Mercedes-Benz is forging a new path for its brand with the imminent arrival of its pick-up truck. They’re getting a little help from their friends, though, with it being developed on the back of the Nissan NP300 Navara, which has already gone to spawn the Renault Alaskan. Upon closer inspection, the relation is quite noticeable.
We weren’t expecting a concept vehicle, though, but the X-Class Concept certainly got us feeling better about Benz’s foray into the ute space, joining Volkswagen as the only other German there. The ‘X-Class’ name, however, will be kept for the production version. It’s objectively a better moniker than ‘GLT’, which was was previously rumoured.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "With the Mercedes-Benz pickup, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio. Our target: we want to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment."
Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, says: ”We will open up and change the segment of mid-size pickups – with the world's first true premium pickup for the modern urban lifestyle. Our future X-Class will be a pickup that knows no compromise. Ladder-type frame, high-torque six-cylinder engine, and permanent all-wheel drive are compulsory for us,”
“As an added value we bring safety, comfort, agility, and expressive design – in other words, everything that distinguishes vehicles bearing the Mercedes star. We will thus appeal to new customers who have not considered owning a pickup before."
It is expected to reach showrooms, blending utility and luxury to a previously unseen degree, tentatively some time in the third quarter of 2017.
At an event in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a pair of pick-ups that were given distinctively contrasting personalities. The first, a slick and silver number called the Stylish Explorer with 22-inch light alloy wheels with a contrasting anthracite chrome body accents, is clearly meant to impress the urban set.
Mercedes-Benz says that this, of the two, will more closely reflect the future production version. This means we can look forward to it having hints of the AMG-GT in its styling, especially at the front with its aggressive fascia, large intake, and sculpted bonnet.
The other concept was labelled as the ‘Powerful Adventurer’ - you’re killing us with these names, Merc - and is clearly meant for areas far removed from luxuries such as paved roads. It’s large 35x11.50 tyres give it an imposing 1.9-metre stature, but the ruggedness is tempered with enough exterior cues to take the edge off for a somewhat unusual yet chic look.
Both these X-Class concepts feature interiors that match well with the exterior styling but made with premium materials nonetheless with both receiving an interior dressed in Nappa leather.
Mercedes-Benz quotes the load carrying capacity will be 1,100kg with the expected towing capacity at 3,500kg with pulling power supplied by the range-topping 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.
For more on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
