Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the X-CLass pick-up truck concept, which will go into production in 2017.
Mercedes-Benz’s ever-growing portfolio now has not one, but two pick-up trucks which will be sold under the X-Class badge. The company showed two concepts at a recent event in Stockholm, Sweden, and they will go under production next year.
The first concept is the ‘Powerful Adventurer’, which will be a tough, rugged off-roader compared to its sibling, ‘Stylish Explorer’ that will focus on a more comfortable and luxurious driving experience for the owners. The exterior design of the X-Class has invited diverse opinions but being a luxury pick-up truck, the cabin looks very sophisticated with high-quality materials and class-leading infotainment system.
A variety of engine options will be offered with the range-topper to be a 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor. Obviously, Mercedes’ all-wheel drive 4MATIC system will be available and the ladder-frame chassis will make a payload of more than 1.1 tonnes and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes possible. Being a Mercedes, there will be a plethora of driver safety features, while the suspension system includes a McPherson strut at the front and a five-link set-up on the rear axle.
The Mercedes X-Class pick-up truck will be officially launched in Europe in 2017. The models for the European, Australian and South African markets will be built at Nissan’s plant in Barcelona, Spain while the Latin American models will be manufactured at the Renault’s facility in Cordoba, Argentina, from 2018. Daimler is investing billions of Euros into the project yet the X-Class is not going on sale in the United States, which despite being the biggest consumer of pick-up trucks doesn’t really have a good potential for exotic pick-ups.
Mercedes X-Class
– Production of the Mercedes X-Class commences from 2017
– Market focused on Europe and South America
– Range of engine options to be offered, 3.0-litre V6 diesel to be range topper
– Expect best-in class interiors and host of safety options
