It’s been rumored for a long time, but it’s finally here: the Mercedes-Benz truck. Well, technically it’s called the Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class. In the revealing press release issued today, Mercedes-Benz showcased the new concept with two examples, the stylish explorer and powerful adventurer.
Daimler is planning on putting the truck under the Mercedes-Benz Vans product range, further expanding their options. What’s more, Daimler is really putting a lot into this pickup truck basket, and by a lot I mean they’re making investments in the high nine figures (euro) towards the new model by the time it’s released.
“We will open up and change the segment of mid-size pickups – with the world’s first true premium pickup for the modern urban lifestyle”, says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, in today’s press release. “Our future X-Class will be a pickup that knows no compromise. Ladder-type frame, high-torque six-cylinder engine, and permanent all-wheel drive are compulsory for us. As an added value we bring safety, comfort, agility, and expressive design – in other words, everything that distinguishes vehicles bearing the Mercedes star. We will thus appeal to new customers who have not considered owning a pickup before.”
X-Class powerful adventurer
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The powerful adventurer example of the X-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s take on a rugged off-road truck. With a height of 1.9 meters and 35×11.50 inch tires, it has plenty of presence. Adding to the rugged appearance is the electric winch, front and rear underride guards, carbon wheel arches and more.
For a stylish take on the truck, there’s the stylish explorer. This version is much more streamlined and elegant than the off-road-ish truck. On the outside, it seems almost bare when compared to the powerful adventurer, but it makes up for it with sleek edges and a futuristic rear light. Also, instead of the rugged tires and wheels, this version has large wheels with lower-profile tires.
X-Class stylish explorer
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As for what will be powering the truck, Mercedes-Benz states that the top-of-the-line model will be housing a V6 diesel engine. Mated to this engine will be an all-wheel-drive system that has an electronic traction system, transfer case with reduction gear and two differential locks. The press release also goes on to say that this system has a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class will be launching in Europe come 2017 and it will be produced at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain. The truck for the Latin American market will be created in Cordoba, Argentina in 2018. Unfortunately, there is no word of a North American X-Class.
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