Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled their highly anticipated Concept X-Class pickup in Stockholm, Sweden. The German automaker presented the upcoming X-Class as the first premium pickup to combine the best of both worlds when it comes to work and play.
"With the Mercedes-Benz pickup, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio. Our target: we want to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Mercedes-Benz debuted the Concept X-Class in two guises: Powerful Adventurer and Stylish Explorer, the former being the traditional rough and tough off-road vehicle, while the latter as a premium lifestyle vehicle.
Finished in white metallic, the Stylish Explorer version of the Concept X-Class features a progressive design with the looks of an SUV, a variant geared for the urban warrior. The major design elements of the Stylish Explorer includes the classic SUV front apron, flared wheel arches, a single-louvre grille with centrally mounted Mercedes star and 22 inch wheels.
The runningboards are integrated to the bodywork, though the distinct feature of the Stylish Explorer is a continuous LED light strip in a slim chrome surround on the tailgate, pointing to the unique character of the future pickup.
"The Concept X-Class design variants interpret the hallmark brand design idiom of our SUVs in a most expressive form, and embody the dichotomy of our design philosophy: they are hot and cool", says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG.
Mercedes-Benz has presented a premium interior concept for the Stylish Explorer using high-quality materials with a mix of nubuck leather, premium fabric, white nappa leather, smoked oak contrasts and aluminum highlights. Mercedes says the Stylish Explorer blends a world of modern luxury and high fashion sense into pickup trucks.
The other version they revealed is the Concept X-Class Powerful Adventurer, a model that stays true to the basic virtues of the pickup category such as toughness, durability, and off-road capability. It is finished in a color that Mercedes-Benz calls Lemonax Metallic.
A stark contrast from its urban dwelling sibling, the Powerful Adventurer stands 1.9 meters tall, and features a more rugged look when compared to the Stylish Explorer. The X-Class Powerful Adventurer has a front bumper befitting its status as a 4x4, wing claddings, winches, skid guards, and matte black wheels with massive mud-terrain tires.
As previously reported, the exterior design of the Concept X-Class was done by Filipino designer Wini Camacho who is currently based in the German automaker's China design studio. He was also responsible for the design of the W212 E-Class as well as the Vision G-Code Concept.
Inside, the color scheme is combined with matte carbon elements and metallic brushed surfaces, a design consideration that Mercedes-Benz says gives the vehicle a sense of power.
The X-Class pickup aims to offer a host of infotainment and connectivity features normally expected of a Mercedes-Benz. A high-resolution display and central controller with multifunctional touchpad presents the most-advanced infortainment system for mid-size pickups. In terms of of connectivity, the communication module will feature an on-board SIM card, for extensive use of Mercedes me connect services. It will allow drivers to connect with their pickup by smartphone, tablet or PC at any time and from anywhere.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the top-spec model will feature a V6 diesel powertrain mated to a 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. It will also feature electronic traction control, transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential locks. The traction system and the electrically operated on-demand differential locks channel the power to where traction is best.
The rear suspension is composed of a five-link rear axle with coil springs, and a precisely calibrated spring/damper set-up will ensure a high ride comfort – on the road and off the road. This set-up is similar to the Nissan NP300 Navara offered in the Philippines and selected markets.
As previously announced, the X-Class is a joint project with the Renault-Nissan Alliance and will be based on the Nissan NP300 Navara which has underpinned the Renault Alaskan as well. The cooperation also extends to the assembly lines with the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain producing the X-Class for European, Australian and South African markets in 2017. The Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina will start production in 2018 for Latin American markets.
Mercedes-Benz says the X-Class will be offered at an attractice price.
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