Mercedes-Benz is heating up the auto industry and giving import auto enthusiasts here in America a reason to get excited. At the 87th Geneva International Motor Show this March, Mercedes-Benz will introduce its long awaited X Class, Mercedes’ first pickup truck that is expected to go on sale in Europe toward the end of 2017. The announcement of a Mercedes-Benz pickup truck sent shockwaves through the automotive world, signaling a bold move from the luxury automaker into a fiercely competitive segment. Geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, commercial customers, and families, the midsize pickup boasts two different concepts, promising to blend the rugged utility of a pickup with the refined luxury that is synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz name. If you’re eager to be one of the first people to drive a Mercedes pickup truck, here are the details you should know.
A Bold Vision for a Growing Segment
According to Dieter Zetsche, Daimler’s chairman and head of Mercedes-Benz cars, “With the Mercedes-Benz pickup, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the ambition behind the X-Class. Mercedes-Benz identified a burgeoning market for mid-size pickup trucks and aimed to redefine it by introducing a true premium offering. The vision was to create a vehicle that could seamlessly transition from a tough workhorse during the week to a stylish and comfortable family vehicle for weekend adventures. This luxury pickup truck was designed to appeal to a new kind of buyer, one who demands both capability and sophistication.
Two Distinct Personalities: The X-Class Design Concepts
This new Mercedes vehicle offers to different concepts, as production has not yet begun. These two concepts, the “Stylish Explorer” and the “Powerful Adventurer,” showcased the dual nature of the X-Class and the breadth of its intended appeal.
The Stylish Explorer
The first style concept is called the Stylish Explorer. It is designed with a road warrior SUV in mind, but with the classic Mercedes touch of sleek bodywork. This vehicle also has larger wheels, 22-inches to be exact, giving it a commanding presence on the road. The Stylish Explorer was aimed at the urban adventurer, the individual who wants a vehicle that is as comfortable navigating city streets as it is cruising down the highway on a long road trip. The interior of the Stylish Explorer was a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury, featuring high-quality materials, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, and the elegant design language found in their sedans and SUVs.
The Powerful Adventurer
The second style, Powerful Adventurer, is meant to offer off-road toughness. Chunky tires and plastic wheel arch protectors emphasis its use off the beaten path. This concept was a clear nod to the traditional pickup truck buyer, showcasing the X-Class’s rugged capabilities. With its increased ground clearance, underbody protection, and aggressive styling, the Powerful Adventurer was designed for those who need a vehicle that can handle the toughest of terrains. This version of the Mercedes X-Class was a promise of uncompromising off-road performance, backed by the engineering prowess of Mercedes-Benz.
The Heart of the Beast: X-Class Performance and Engineering
Underneath the stylish exterior of the Mercedes-Benz pickup truck lay a robust and capable platform. The X-Class was developed in partnership with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and shared its chassis with the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan. However, Mercedes-Benz heavily re-engineered the platform to meet its own high standards for comfort, handling, and safety.
The X-Class was offered with a range of engine options to suit different needs and markets. The entry-level models were powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, available in two states of tune. The real star of the show, however, was the X 350 d, which featured a powerful 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine produced by Mercedes-Benz. This engine delivered an impressive 255 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, making the X-Class one of the most powerful mid-size pickup trucks on the market. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive system, the V6-powered X-Class offered a driving experience that was both exhilarating and refined.
A New Benchmark for a Mercedez-Benz Pickup Truck Interior
Step inside the X-Class, and you’ll find an interior that set a new standard for luxury in the pickup truck segment. The design was unmistakably Mercedes-Benz, with a clean and elegant layout, high-quality materials, and a host of advanced technology features. The dashboard was dominated by a large, tablet-style infotainment screen, which could be controlled via a touchpad in the center console. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and there was ample space for both front and rear passengers. The X-Class was also available with a range of premium features, including leather upholstery, wood trim, and a high-end sound system. This was a pickup truck that didn’t compromise on comfort or luxury, offering a true Mercedes-Benz experience in a new and versatile package.
The Global Strategy: Why America Missed Out on the Mercedes-Benz Pickup Truck
Unfortunately, America is not on the list of countries where this unique pickup will originally be sold. Mercedes is first focusing on the key markets where sales of midsize pickups are soaring, including Europe, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and Argentina. This decision was a major disappointment for American enthusiasts who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz pickup truck.
There were several reasons behind this decision. The primary obstacle was the infamous “Chicken Tax,” a 25% tariff on imported light trucks that has been in place since the 1960s. To avoid this tax, Mercedes-Benz would have had to build the X-Class in the United States, a significant investment that the company was not willing to make for a new and unproven model.
Furthermore, the American pickup truck market is dominated by full-size trucks, with a smaller, albeit growing, market for mid-size models. America, on the other hand, sold only 450,000 midsize pickup trucks compared to 2.2 million full-size last year. It’s true that sales of midsize pickups in America have been rising this year, so Mercedes is only likely to extend the X-Class into America if those sales continue steady growth. Ultimately, Mercedes-Benz decided to focus on markets where the mid-size segment was stronger and the path to entry was less complicated.
The Short-Lived Legacy of the X-Class
Despite the initial excitement and positive reviews, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class had a relatively short production run, being discontinued in 2020. Several factors contributed to its early demise. The high price point, which was significantly more than its competitors, was a major deterrent for many buyers. The fact that it was based on a Nissan platform also led to some criticism, with some feeling that it wasn’t a “true” Mercedes-Benz.
Sales of the X-Class never quite lived up to expectations, and with Mercedes-Benz shifting its focus towards electric vehicles and cost-cutting measures, the decision was made to end production. While the X-Class may not have been a commercial success, it remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Mercedes-Benz. It was a bold and ambitious attempt to enter a new market and redefine a segment, and it will be remembered as the first and, so far, only Mercedes-Benz pickup truck.
Your Mercedes-Benz Deserves the Best, No Matter the Model
Whether you get your hands on an X-Class or enjoy a different Mercedes style, Potters Precision Imports in St. Petersburg is your ultimate source for the service and repair of your favorite German auto. From engine repair to scheduled tune ups, the team at Potters Precision Imports will always give your import auto the care and attention it deserves. The legacy of the X-Class serves as a reminder of the innovation and engineering excellence that goes into every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, and the team at Potters Precision Imports has the expertise and passion to keep that legacy alive. Give us a call today at 727-228-6012 to schedule your first appointment.
