Mercedes-Benz previews X-Class concept ahead of Geneva Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz’s Concept X-Class, which will be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show from March 9-19, offers many a cue to the brand's forthcoming new pickup, the X-Class.

The concept study, first unveiled in Sweden last year, reveals that the X-Class will combine the hallmark strengths of a pickup – tough, functional, strong, and with off-road capability – with Mercedes’ focus on design, comfort, driving dynamics, and safety. The one-ton pickup has seating for up to five people and will be positioned as an urban lifestyle and family vehicle.

With the pickup, which will be launched in late 2017 under the X-Class name, Mercedes-Benz will target Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia with New Zealand, and Europe. It is understood that Daimler AG will make investments in the high nine figures (euro) in the new model series by the time of the market launch.

According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, "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."

"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. "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."

Progressive design with SUV looks

Unveiled in Sweden last October, the concept study shows that the first Mercedes premium pickup will combine the best of two worlds. This is demonstrated by the study's two design variants. The concept car painted in lemonax metallic focuses on the classic traits of a pickup – toughness, functionality, strength, and off-road capability – with its electric winch, large, size 35 x 11.50 tyres, and an underride guard.

The second concept car painted in white metallic combines these strengths with the design, comfort, driving dynamics, and safety for which star-branded vehicles are renowned. It impressively illustrates how the Mercedes-Benz pickup will make a decidedly stylish statement in its segment and in the urban environment. This concept car will be exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show.

The interior of the concept car to be displayed at the Geneva Motor Show is characterised by an intriguing contrast of warm and cool colours, as well as by high-quality materials. The modern flair is further boosted by round air vents, the free-standing high-resolution central display as well as the central controller and multifunctional touchpad. Similar to a smartphone, all telematics functions can be controlled with the touchpad by using gestures or by entering characters and digits. With this, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the most modern control and display concept in the segment of mid-size pickups. At the same time, the characteristics and functionalities typical in the pickup segment have been retained, such as the handbrake in the centre console.

High level of connectivity
The X-Class will also set new standards in the segment with regard to connected life. With the communication module with on-board SIM card, it will be possible to use the extensive Mercedes me connect services. Drivers will be able to connect with their pickup by smartphone, tablet or PC at any time and from anywhere. For example, to send navigation destinations to the vehicle or query where the pickup is parked and how much fuel is in the tank. In addition to these optional remote online services, standard services such as accident recovery, maintenance management, and breakdown management will also be available.

On the powertrain front, the top-of-the-line model will be powered by a V6 diesel in combination with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. The high-torque engine will provide high driving dynamics on the road and off the road. The all-wheel-drive system will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential locks. The traction system and the electrically operated on-demand differential locks will channel the power to where traction is best. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential and the inter-axle differential can be locked, making it possible to safely master difficult obstacles and inclines.

The powerful drive system and the tough ladder-type frame will make a payload of more than 1.1 ton and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons possible. The specially constructed suspension with wide axles, 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, says Mercedes-Benz.

Safety will be in the form of modern driver assistance systems based on cameras, radar, and ultrasound sensors will support and relieve the driver in many situations, and in so doing equally enhance safety and comfort. A host of assistance systems will already come as standard.

Production cooperation with Renault-Nissan
The market launch of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class in Europe will begin in late 2017. The new model series will be positioned in the segment at an attractive price. The pickup will be manufactured in a production cooperation with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Production for the European, Australian and South African markets will start at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017. Production for the Latin American market will commence at a later stage at the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina.

With the X-Class, Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan Alliance expand their strategic cooperation which began six years ago. This affords Mercedes-Benz fast and cost-efficient entrance to the fast-growing 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 ton in the world, and can look back on more than 80 years of experience in producing and marketing these types of vehicles.