Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute makes official debut

Mercedes-Benz will be hoping the new X-Class pick-up/ute range will help it significantly increase sales for its commercial vehicle division.

Officially unveiled overnight (albeit still as a concept), Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed that the one-tonne ute will enter production in 2017 and the X-Class is confirmed for Australia.

Sharing many of the underpinnings of the current-generation Renault-Nissan ute (Nissan Navara), the X-Class will be built with the assistance of Renault-Nissan in Spain, while models destined for South America will be produced by Renault in Argentina.

In taking the covers off the new offering, Mercedes-Benz said the X-Class is the first premium pickup that will combine the best of two worlds – the concept was shown in classic pickup form and as a more fun/people focused offering.

The car company saying the X-Class will be targeted at a wide variety of potential customers, from families with an active lifestyle, to adventurers, tradies and farmers.

While power is expected to come from a choice of four-cylinder or V6 diesel engines (final details are yet to be confirmed).

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, says the X-Class will arrive at just the right time.

“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 Mercedes-Benz X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.”

We will keep you updated with more info on the Mercedes-Benz X-Class as it comes to hand.