Mercedes Jumps Into the Pickup Market With the New X-Class

Anyone who called their truck the “Mercedes of pickups,” has to find a new term, as the first-ever Mercedes-Benz pickup truck has been unveiled.

The new X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara but comes with all the flash that a Mercedes should with LED signature lighting, tall thin tail lights, and a premium look. Three trim levels, Pure, Progressive, and Power will be available, each targeting a different demographic. The Pure model is the basic workhorse model, the Progressive trim is the mid-grade trim, mixing luxury with work ethic, while the Power trim is the most expensive fully loaded model.

As for pickup functionality, Mercedes says that the tailgate can open the standard 90 degrees or all the down to 180 degrees when the rear-bumper is removed. Standard bed lighting and a high-mounted spot light are both used to light up the truck’s cargo area, while a 12-volt outlet comes standard.

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Nine different colors are available along with three different wheel options, ranging from 17- up to 19-inch. Other options for the truck include an electrically operating sliding rear window and running boards.

When heading off-road, the X-Class can ford 23 inches of water, has 8 inches of ground clearance and an approach angle of 30.1 degrees.

Four engine and three transmission options will be available, starting with a small 2.3-liter four-cylinder diesel ranging up to a 258-horsepower V6 diesel. The transmissions available include two different seven-speed automatics and a six-speed manual, which will come on base trim trucks. Moving inside, the truck embraces Mercedes luxury by ditching most of the Nissan switchgear for Mercedes’ materials, including wood and leather. Since it’s still a truck, Mercedes wants to make sure that all of the materials are durable and will last through hard work. Plenty of technology is also incorporated with lane-keep assist, active emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.

The X-Class will be able to tow 7,000 pounds while its payload rating is stuck at 2,297 pounds. Up front, the X-Class will use a double wishbone suspension setup while the rear uses coil springs hooked to a live rear axle.

And if you’re now all excited to buy an X-Class, you can calm down. The truck will not be sold in North America and there is very little to suggest that it may be. When it launches, it will be sold in Europe, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil.