Mercedes Benz has unveiled its dual cab only X-Class ute at the Stockholm Motor Show, confirming it will be Australia bound late next year or early 2018.
The ute sector is one of the most competitive on the Australian market, accounting for around 14 per cent of vehicles sold each year.
According to Mercedes Benz chairman Dieter Zetsche, the X-Class will mean the German brand has a model in every market segment.
“With the X-Class, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio,” Zetsche said.
“Our target is to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The pick-up will set new standards in a growing segment.”
Mercedes Benz Van boss Volker Mornhinweg is adamant that the X-Class will be more than a luxury run around.
“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,” he said.
While the flagship model will feature a 3.0 turbo-diesel V6, tipped to put out 195kW and 620Nm of torque, Mornhinweg confirmed other engine variants are also being offered.
“We have the V6, two four-cylinder engines – diesel and gasoline – and then we have 4×4 and we have 4×2. That is it as far as powertrains are concerned,” he said.
“And then we have manual and two different automatics going with the different engines,” Mornhinweg added.
A range of accessories including bullbars and canopies is being developed by Germany, while locally Mercedes Benz Australia will add items such as snorkels.
Pricing for the X-Class is yet to be confirmed.
