Mercedes unveils brand new Concept X-Class premium pick-up truck and announces 2017 production run.
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Yes, Mercedes is building a pick-up truck. And although the above images are a concept at present, the team has confirmed that a production version of the X-Class will arrive in 2017.
Two versions of the Mercedes Concept X-Class have been unveiled, both of which have been built on the same ladder frame chassis as found on the new Nissan Navara NP300 pick-up truck. The first – the Concept X-Class Powerful Adventurer – focuses more on off-road capabilities, a statement from Mercedes that a pick-up truck carrying the three-pointed star can still be tough. The second version meanwhile – the Concept X-Class Stylish Explorer – is a more refined example designed for the road, making it, as Mercedes claims, the world’s first premium pick-up truck. Compared with its electric winch, wheel arch and body cladding, and off-road-spec tyres on the Powerful Explorer, the Stylish Explorer incorporates a moderate ride height and luxurious leather interior.
The bold front end meanwhile is shared across both versions, including slim, high-mounted headlamps, and a prominent front grille with traditional three-pointed grille affixed. Perhaps most notable though are the enormous 22in alloys on the Stylish Explorer, though these are unlikely to be anything but an options list addition. Four-hinged doors confirm dual bank seating on the inside, the design of which is modeled on Mercedes’ V-class commercial vehicles.
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A large power dome on the bonnet and enormous air intake set into the front bumper hit at the potency of the engine beneath. Details concerning the drivetrain remain slim at present, although it’s been speculated that a 261bhp 3-litre V6 could be lifted from the C-Class along with the seven-speed automatic transmission, while a four-cylinder example could also join the line-up in the future. Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive configuration is expected to make an appearance. Interestingly, the multi-link rear suspension from the Navara is also expected underpin the Concept X-Class, albeit after a complete overhaul by Mercedes engineers. Production numbers and pricing will, again, have to wait for another day, although the more premium Concept X-Class will surely struggle to match Toyota’s Hilux. Last year the Japanese mid-sized pick-up shifted 700,000 examples worldwide.
