In the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, the Citan is the smallest model offered, alongside the mid-size Vito (aka Viano, V-Class, and EQV) and large Sprinter.

Mercedes-Benz indicated at that time that they would improve the safety performance of the vehicle, especially the deployment of the side airbag and the installation of child restraints; and that they would provide a seatbelt reminder for the front passenger seat and make the speed limitation device comply with Euro NCAP's requirements.

In 2012, Mercedes-Benz began a marketing campaign for the Citan with Richard Dean Anderson reprising his role as the popular TV show character MacGyver.

[5][6] The episodes were shot in Johannesburg, South Africa, in July 2012.The second generation Citan was introduced in August 2021 in Panel Van and Tourer variants.

The eCitan has an electric traction motor driving the front wheels, developing 90 kW (120 hp) and 245 N⋅m (181 lbf⋅ft), drawing from an eight-module lithium-ion battery carried under the floor forward of the rear axle with 44 kW-hr of usable capacity.

[21] This includes a 45 kW-hr battery that feeds an electric traction motor which develops 90 kW (122 PS; 121 hp) and 245 N⋅m (181 lbf⋅ft) of torque, giving it an estimated range of 282 km (175 mi).