Mercedes-Benz X-Class concept previews new pick-up

Behind its cabin, the X-Class features a pick up bed similar to those featured on the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan, while each of the new concepts adopt their own unique tail lamp treatment within the tailgate section; the Explorer flaunting a full width oval shaped graphic and the powerful Adventurer more conventional vertically stacked units on either side. The latter also features rails within the sides of the pick up bed.

The loading carrying potential of the new Mercedes-Benz pick-up is put at 1100kg, while the towing capacity of the range-topping diesel V6 model that will form part of the initial wave of X-Class models in selected markets is a claimed 3500kg. 

Inside, the dashboard and cabin appointments are modelled closely on those of the latest V-class commercial vehicle, complete with various touches from the C-class, including a free-standing central monitor as well as a rotary controller with integrated touchpad functions for the infotainment system. 

Carry over items from its sister pick-ups, the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan, include a traditional cable operated hand brake together with various controls within the centre console, including those for the air conditioning and various driving assistance systems.  

Among the features set to appear on the production version of the new Mercedes-Benz is a so-called communication module featuring an onboard SIM card that will enable owners to communicate with the infotainment system directly from their smartphone. 

Safety has also taken a prominent role in the development of the new pick-up, which Mercedes-Benz says will receive many of its existing camera, radar and ultrasound sensor based driver assistance systems in a move officials suggest will place it at the top of the pick-up class in terms of both standard and optional passive safety equipment.

The head of Mercedes-Benz’s commercial vehicle division, Volker Mornhinweg, has confirmed the first variant of the X-Class will offer seating for five and be pitched as what he describes as an “urban lifestyle and family vehicle” much in the mould of the stylish Explorer. A range of accessories, including a bed cover, will enable customers to customize the new pick-up from the outset of sales.

A more utilitarian follow up model is expected to get a more rugged appearance and off-road options in line with look and features showcased by the powerful Adventurer concept.

Mornhinweg says Mercedes-Benz’s commercial vehicle division has identified five different customer groups for its latest model: families, tradespeople, land owners, adventurers and 'individuals'. “We will thus appeal to new customers who have not considered owning a pick-up before,” he says.

Among the engines planned to power the X-Class are yet-to-be-specified four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, supplied by Nissan, together with the top-of-the-line Mercedes V6 gasoline engine showcased in the concepts of the Mercedes-Benz pick-up revealed in Stockholm, Sweden.

Alongside standard rear-wheel drive for lower end models, the new pick-up will also receive a 4Matic four-wheel drive system as an option (standard on the V6) in combination with a transfer case offering low-range gearing, on-demand differential locks and electronic traction control for added ability away from the bitumen.

Underpinning the new Mercedes-Benz is a ladder-frame platform and uniquely tuned version of the chassis used beneath the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan, with a MacPherson strut set-up at the front and a unique five-link suspension set-up at the rear, developed by Mercedes with bespoke track width settings. 

With the introduction of the X-Class, Mercedes-Benz intends muscling its way into a global mid-size pick-up market put at around 2.3 million per year. The undisputed global market leader is Toyota, which traditionally shifts around 700,000 of its Hilux/Tacoma each year. 

Central to the up-market competition for the new pick-up is the recently facelifted Volkswagen Amarok.

Among the main markets being targeted by Mercedes-Benz with the new X-Class are Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Europe and South Africa.

Production for the Australian, European and South African markets will kick off at an existing Nissan factory in Barcelona, Spain in 2017.  The X-class for South American markets, including Brazil and Argentina, will roll off assembly lines in Cordoba, Argentina beginning in 2018.