Mercedes is known for chauffer driven luxurious, comfortable saloons with back-massaging seats. But the German brand is planning on manufacturing a pick-up cruiser with a release next year.
Two concepts were launched in Sweden called, Stylish Explorer and Powerful Adventurer. It will be called the X-Class and Mercedes claims that it will be the first true premium pick-up money can buy. It has also launched concept pics to show how it may look like when it comes to the market in 2017.
On Tuesday, Mercedes showcased not one but two Concept X-Class previews at an event in Stockholm. The new 4×4 will be based on Nissan Navara which is one of the most successful truck on sale at the moment.
Mercedes will launch a twin-cab approach which means the truck will also be able to take family around. SUV’s are growing ever so popular in the UK and Europe, but they have an even bigger market share in the US. Hence vehicle makers compete to deliver the most powerful and luxurious pick-ups.
The concept is launched to show the premium refinement that will take the X-Class in its own league and will set apart from its more agricultural competitors used on farms, building sited and for other labour chores.
Mercedes is known for its luxury cars, but it also has a big-selling range of vans, so it is no stranger to workhorses. Mercedes Chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche speaking at the Stockholm event said: ‘With the Mercedes-Benz pick-up, 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.’
It is expected that Mercedes X-Class will have a luxurious interior with high class dashboards and interior materials which will take it into the premium car bracket. There are no engine and transmission details are at the moment, but all X-Class models will have a six-cylinder engine and an upgraded version of Mercedes 4Matic permanent four-wheel drive system.
Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans added, ‘Our future X-Class will be a pick-up 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.’
The new X-class is rumoured to be much wider than the Navara. However, it will have changes both across the body and the axles to improve space and stability. As it is Mercedes so everything you see and touch will also be different from Nissan.
Why is Mercedes building an 4×4, well because sales are sky rocketing both locally and globally VW has had a huge success with the Amarok, Mercedes feels there’s an opportunity here to do what it did with M-class.
Let’s wait and see how the new 4×4 will fare, but as it is Mercedes it is more likely to be a success.”
