Mercedez Benz News Mercedes-Benz X-Class Fancies Up the Truck Class

[William Maley]

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Mercedes-Benz shocked everyone last fall with the announcement of the X-Class concepts and saying that a production version would be debuting sometime in 2017. That day was today as Mercedes unveiled the 2018 X-Class in Cape Town, South Africa.

The production version doesn't stray too far from the concept with the trademark grille that is prominent on Mercedes' SUVs, large headlights, and wheels ranging in size from 17 to 19-inches. We should note that the X-Class is basically a Nissan Navara wearing a Mercedes-Benz dress. You can some of the Navara's design is present such as the design of the cab. Certain trims appear to get roof rails and a tonneau cover.

The interior looks to be very Mercedes-esq as many parts such as the knobs, switches, instrument cluster, and infotainment system all come the German automaker's parts bin. A 5.4-inch infotainment system comes standard, while an 8.4-inch system is available as an option.

Mercedes-Benz will be offering a variety of powertrain options including four engines, two transmissions, and three types of drive systems. The engine lineup is comprised of,

• X200: 165 horsepower four-cylinder gas engine
• X220d: 163 horsepower 2.3L turbodiesel four
• X250d: 190 horsepower 2.3L biturbo diesel-four
• X350d: 258 horsepower V6 diesel

A six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission routes power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels via an engageable all-wheel drive system or permanent 4Matic all-wheel drive. 

Under the skin lies the frame from the Nissan Navara. Mercedes has made some tweaks to the suspension with coil springs for the front and rear to improve ride quality. The front uses double wishbones, while the rear features a multi-link solid axle.  This will help when the X-Class is either hauling something in the bed or towing. Mercedes says the truck can haul up to 2,500 pounds and tow more than 7,000 pounds.

Like other Mercedes models, the X-Class will come with a number of active safety features such as active lane control, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.

The X-Class will launch in Europe towards the end of the year, while other markets such as Australia and Argentina will follow. For the time being, Mercedes has no plans to bring the X-Class to the U.S. 

Source: Mercedes-Benz
Press Release is on Page 2

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Pickup meets lifestyle – the Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Mercedes-Benz X-Class at a glance

• The Mercedes among pickups: The Mercedes-Benz X-Class unites the typical traits of a pickup - robustness, functionality, strength and off-road capabilities - with the classical characteristics of a real Mercedes - design, comfort, driving dynamics and safety.
• Brand characteristic SUV design: With the centrally positioned star, twin-louvre radiator grille, powerfully honed bonnet and headlamps extending far into the wings, the X-Class seamlessly fits into the Mercedes-Benz portfolio.
• Premium effect on a new level: Three trim parts for the cockpit, six seat covers including two leather variants with contrasting topstitching, and two colours for the roof lining provide the widest choice of materials and colours in this vehicle segment.
• A pickup to suit different lifestyles and work environments: The PURE basic variant for classic robust use, PROGRESSIVE for higher requirements in terms of quality feel and comfort, and POWER as the high-end variant for urban lifestyles.
• Top-of-the-range engine in the segment: A top-of-the-range V6 diesel with 190 kW/258 hp will be released mid-2018 occupying a leading position in the mid-size pickup segment. The market launch will start with the diesel X 220 d (120 kW/163 hp) and X 250 d (140 kW/190 hp) as well as a petrol engine (122 kW/165 hp) in selected markets.
• Individualisation on account of a diverse range of Mercedes-Benz accessories: As from its market launch, customers can add a styling bar, side bar, canopy, various covers as well as numerous cargo and off-road solutions – all developed and designed by Mercedes.
• Driving enjoyment on a par with passenger cars: Thanks to the wide track, the spring and damping system tuned for the comfort typical of a Mercedes, and the coil springs as well as internally vented disc brakes on the front and rear, the X-Class is the first pickup that offers not just excellent off-road but also superb on-road performance.
• All-wheel drive for any surface: The engageable 4MATIC all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and optional differential lock on the rear axle masters any terrain. From the middle of next year a permanent all-wheel drive will complement the portfolio. It will offer maximum performance and traction even while driving on-road with full speed.
• Star safety: Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the X-Class stands out for its exemplary passive and active safety equipment. This includes Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, among others.
• The first intelligently connected pickup: Thanks to Mercedes me connect, X-Class customers are connected to their vehicle via smartphone at all times and can call up useful information such as the location of the vehicle or the fuel level, and navigate from door to door.
• Attractively priced in the segment: The X-Class is available in Germany from 37,294 Euro (incl. 19 percent VAT). Market launch begins in November 2017 in Europe. South Africa and Australia will follow at the beginning of 2018, as well as Argentina and Brazil at the beginning of 2019.

The first pickup from a premium manufacturer

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class has been developed with the changing requirements of the international pickup markets in mind. The demand for mid-size pickups with typical passenger car characteristics and comfort features has been steadily on the rise for years. At the same time, the number of pickups for private use is increasing. They are no longer viewed purely as workhorses. As the first premium manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz is taking these changes into account – based on its comprehensive experience and competence in developing commercial and off-road vehicles, such as the Unimog and the G-Class for tough operation, vehicles which are equally suitable for work or leisure, such as the V-Class and Vito, and passenger cars that uniquely stand for modern luxury and driving pleasure around the world.

The X-Class is aimed at very different customer groups: land owners and farmers in Argentina, business owners and building contractors in Australia, families with an affinity for premium products in Brazil, trend-conscious individualists in South Africa and Great Britain as well as sporty adventurers in New Zealand and Germany.

The Mercedes-Benz pickup is attractively priced in the segment and is available in Germany from 37,294 Euro (incl. 19 percent VAT). Further market-specific prices will be made known successively.

Tough work, plenty of pleasure: the new X-Class

Like no other pickup, the new X-Class resolves apparent contradictions: modern design and uncompromising robustness, impressive off-road capability and a high level of driving dynamics, stylish comfort and great functionality. Making the X-Class the Mercedes among pickups. This tough performance pickup delivers a driveability and handling that matches many demands – both with regard to driving dynamics and ride comfort. This is attained thanks to a comfort suspension with the fine tuning expected of a Mercedes. It consists of a ladder-type frame, rear multi-link solid axle, front independent wheel suspension and coil springs on both axles. 

Built on this platform, the distinctive design of the X-Class is available in three model variants to suit different lifestyles and work environments:

• The X-Class PURE basic variant is ideal for rugged, functional use. It fulfils all the demands placed on a workhorse. At the same time its comfort and design make it perfect for visiting customers or suppliers and for private activities.
• The X-Class PROGRESSIVE is aimed at people seeking a rugged pickup with extra styling and comfort functions – as a calling card for their own business, while also being a comfortable yet prestigious vehicle for private use.
• The X-Class POWER is the high-end design and equipment line. It is aimed at customers for whom styling, performance and comfort are paramount. The X-Class POWER is a lifestyle vehicle beyond the mainstream – suitable for urban environments as well as for sports and leisure activities off the beaten track. Through its design and high level of equipment it reflects an independent and individualistic lifestyle.

Robust character with dynamic charisma

With its progressive design, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class manages the fine balance between being both tough and stylish. The pickup embodies the enhanced Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity. By emphasising the surfaces and featuring stripped-down, extremely precise elements, the purist design draws attention to the basic virtues of a pickup in an emotionally appealing way – combined with almost unlimited functionality. The X-Class can haul a payload of up to 1.1 tonnes. That is enough to transport 17 full 50-litre barrels of beer in the cargo area. Able to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, it can also pull a trailer containing three horses or an eight-metre yacht.

Thanks to its long 3150-millimetre wheelbase, the short and cladded front overhang, the backward shifted passenger compartment and the very long rear overhang, the X-Class has an elongated vehicle body which exudes pure dynamism. The design of the side windows with their dynamic kink along the beltline and taut lines contrasting with muscular, sculpted surfaces also allude to the longitudinal dynamics. Widely flared wheel arches, the commanding front and the purist design of the rear all accentuate the impression of width. Together they give the pickup a powerful on-road presence and make reference to the X-Class's excellent lateral dynamics.

Powerful and commanding front with three different characters

The front has the masterful looks of one of the brand's typical SUVs – with the centrally positioned star, twin-louvre radiator grille, high and powerfully honed bonnet and headlamps extending far into the wings. The front apron emphasises width and has its own distinct character depending on the chosen design and equipment line. On the PURE basic variant it is unpainted and with the PROGRESSIVE design and equipment line it is painted in the vehicle colour. The POWER high-end model variant likewise has a bumper painted in the vehicle colour and also comes with a chromed underbody panelling. There are nine attractive exterior colours and a variety of exclusive 17, 18 or 19-inch rims to choose from across the three design and equipment lines.

Purist design for the rear with bumper including step as standard

Like the front apron, the rear bumper also varies depending on the selected design and equipment line: it is painted black for the PURE line and in the vehicle colour for the PROGRESSIVE line. The POWER line has a chromed bumper for a particularly classy look. To conveniently access the cargo area for loading and unloading, the bumper has an integral step. If the standard 90-degree tailgate opening is not enough, as an option the X-Class can be ordered without the rear bumper. Then the tailgate opens to 180 degrees.

In terms of width, the load bed is designed in such a way that a Euro-pallet can be loaded straight between the wheel arches. The X-Class is the only mid-size pickup to be equipped with lighting in the cargo area as standard. The third brake light contains LED lights which illuminate the whole load bed. Operation is by a switch in the centre console. As soon as the ignition is switched on, those lights turn off automatically. A 12-volt socket to power additional equipment such as compressors, for example, is also part of the standard equipment in the load bed.

Dimensions of the X-Class
Vehicle length	5340 mm
Vehicle width	1920 mm
Vehicle height	1819 mm
Wheelbase	3150 mm
Load bed length	1587 mm
Load bed width	1560 mm
Load bed height	474 mm
Maximum payload capacity	1042 kg
Braked towing capacity (depending on engine and equipment)	1650–3500 kg

New benchmark in comfort and quality feel

In the interior, the X-Class elevates comfort and quality feel to a new level within the segment for mid-size pickups. The instrument panel has the concave trim element typical of a Mercedes. It stretches across the entire width of the instrument panel – a novel feature in this vehicle segment. It creates an open feel and purist modernity. There are three trim variants to choose from for the X-Class POWER: a pixelated look in matt black, an aluminium effect with longitudinal grain and a brown matt woodgrain effect. To complement the high-quality feel, the upper section of the cockpit is available with ARTICO man-made leather in either black or nut brown. The characteristic round ventilation outlets add a sporty touch. Depending on the design and equipment line, these come in either high-gloss black or silver shadow, creating a high-end cool touch effect. With the PROGRESSIVE and POWER design and equipment lines, the centre console is also prominently framed by a decorative trim in silver shadow. The large door handles are also finished in silver shadow. The cool touch effect is reinforced by the freestanding central display, which is familiar from the V-Class. In conjunction with the COMAND Online multimedia system it has a screen diagonal of 8.4 inches, making it the biggest display in the segment. With a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and the high-contrast IPS technology (In-Plane Switching), it offers a brilliant display that markedly increases the image quality of the 360-Degree Camera and the navigation maps.

The control and display concept shows the familiar high levels of convenience and ergonomic comfort. The instrument cluster consists of the large, analogue round dials from the C-Class and V-Class. In the X-Class PROGRESSIVE and POWER they are tubular. A 5.4-inch colour multimedia display is nestled between the round dials. Thanks to the push-buttons on the standard-fit three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the settings on the colour display can be controlled without drivers having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The steering wheel with its 12 buttons in total is height-adjustable, thereby improving ergonomic posture and allowing a relaxed seating position. In the X-Class PROGRESSIVE and POWER, the steering wheel, shift lever knob and handbrake lever are also covered in leather. In conjunction with the Audio 20 CD and COMAND Online multimedia systems, and in addition to the central control unit, the X-Class contains the multifunction touchpad familiar from the passenger car model series – the multifunction touchpad is another novelty in this segment. It is located in an ergonomic position on the centre console and, like a smartphone, it can be controlled using gestures or by entering letters and characters.

Electrically adjustable comfort seats also available with lumbar support

Plenty of attention was paid to comfort when developing the seats, too. Premium materials and a seat structure featuring optimum lateral support, a high seat position and the use of ergonomically formed soft foam make sitting comfortable for both the driver and front passenger, even on longer journeys. With their clear, ergonomic and functional design, the comfort seats can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction as well as for height and backrest tilt. The X-Class POWER has electrically adjustable seats and electric two-way lumbar support as standard. The rear seat row for three people is positioned at a comfortable height and has reinforced seat side bolsters for optimum support in the outer seating positions. These seats are also equipped with attachment points for an i-Size/ISOFIX child seat as standard.

Widest selection of materials and colours in the segment

As well as various trim elements, there are six seat covers to choose from, including two leather variants with contrasting topstitching, and there are two colours for the roof liner as well. The X-Class thus provides the widest choice of materials and colours in this vehicle segment. The seats in the X-Class PURE are fitted with black Tunja fabric as standard. Black man-made leather is available as an option. The comfort seats in the PROGRESSIVE variant are covered in black posadas fabric. Familiar from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car model series, ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black is available if desired.

As standard, the X-Class POWER comes with ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black with additional contrasting topstitching in alpaca grey. Black leather with alpaca grey topstitching or nut brown leather with black topstitching are optionally available. Topstitching in a contrasting colour raises the aesthetic appeal of the seats even further. Exclusive topstitching also appears on the ARTICO man-made leather coverings on the upper section of the instrument panel, the armrests and the beltlines of the doors. This emphasises the premium effect of the interior as a whole. For the first time in this vehicle segment there are two variants of roof liner to choose from: macchiato beige fabric and black fabric. On the X-Class POWER, the A-pillar is also covered in fabric of the same colour.

Made-to-measure individualisation – Style Packages and an extensive range of accessories

Optional equipment as well as a specific Style Package for each of the PROGRESSIVE and POWER lines enable further individualisation. For example, side running boards and an electrically opening rear window can be added to the X-Class. What's more, Mercedes-Benz had an in-house team of designers and developers create an extensive range of accessories. These allow the X-Class to be modified even more to suit personal tastes and requirements – in respect to design, functionality and off-road capability. For example, there is a choice of styling bar, side bar, soft tonneau cover, hard tonneau cover and roll cover, as well as a canopy which makes the pickup look like an SUV. The canopy continues the X-Class's lines perfectly, merging with the vehicle body to create a distinctive silhouette. Other items available include a bed liner, a bed divider system, load-securing rails in the floor and a technical underguard.

High-torque, enjoyable performance with four and six cylinders

As from its market launch, there are two powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines to deliver spirited performance. The high-torque common-rail diesel drive system with a displacement of 2.3 litres is available with a choice of two power outputs. In the X 220 d with single turbocharger it generates 120 kW/163 hp and in the biturbo X 250 d no less than 140 kW/190 hp. Both diesel models are available as left- or right-hand drive vehicles with purely rear wheel drive or with engageable all-wheel drive. Due to very specific market requirements, for example in Dubai and Morocco, the 122 kW/165 hp X 200 petrol model is only available as a left-hand drive vehicle with rear wheel drive. All engines are characterised by quiet, low-vibration running and excellent power delivery coupled with low consumption figures. Power is transferred via a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed automatic transmission is available on request for the 140 kW/190 hp X 250 d and X 250 d 4MATIC models.

A high-torque V6 diesel engine will be released mid-2018, ensuring even greater agility on- and off-road. It will generate 190 kW/258 hp and a maximum torque of 550 Nm. With that the X 350 d occupies a leading position in the segment. The top X-Class model will come as standard with permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS with steering-wheel shift paddles and ECO start/stop function. The DYNAMIC SELECT system is available in addition. To date, the inclusion of a drive program switch has been rare in the pickup segment. This technology enables the driving experience to be tailored to individual preferences – from relaxed comfort to engaged sportiness. There are five drive programs to choose from: Comfort, ECO, Sport, Manual and Offroad. These modify the engine characteristics, the automatic transmission's switching points and the ECO start/stop function.

Dynamic and comfortable driving enjoyment on a par with Mercedes-Benz passenger cars

The X-Class is the first pickup to deliver both excellent off- and on-road performance. The wide track, long wheelbase and comfortable spring and damping tuning typical of a Mercedes open up a new world of driving enjoyment and driving dynamics on the road – without resulting in compromises when off-road. A special feature in this segment: coil springs are used both at the front and the rear, which contributes to a harmonious suspension comfort. The comfort suspension is designed in such a way that it achieves a high level of driving dynamics and ride comfort on the road, while also delivering maximum off-road capability in conjunction with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The elaborately designed comfort suspension consists of a double wishbone front axle and a rear multi-link solid axle that is ideal for transporting heavy loads and has good articulation capability. This combination ensures that the suspension is comfortable and the handling is safe given any permitted load condition.

With 1632 millimetres at the front and 1625 millimetres at the rear, the X-Class has a wider track than most competitors. This provides the ideal prerequisites for optimum driving stability and higher cornering speeds. At 3150 millimetres, the wheelbase is also longer than many other mid-size pickups. This reduces vibrations during the journey and makes for smooth and reliable straight-running stability. Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer in the segment to opt for large, internally vented brake discs on both axles as standard. The front axle has brake discs with a diameter of 32 centimetres and the rear axle with a diameter of 30.8 centimetres. Together they ensure short braking distances, good response times and high thermal capacity.

The comfort suspension is part of the standard equipment in all European markets. Its ground clearance is 202 millimetres. A 20-millimetre higher suspension is available as an optional extra. The increased ground clearance improves off-road capability even further, including a higher seat position and sharper off-road look. In all markets outside Europe, the X-Class comes with the higher suspension as standard. The safe and comfortable handling typical of a Mercedes is retained despite the higher suspension.

Engageable or permanent – 4MATIC all-wheel drive for any surface

Engageable 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which is available on the X 220 d 4MATIC and X 250 d 4MATIC diesel models, masters any terrain. With it, the front wheels can be engaged or disengaged by electric means depending on the surface. As from mid-2018, Mercedes-Benz will also make its pickup available with permanent all-wheel drive. This will ensure that the X-Class delivers maximum performance and traction, even at top speed on roads. The permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive system will only be offered in conjunction with the six-cylinder engine. Off-road, both 4MATIC variants benefit from the same superior assertiveness thanks to the low-range gearing and optional differential lock on the rear axle. All the all-wheel drive models come with Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) on board as standard.

Excellent off-road characteristics
Fording depth	600 mm
Ground clearance	Front axle 202 mm Rear axle 221 mm for suspension with raised ground clearance
Angle of approach/departure front/rear	28.8°/23.8° 30.1°/25.9° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Maximum tilt	49.8° 49° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Ramp breakover angle	20.4° 22° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Maximum gradeability	100%

Comprehensive range of safety equipment

Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the X-Class stands out for its exemplary level of safety. The pickup bearing the star comes with a comprehensive array of comfort and safety equipment that is exceptional in this vehicle segment. The X-Class’s high level of occupant protection results from its especially solid car body with a high-strength passenger cell and a structure with a front and rear that can absorb energy through well-aimed deformation. Furthermore, passive safety is provided thanks to standard equipment such as seven airbags and the i-Size attachment system for two child seats. The airbags in the front for driver and front passenger come with a two-stage, deferred triggering mechanism. For active safety, three driver assistance systems are at the ready, simultaneously increasing safety and comfort: Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. Additionally, there are Trailer Stability Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, emergency call system, cruise control and LED headlamps that deliver the brightest light output in the segment thanks to six LEDs respectively. If required, a 360-Degree Camera is available in addition to a reversing camera. Given this extensive level of equipment, the X-Class perfectly fulfils the requirements placed on a modern family and lifestyle vehicle.

The first intelligently connected mid-size pickup

The X-Class is the first mid-size pickup to feature a communications module with an integrated SIM card. This makes it possible to use the extensive Mercedes me connect services and to access the vehicle by smartphone. Thus X-Class drivers in 21 European markets can, for example, call up useful information such as fuel level and tyre pressure, and find out the X-Class's location when it is parked or being driven by someone else. In addition, with the Mercedes me app complete door-to-door navigation is possible. Further Mercedes me connect services include the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system and the standard services Breakdown Management, Accident Recovery and Maintenance Management as well as Remote Vehicle Diagnostics.

In addition to this, control and display systems – that have already been used successfully in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car model series – are being introduced in the mid-size pickup segment for the first time: these include the multifunction touchpad and fully integrated COMAND Online multimedia system with hard-disk navigation, LINGUATRONIC voice control and internet access via smartphone. Other than COMAND Online, the proven Audio 20 USB and Audio 20 CD audio systems are also available.

First pickup with Live Traffic Information

Transferring traffic information in real time is a further highlight of intelligent connectivity thanks to the communications module with an integrated SIM card. In conjunction with an account in the Mercedes me portal, and within Europe, the COMAND Online navigation system can show the beginning and length of a traffic jam on a map to within 100 metres of the exact position and compute a dynamic route with shorter travel times. The potential loss of time is taken into account automatically in real time for the arrival time displayed by COMAND Online navigation. The system also provides a 3D view with three-dimensional urban models, making orientation in unfamiliar city centres easier. Moreover, special personal destinations can be saved or imported via SD card, and four alternate routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation.

In conjunction with the optional Garmin® MAP PILOT system, in most European countries the Audio 20 CD also becomes a fully-fledged navigation system with Live Traffic Information. With both systems, X-Class drivers benefit from early information about disturbances such as traffic jams, increased traffic volumes or other possible delays along the route, allowing them to adjust their route planning in good time. The relevant pre-installation for the Garmin® MAP PILOT is likewise available as an option.

Portfolio expansion in production cooperation with Renault-Nissan

With the X-Class, Mercedes-Benz Vans is expanding its portfolio to a fourth model series and is closing the gap between commercial vehicles and passenger cars. As such, the pickup marks another milestone in the growth strategy "Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global".

The pickup with the star is being manufactured in a production cooperation with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Production for the markets in Europe, Australia and South Africa will start at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017. The X-Class for the Latin American market will roll off the assembly lines at the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina, starting from 2019. With the pickup, Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are expanding their strategic cooperation which began seven years ago. This affords Mercedes-Benz fast and cost-efficient entrance to the high-growth segment of mid-size pickups. In addition, both companies benefit from optimal utilisation of the production capacity. Nissan is the second-largest manufacturer of mid-size pickups with a payload of one tonne in the world, and can look back on more than 80 years of experience in producing and marketing these types of vehicles.

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[balthazar]

My God does that look like a real hacked together POcheapS.  Nissan rebadge, FTL!
I guarantee it'll come to the U.S.- Daimler CANNOT HELP themselves if they see a dollar lying on the ground.

BTW: 165 HP- my wife's '09 Malibu has a 167 HP 4-cyl & a 6-spd. Could goose the tuning a bit, give it 200?  It's just so freaking sad, so much for 'The Best or Nothing'. Nothing would have been better.

[daves87rs]

   This is the best they could do?    

 

It's going to be  70k grand Nissan truck....and ugly to boot....

 

My thoughts.....

[Robert Hall]

The G-class pickup would be much more interesting...

[smk4565]

Interior looks lackluster for Mercedes.  I know it isn't a luxury truck but they could have done a Metris looking interior  and door trim.  The diesels probably make good torque, but they should use the Metris inline 4 with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft as a base engine.

I am still not sure of the point of this. If they wanted to build a luxury pick up to sell in the USA they could.  And I am not sure what the demand is in Europe and Africa for this truck.

[balthazar]

^ looks like a backyard cut-n-weld project from the 'back woods'. Would never sell.

[G. David Felt]

WOW, CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP, This truly drops their star to below Korean built auto's. Pathetic, they might as well not even done it. 

Jeep Kit Trucks are better than this!

[Anthony Fongaro]

If they did bring this over here, I really don't think it would sell well. While the front end looks nice, I wish they could have changed the rear-end. In terms of luxury, it looks to be as "luxurious" as the CLA or GLA. 

[smk4565]

It would need an interior upgrade to make it in the USA.  Because they would have to make a luxury play.  They could use 241 hp turbo 4 as a base here, use the new 408 hp inline six as an option, no mid-size truck can touch that kind of power.  I just don't think they are interested in the pick up business.  This looks kind of half assed to sell in markets like Germany and Eastern Europe and Africa where they need a low price point and don't have much competition.

 

[G. David Felt]

16 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

It would need an interior upgrade to make it in the USA.  Because they would have to make a luxury play.  They could use 241 hp turbo 4 as a base here, use the new 408 hp inline six as an option, no mid-size truck can touch that kind of power.  I just don't think they are interested in the pick up business.  This looks kind of half assed to sell in markets like Germany and Eastern Europe and Africa where they need a low price point and don't have much competition.

 

Thank you for admitting that MB could not compete in the US for the truck business. This just proves it with this rebadge job they did.

[riviera74]

37 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Thank you for admitting that MB could not compete in the US for the truck business. This just proves it with this rebadge job they did.

Sorry MB, that dog won't hunt.  Next time MB, rebadge a RAM pickup instead.

[smk4565]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Thank you for admitting that MB could not compete in the US for the truck business. This just proves it with this rebadge job they did.

They could compete if they want to.  They compete just fine in commercial vans.  They could do a commercial pickup if they wanted to, I donttthink they want to.  They could build a luxury pickup if they want to, and again, I don't think they want to.

They can't do it all though.  They have probably the largest luxury line up of any car maker, plus a commercial van business, plus they are bringing out 10 electric cars by 2022, which should give them the biggest EV line in the world.

[balthazar]

"They could compete IF THEY WANT TO"????????
WTF happened to "The Best or Nothing" or "Engineered like No Other"???
Did they let all their product planners go?

[surreal1272]

11 hours ago, smk4565 said:

They could compete if they want to.  They compete just fine in commercial vans.  They could do a commercial pickup if they wanted to, I donttthink they want to.  They could build a luxury pickup if they want to, and again, I don't think they want to.

They can't do it all though.  They have probably the largest luxury line up of any car maker, plus a commercial van business, plus they are bringing out 10 electric cars by 2022, which should give them the biggest EV line in the world.

Your "logic" makes no sense. Clearly they want to build a luxury truck and have put it out to prove just that. The problem is that it cannot escape it's cheap Nissan roots, end of story and it is not luxury. 

 

I guess "The Best or Nothing" simply doesn't apply here.

[Robert Hall]

This isn't a luxury truck, though...just a regular truck for markets outside the US, it sounds like...something to compete w/ the Nissan Navara (which it's based on), Mitsubishi, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Chevy/Isuzu Colorado, VW Anorak, etc... 

[smk4565]

They aren't selling it in the USA. So clearly they aren't interested in the pick up market here.  My point was IF they were interested, they could do it.  What if the next-gen Nissan Frontier is class leading?  We don't even know how good or bad it is because it isn't out yet. 

If Mercedes ever decided to do a pickup for the USA, it would be the best one.  Because an American market truck would be an actual luxury vehicle, and have class leading power, hell, they'd probably put a 500 hp AMG V8 in it just because that is how they roll.

Keep in mind that Ford and FCA don't make a mid-size truck for America right now either.  Where are they at?  That is their business.  Mercedes business is luxury cars, which they are winning at.

[surreal1272]

15 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

They aren't selling it in the USA. So clearly they aren't interested in the pick up market here.  My point was IF they were interested, they could do it.  What if the next-gen Nissan Frontier is class leading?  We don't even know how good or bad it is because it isn't out yet. 

If Mercedes ever decided to do a pickup for the USA, it would be the best one.  Because an American market truck would be an actual luxury vehicle, and have class leading power, hell, they'd probably put a 500 hp AMG V8 in it just because that is how they roll.

Keep in mind that Ford and FCA don't make a mid-size truck for America right now either.  Where are they at?  That is their business.  Mercedes business is luxury cars, which they are winning at.

"What if" does not apply here because the current Frontier is what they are using and it is not "The Best" by any stretch of the imagination. It also has zero to do with them not selling it in the U.S. Other than if they did, it would be laughed out of this country in its current form. 

 

Could have, would have, should have but they didn't. That's what you don't get as a rabid Benz fanboy. Oh, and Ford is coming back to the market and I would take what they have coming over that overdressed Frontier. 

 

If

If 

If

 

You know what they say about "Ifs" right?

 

And for the record, every negative thing you have said about the Escaclade being nothing more than a gussied up Tahoe, applies here tenfold. 

22 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

This isn't a luxury truck, though...just a regular truck for markets outside the US, it sounds like...something to compete w/ the Nissan Navara (which it's based on), Mitsubishi, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Chevy/Isuzu Colorado, VW Anorak, etc... 

Actually depending on your perspective, they are selling as that, only they are calling it a "premium pick up" (per their website), which it is not.

https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/vehicles/passenger-cars/x-class/mercedes-benz-concept-x-class/

[Robert Hall]

4 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

 

You know what they say about "Ifs" right?

Actually depending on your perspective, they are selling as that, only they are calling it a "premium pick up" (per their website), which it is not.

https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/vehicles/passenger-cars/x-class/mercedes-benz-concept-x-class/

Premium, not luxury... 

[surreal1272]

5 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Premium, not luxury... 

Just saying it is a matter of perspective and being that this coming from a Luxury car company, one can easily make the assumption that they are marketing the pick up much the same way.

 

[Robert Hall]

7 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

Just saying it is a matter of perspective and being that this coming from a Luxury car company, one can easily make the assumption that they are marketing the pick up much the same way.

 

I suppose that is true that it is 'The World's first true premium pickup' if you consider the world outside of North America..compact/midsize pickups outside NA tend to be more functional than 'premium' or 'luxury'.... 

[smk4565]

49 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

"What if" does not apply here because the current Frontier is what they are using and it is not "The Best" by any stretch of the imagination. It also has zero to do with them not selling it in the U.S. Other than if they did, it would be laughed out of this country in its current form. 

 

Could have, would have, should have but they didn't. That's what you don't get as a rabid Benz fanboy. Oh, and Ford is coming back to the market and I would take what they have coming over that overdressed Frontier. 

 

If

If 

If

 

You know what they say about "Ifs" right?

 

And for the record, every negative thing you have said about the Escaclade being nothing more than a gussied up Tahoe, applies here tenfold. 

Actually depending on your perspective, they are selling as that, only they are calling it a "premium pick up" (per their website), which it is not.

https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/vehicles/passenger-cars/x-class/mercedes-benz-concept-x-class/

This is a 2018 Frontier chassis, This is based on the Nissan Navara or whatever it is called that the 2018 Frontier will be based on.

And yes this is is the same as the Escalade/Tahoe, but the Escalade doesn't have a Cadillac engine, at least the Mercedes truck gets a Mercedes engine and transmission.  And the Escalade is Cadillac's best money maker maybe Mercedes should go down that road.

[surreal1272]

5 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

This is a 2018 Frontier chassis, This is based on the Nissan Navara or whatever it is called that the 2018 Frontier will be based on.

And yes this is is the same as the Escalade/Tahoe, but the Escalade doesn't have a Cadillac engine, at least the Mercedes truck gets a Mercedes engine and transmission.  And the Escalade is Cadillac's best money maker maybe Mercedes should go down that road.

File that under "big whoop" and that Cadillac engine just comes from a world beating Corvette. Yeah, sucks to be GM there. The bigger point here is that Benz is using an old bones Nissan (the platform has existed for years now so it being 2018 is irrelevant) and trying to pass it off as "premium" when it is far from it. If they are "The Best", like they advertise, then they could have used that massive R&D you like to crow about and actually come up with a pick up of their own. 

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

They aren't selling it in the USA. So clearly they aren't interested in the pick up market here.  My point was IF they were interested, they could do it.  What if the next-gen Nissan Frontier is class leading?  We don't even know how good or bad it is because it isn't out yet. 

If Mercedes ever decided to do a pickup for the USA, it would be the best one.  Because an American market truck would be an actual luxury vehicle, and have class leading power, hell, they'd probably put a 500 hp AMG V8 in it just because that is how they roll.

Keep in mind that Ford and FCA don't make a mid-size truck for America right now either.  Where are they at?  That is their business.  Mercedes business is luxury cars, which they are winning at.

No, MB is LOOSING at the Luxury game and only has the Profits due to the whoring out of the E class as the taxi of Europe. MB is now just another Toyota, Ford, etc.

Taking your stance, FORD is the Leader of the world due to their Truck sales numbers. So MB clearly is afraid to try and compete unlike GM.

Instead MB makes garbage CLA/GLA auto's and sells the most expensive S Class sedan per your words but with heavy discounts. 

So one has to question how much of a luxury auto maker is MB when they have to rely so heavily on the lower end market, commercial trucks, buses and vans?

[balthazar]

Wait, it's one thing to dump a rebadge out & call it 'premium' (as a duck under 'luxury'), but they actually had the gall to call it the 'world's first true premium pick up'???

I keep waiting for The Onion to claim responsibility for this.

[smk4565]

2 hours ago, dfelt said:

No, MB is LOOSING at the Luxury game and only has the Profits due to the whoring out of the E class as the taxi of Europe. MB is now just another Toyota, Ford, etc.

Taking your stance, FORD is the Leader of the world due to their Truck sales numbers. So MB clearly is afraid to try and compete unlike GM.

Instead MB makes garbage CLA/GLA auto's and sells the most expensive S Class sedan per your words but with heavy discounts. 

So one has to question how much of a luxury auto maker is MB when they have to rely so heavily on the lower end market, commercial trucks, buses and vans?

#1 in global luxury sales

#1 in American market luxury sales

#1 European market luxury sales 

#2 in Chinese market luxury sales

#1 selling full size luxury car in USA

#1 selling mid luxury car in USA
#1 selling small luxury sedan in USA

#1 selling mid luxury SUV

#2 selling full size luxury SUV

#1 selling SUV over $100k

#1 selling performance brand in AMG

Highest ATP of any full line luxury brand

Formula 1 Champion 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 F1 points leader

How are they losing? 

2 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

File that under "big whoop" and that Cadillac engine just comes from a world beating Corvette. Yeah, sucks to be GM there. The bigger point here is that Benz is using an old bones Nissan (the platform has existed for years now so it being 2018 is irrelevant) and trying to pass it off as "premium" when it is far from it. If they are "The Best", like they advertise, then they could have used that massive R&D you like to crow about and actually come up with a pick up of their own. 

It is a new platform from the 2015-present Navara.  No relation to the current Frontier which is ancient.

[surreal1272]

16 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

#1 in global luxury sales

#1 in American market luxury sales

#1 European market luxury sales 

#2 in Chinese market luxury sales

#1 selling full size luxury car in USA

#1 selling mid luxury car in USA
#1 selling small luxury sedan in USA

#1 selling mid luxury SUV

#2 selling full size luxury SUV

#1 selling SUV over $100k

#1 selling performance brand in AMG

Highest ATP of any full line luxury brand

Formula 1 Champion 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 F1 points leader

How are they losing? 

It is a new platform from the 2015-present Navara.  No relation to the current Frontier which is ancient.

Still ancient by today's standards and it doesn't change my original point one bit. It is a dressed up Nissan pretending to be premium. In fact, Benz has the stupidity to call it the first true premium pick up, which is a bold faced lie. 

Edited July 19, 2017 by surreal1272

[Robert Hall]

22 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

 

It is a new platform from the 2015-present Navara.  No relation to the current Frontier which is ancient.

Just a cheap mass market pickup platform...nothing significant...

Edited July 19, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[smk4565]

2 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Just a cheap mass market pickup platform...nothing significant...

Isn't that what the Colorado, Tacomoa and Ranger ride on too?  I am sure what Daimler-Renault-Nissan came up with here is as good as those.  Once a comparison test happens by a European car mag, I guess we will find out.

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, smk4565 said:

#1 in global luxury sales

#1 in American market luxury sales

#1 European market luxury sales 

#2 in Chinese market luxury sales

#1 selling full size luxury car in USA

#1 selling mid luxury car in USA
#1 selling small luxury sedan in USA

#1 selling mid luxury SUV

#2 selling full size luxury SUV

#1 selling SUV over $100k

#1 selling performance brand in AMG

Highest ATP of any full line luxury brand

Formula 1 Champion 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 F1 points leader

How are they losing? 

Simple, 17 car brands are rated better than MB in 2017, 15 brands rated better in 2016, 14 brands rated better in 2015, 13 rated better in 2014, 11 rated better in 2013, 8 rated better in 2012. I could go on but as one can see, in just the last 5 years MB quality is not #1.  Just in case you think I am making this up, here are the last 5 years posted by J. D. Powers IQS. Clearly MB is following the same path as Cadillac in the 80's of going down hill every year and getting worse and worse. So many better products out there than MB.

 

Clearly MB is hitting their sales climax and decline is around the corner.  I fully expect some mags will praise this wanna be truck but hopefully many will see just how pathetic and cheap of a job MB did on this pickup.

[surreal1272]

18 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Isn't that what the Colorado, Tacomoa and Ranger ride on too?  I am sure what Daimler-Renault-Nissan came up with here is as good as those.  Once a comparison test happens by a European car mag, I guess we will find out.

Newsflash. Those three are supposed to be mass market as they are marketed to the masses. A luxury car maker trying to push a rebadged Nissan is another matter all together. 

[balthazar]

^ I guess 'as OK as the others' is the new tagline.

[Robert Hall]

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

Isn't that what the Colorado, Tacoma and Ranger ride on too?  I am sure what Daimler-Renault-Nissan came up with here is as good as those.  Once a comparison test happens by a European car mag, I guess we will find out.

This is badged as a Mercedes-Benz...isn't M-B supposed to be higher level than a common Asian appliance?    You are trying to compare apples to oranges.. 

[regfootball]

sweet ass Mecedes Benz wazuki!  just throw a three pointed star on da NISSANZ

[oldshurst442]

From 1950

 

Which was based off of this during the War. It was a German Wehrmacht staff car.

Which similarly how Jeep went civilian after the War begat this and other variants like the commercial wagon above.

Mercedes in Europe, has a loooong history of catering to the masses

with all kinds of commercial and blue collar vehicles...

What I find stupid with Mercedes is that all those wonderful tough and rugged blue collar stuff and all the war mongering  vehicles...they were all engineered by GERMAN folk working for Mercedes and Benz and Daimler...

This is an insult to the heritage of the 3 pointed star!!!

OH....George Dubbya might have an issue with this shyte being called the 1st true premium pick-up truck

And...it was engineered by Henry Ford's people sold by Henry's offspring...

Yes....the same Henry Ford that designed this off roader

If Henry slapped on some leather on this like how the Duesenbergs did with their cars and the Model T would have that title waaaaaay back when...but Henry wanted to sell to the masses...

 

[balthazar]

The issue with throwing up (hee-hee: we're talking about the model X and I said 'throwing up' ) pics of '50s MBs is that the brand wasn't a luxury brand THEN; then they were for the masses/ mainstream.

The problem arises once you move past Mercedes benchmarking Cadillac and becoming a luxury brand in the 1990s, and heavily marketing that ID. NOW a rebadged crapbox truck with power levels from a decade ago and a bare minimum of effort to 'make' it a MB, and it comes off as a shuddering hot mess.

If Daimler had left it in the commercial so-called 'division' and sold them all as refrigerator white/black plastic utility vehicles; maybe. But the "World's First True Premium Pickup'?????? Not sure Daimler can back out of this hole.

Edited July 20, 2017 by balthazar

[A Horse With No Name]

4 minutes ago, balthazar said:

The issue with throwing up (hee-hee: we're talking about the model X and I said 'throwing up' ) pics of '50s MBs is that the brand wasn't a luxury brand THEN; then they were for the masses/ mainstream.

The problem arises once you move past Mercedes benchmarking Cadillac and becoming a luxury brand in the 1990s, and heavily marketing that ID. NOW a rebadged crapbox truck with power levels from a decade ago and a bare minimum of effort to 'make' it a MB, and it comes off as a shuddering hot mess.

If Daimler had left it in the commercial so-called 'division' and sold them all as refrigerator white/black plastic utility vehicles; maybe. But the "World's First True Premium Pickup'?????? Not sure Daimler can back out of this hole.

Well spoken!

6 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

Still ancient by today's standards and it doesn't change my original point one bit. It is a dressed up Nissan pretending to be premium. In fact, Benz has the stupidity to call it the first true premium pick up, which is a bold faced lie. 

Sadly, people no longer seem to care very much about the truth.

[smk4565]

This could be a way to test the waters with little cost or investment.  They probably want to see how the market reacts to this.  If it is positive then Mercedes can do a ground up design from scratch with the GLE/GLS chassis and make a mid-size truck on their own.

[surreal1272]

30 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

This could be a way to test the waters with little cost or investment.  They probably want to see how the market reacts to this.  If it is positive then Mercedes can do a ground up design from scratch with the GLE/GLS chassis and make a mid-size truck on their own.

This could also just be yet another excuse by Mercedes defenders. A mid-size truck for the world market is an easier and far cheaper investment, from scratch, than any EV car (and I'm an EV fan). Mercedes has truck chassis of their own to pick from but the "Best or nothing" company took the lazy route. 

[smk4565]

19 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

This could also just be yet another excuse by Mercedes defenders. A mid-size truck for the world market is an easier and far cheaper investment, from scratch, than any EV car (and I'm an EV fan). Mercedes has truck chassis of their own to pick from but the "Best or nothing" company took the lazy route. 

They don't have a pick up truck chassis.  They could turn a unibody SUV into a pick up like Honda did with the Ridgeline.

I actually think Mercedes shouldn't even build a pickup truck.  I think this is a waste of time, when they have a huge car line to manage and they want to build 10 EV's.  Any resources spend on the X-class could have gone elsewhere. This might be an easy money grab, they gave Nissan the GLA platform so Infiniti could have a small crossover, this was what they got in return.

[surreal1272]

38 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

They don't have a pick up truck chassis.  They could turn a unibody SUV into a pick up like Honda did with the Ridgeline.

I actually think Mercedes shouldn't even build a pickup truck.  I think this is a waste of time, when they have a huge car line to manage and they want to build 10 EV's.  Any resources spend on the X-class could have gone elsewhere. This might be an easy money grab, they gave Nissan the GLA platform so Infiniti could have a small crossover, this was what they got in return.

Wrong. Per Wikipedia:

"The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a vehicle built by Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany as a van, chassis cab, minibus, and pickup truck"

 

Those last two words are the most important btw. 

 

And Mercedes should really reconsider who they trade and with and what they trade for, in the future. 

Edited July 20, 2017 by surreal1272

[Robert Hall]

6 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

Wrong. Per Wikipedia:

"The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a vehicle built by Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany as a van, chassis cab, minibus, and pickup truck"

Those last two words are the most important btw. 

 

Yeah, the Sprinter pickup is pretty cool... never seen one in the US, though..don't think they are sold here.  Single and double cab versions.  But they are serious, practical work trucks, not 'premium lifestyle' luxury pickups. 

Edited July 20, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[surreal1272]

3 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Yeah, the Sprinter pickup is pretty cool... never seen one in the US, though..don't think they are sold here.  Single and double cab versions.  But they are serious, practical work trucks, not 'premium lifestyle' luxury pickups. 

And you would think with Mercedes huge R&D budget (according to one source anyway), that they could have repurposed that chassis into an everyday pick up that doesn't share it's bones with an Asian mass market pick up.

[smk4565]

Nissan-Renault could be the largest car maker in the world this year, not a bad company to have a partnership with.  If they ever need a favor from the Carlos Goshn empire they can.

[surreal1272]

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

Nissan-Renault could be the largest car maker in the world this year, not a bad company to have a partnership with.  If they ever need a favor from the Carlos Goshn empire they can.

Again, Mercedes had their own pick up, tons of R&D cash (by your own admission) and they took the cheap and easy way out. That is not the mark of a luxury car brand that markets itself as the "Best or nothing". 

[A Horse With No Name]

2 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

Again, Mercedes had their own pick up, tons of R&D cash (by your own admission) and they took the cheap and easy way out. That is not the mark of a luxury car brand that markets itself as the "Best or nothing". 

Agreed Completely.