Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept is the Steed for Rhineland Cowboys
Mercedes-Benz unveiled two concepts for its mid-sized pickup, dubbed the X-Class, in Stockholm, Sweden today. The event was live-streamed across the globe and, at thirteen minutes in, two gussied up Nissans took the stage.
The premiere spent painfully little time giving up details on what the X-Class would offer. Instead, we were given a discussion on a vehicle that can apparently conquer the urban frontier as well as rugged landscapes. The trucks were kitted out in “stylish explorer” and “powerful adventurer” trims — the latter coming with off-road tires, a winch, and a electric gold paint.
During the event, Mercedes-Benz CEO Dieter Zetsche proclaimed his love for pickups and admitted that the unveiling of the X-Class prototype was an “emotional” experience for him. He went on to say that he had long discussions during his DaimlerChrysler days on the level of luxury an American pickup truck should possess and consulted a “tough old ranger” on the subject of exactly how a pickup differs from a car.
Zetsche says that Mercedes wanted to bring a truck to market for the type of consumer who may want to “shovel snow, tug boats, or appear at the opera house.”
It’s a premium urban lifestyle truck. And similar to the Lincoln Blackwood, it’s likely to come to market as regular work truck with a redone face and new amenities tacked on. While this didn’t work for the Blackwood, which lasted a single model year, it might for the X-Class if done inconspicuously enough.
Clearly, Mercedes is just trying to expand their portfolio and reach into a untapped market as quickly as possible. The presentation even included several minutes spent on how the X-Class would reach new customer groups previously unavailable to the brand. The aim is to use the truck platform used on the Nissan Navara — the Frontier in North America — and create a premium truck that can outmatch the competition in capability, comfort, and safety.
The press release was a little more forthcoming with the finer details. The automaker claims that the X-Class interior will offer familiar interior design elements from both the C-Class and the Metris van. Top-of-the-line models should see a diesel V6 mated with 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system combines an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential locks. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential and the inter-axle differential can be locked.
A ladder-type frame offers a 1.1 ton payload and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons. The X-Class will also include assistance systems based on cameras, radar and ultrasound sensors. That means enhanced cruise control features and parking assist.
If any of that sounds good to you, that’s tough luck for now. Mercedes-Benz made no mention of North America. The key markets will be Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and Europe starting late next year.
[Images: Mercedes-Benz]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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"Mercedes Trucks - Built Drugstore Cowboy Tough".
The same a**hole who buys a Donzi boat is the same a**hole who tows it with this thing.