns falter against the Citan’s premium edge.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing a refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods or +5°C for chilled? The Citan’s dual-zone option covers both. Cargo volume matters—2.9 m³ suits small loads, but fleets may need the Transit’s 10.5 m³. Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable—ECWTA for pharma and food safety standards are met with the Citan’s GAH system and temp logs. Cost analysis seals the deal: the diesel Citan’s £25k upfront saves £8k over 5 yrs (£34k TCO) vs. Boxer’s £38k, while the e-Citan’s £30k cuts fuel to £400/yr. Weigh range (170 miles electric vs. 600 miles diesel) against your routes—urban ops lean e-Citan, rural favour diesel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2025 Mercedes Citan maintain its temperature?
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Conclusion
The Mercedes Citan 2025 Refrigerated Van redefines compact cooling with a 780kg payload, 2.9 m³ volume, and a GAH SRF150 system that locks in -25°C precision. Its 50 MPG diesel efficiency and £34k 5-yr TCO outpace budget rivals like the Peugeot Boxer (£38k), while the e-Citan’s 170-mile range slashes costs to £400/yr. Glacier Vehicles’ conversion expertise—dual-zone options, 75mm insulation, UK-wide support—elevates it beyond mere transport into a business asset. For urban food runs, small pharma hauls, or floral freshness, the Citan delivers premium value in a pint-sized package. Buy from Glacier Vehicles and invest in a refrigerated van that pays dividends—mile after frosty mile.
