What we have in store for you is the latest spy shots of a prototype for a new mid-size pickup truck that will come from the German automaker – Mercedes-Benz. We had some earlier as well, but those were images of a test mule. This here is the real deal that will be called an X-Class just like the concept that was showcased last fall.
Most of us have used to see Mercedes as a lifestyle offering vehicle, although there will be such versions with this one, but this here is a true workhorse with some unavoidable Mercedes luxuries on the inside. It will be based on a very rugged body-on-frame platform, the same one found on the latest Nissan NP300 Navara. This, of course, means that the X-Class will also share some elements with the Nissan, but the grille you see up front is clearly German design and Mercedes all the way. You probably know this but it doesn’t hurt to say, Nissan’s alliance partner Renault also has a version of the NP300 Navara called the Alaskan, which we also reported on.
All of these three trucks are supposed to be built at Nissan’s plant located in Barcelona, Spain and in Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina as well. The automakers have decided to utilize different styling and interiors in order to set each apart. Just as an example the 2018 Mercedes X-Class will use the rotary dial and touch pad controller system found in the latest company’s models, as well as premium materials on the dash and a large infotainment screen. To continue the differentiation Germans might even decide to use its own engines. If you recall the X-Class concept was equipped with a turbocharged V6 diesel unit which was paired with an automatic transmission, and among other things, it also featured a live rear axle with spring dampers which helps smooth the offroad driving.
After much success in the van business Mercedes is set to conquer the truck market but it will have a tough time there because of the vehicles like Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Volkswagen Amarok, (plus Nissan and Renault) it will truly have a fierce competition. The X-Class is expected to debut in late 2017 or early 2018, but what we could hear so far, Mercedes doesn’t plan to deliver it to the US markets.
