It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz are in the throws of developing its very own pick-up. Perhaps ‘own’ isn’t entirely accurate as the upcoming ute will be based off of the Nissan NP300 Navara.
Of course, there will be styling changes, very likely a highly differentiated interior, and more refined ride quality and comfort that’s more fitting of a car wearing the three-pointed star logo.
This video posted on Youtube shows a pick-up dressed in camouflage within a Mercedes test compound. At least in this early prototype form, the Navara-connection is strong and a similar outline can be traced to match both utes.
A lot remains unknown about this pick-up so far, but perhaps a name that Mercedes-Benz could land on is the ‘GLT’, as speculated by internet consensus. The borrowing of Nissan hardware does save Daimler (Merc’s parent company) a lot of time and resources that could otherwise be poured into other areas of the vehicle’s development.
This will be their first ever pick-up, so naturally there would be a learning curve. Other companies do practice this vehicle shell swap, especially with utes, as the Mazda BT-50 uses the Ford Ranger T6 as a base and, most recently, Renault unveiled its own pick-up – the Alaskan.
The Renault ute is a special case in relation to the Mercedes-Benz up and comer, though, since the Alaskan is pretty much a re-skinned NP300 Navara. They both even share a very similar interior and common engines.
Merc will likely go through great lengths to distance their new ute from any indication of its Japanese origins, bringing a premium fit and finish inside and out, likely to handily surpass the new Volkswagen Amarok.
For more on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
