Mercedes-Benz previews X-Class Concept pickup

Mercedes-Benz Vans has previewed the name and appearance of its upcoming mid-sized pickup with the unveiling of a pair of concept cars conceived to set the scene for the introduction of the company’s newest commercial vehicle model.

Christened the X-class Concept – a name it will retain for production, the new dual cab Mercedes-Benz pickup has been depicted in two distinct forms by the German carmaker’s in-house design team in the run up to a planned launch in Europe during the third quarter of 2017.

As the so-called stylish explorer, the new Mercedes-Benz concept is said to closely preview the initial X-class model, featuring a largely production ready steel body, an on-road road biased wheel and tyre package, moderate ride height and a luxurious leather lined interior.

A second variant of the new Mercedes-Benz, known as the powerful adventurer sets out to project a more rugged for the X-class in a concept that appears ready to storm the desert with generous ground clearance, four-wheel drive, additional wheel arch and body side cladding and off-road wheel and tyres.  

“With the X-class, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio,” says Mercedes-Benz chairman Dieter Zetsche. “Our target is to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The pickup will set new standards in a growing segment.”

Developed by a three-way JV

The new Mercedes-Benz has been developed in a three-way joint venture with parent company Daimler’s alliance partner Renault-Nissan. It will be produced alongside its sister models, the Renault Alaskan and Nissan Navara, in factories in both Spain and Argentina.

The design of the X-class remains true to a series of sketches of the new one-tonner released early last year. The overall surfacing treatment and individual design details evident within the body are similar to those adopted by the V-class in a move clearly aimed at linking it visually with the rest of Mercedes-Benz’s existing commercial vehicle line-up.

1,100 kg load capacity

The loading carrying potential of the new Mercedes-Benz pickup is put at 1,100 kg, 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 pickups, 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 on-board SIM card that will enable owners to communicate with the infotainment system directly from their smart phone.

Safety features

Safety has also taken a prominent role in the development of the new pickup, 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 pickup 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 pickup 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, trades people, land owners, adventurers and individualists. “We will thus appeal to new customers who have not considered owning a pickup before,” he says.

Mercedes V6 petrol engine

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 petrol engine showcased in the concepts of the Mercedes-Benz pickup revealed in Stockholm, Sweden.

Alongside standard rear-wheel drive for lower end models, the new pickup 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 pickup market put at around 2.3 million per annum. 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 pickup is the recently facelifted Volkswagen Amarok.

Targeted markets

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.

Mercedes-Benz says it is investigating the possibility of X-class sales in North America - the world’s largest pickup market. “Nothing is final just yet. We have possibilities in NAFTA based production facilities that would allow us to build and market the new model in the US, but the priority is establishing it in other markets first.”