Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled two concepts for its first pickup, which will go on sale next year and will be called the X-class. Mercedes Benz will aim the X-Class as a premium pick-up that will target families, outdoor enthusiasts and commercial customers. The X-Class will compete in a global market that’s claimed to consist of 2m units that Mercedes believes is set to grow by nearly 40% by 2025.

The new X-Class will be built by Nissan in Barcelona, with the option of fitting the 2.3 litre Renault turbo-diesel engine or the new to be developed Mercedes Benz 3.0 litre V6 tubro-diesel engine. It will be capable of towing 3.5t while carrying a payload of more than 1.1t.

Mercedes Benz believes mid-size pickups are becoming increasingly attractive for private use in addition to their reputation as commercial workhorses. Double cabs, that seat up to five have emerged as the dominant body style. Mercedes believes that the new pickup will offer the same levels of comfort, safety, driving dynamics and design that customers have come to expect from Mercedes cars.

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