Mercedes Clase X Concept: the first luxury pick-up

Mercedes unveils the Clase X, the first premium pick-up adapted to modern urban use. The vehicle will go on sale from late 2017.

Mercedes has entered the world of luxury pick-ups with the unveiling of the new Clase X Concept. This mid-size premium pick-up offers a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, a payload of 1.1 tonnes and seating for 5 passengers. The vehicle presented is not the final version, and the production model will not reach the market until late 2017.

Mercedes is set to make a nine-figure investment in what it considers the launch of the first premium pick-up: “We are going to change the mid-size pick-up segment with the first true premium pick-up designed for modern urban use,” says Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes Benz Vans.

With a design language similar to its SUV range, the German brand presented two variants for the Clase X. The first, under the name Powerful adventurer, embodies the classic qualities of any pick-up: strength, power and off-road capability. The front features underbody protection, and the rear has wheel-arch cladding. Inside, the highlights include matte carbon-fibre details, bright black nappa leather upholstery, metallic surfaces and a range of vivid colours.

The second version, the Stilish explorer, aims to set this pick-up apart from the rest of its segment by putting urban life in the spotlight. The exterior front design is an evolution of the typical face of the brand’s SUVs; in addition, the bodywork tone changes with the light, and a strip of LED lights runs across the tailgate. Inside, the standout features are leather and nappa seats, oak wood trim, a multifunction touchscreen and aluminium accents.

As for the engines of this new Mercedes pick-up, the top-of-the-range model will feature a six-cylinder unit with plenty of torque and permanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC). Mercedes has also indicated that a four-cylinder will be offered, although for now it has not revealed information about the power or available transmissions.

Production of this pick-up will take place at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, thanks to the cooperation of the German brand with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Details such as the price are still unknown, although Mercedes assures that it will be attractive.