Mercedes-Benz has unveiled not one, but two pickup truck concepts called the Concept X-Class. Each of the two new concepts represents a different character, with the Stylish Explorer offering a premium and sporty experience while the Powerful Adventurer is the rugged hardcore off-roader.
With the introduction of the X-Class, Mercedes-Benz will become the first premium manufacturer to occupy the segment of mid-size pickups. The production version of the Concept X-Class will be launched in late 2017 where key markets will be Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia with New Zealand, and Europe.
The Concept X-Class Stylish Explorer, painted in a cool elegant white metallic, demonstrates how the Mercedes-Benz pickup will make a decidedly stylish statement in its segment and in the urban environment.
The athletic design lends the concept car a markedly expressive and dynamic appearance. The front represents an evolution of the hallmark SUV face of the brand – with a more massive powerdome on the bonnet and headlamps extending far into the wings. The classic SUV front apron and the strongly flared wheel arches put even more emphasis on the sense of width, and give the vehicle an even more solid stance on the road. At the same time, the front cites the single-louvre grille with centrally positioned Mercedes star.
The flared front and rear wings make room for a wide track and large tyre/wheel combinations for tough off-road use. 22-inch light-alloy wheels with a contrasting anthracite chrome finish give the Concept X-Class Stylish Explorer a towering and superior stance. The running boards are integrated into the bodywork and emphasise the athletically sculpted body. Depending on the angle of the incoming light, the paintwork for this concept lends the urban pickup a look that gives the athletic profile even more appeal.
The extremely short front overhang, the very long rear overhang and two long lines stretching along the side amplify the focus placed on driving dynamics. The rear of both concept cars sports the hallmark chromed SUV trim at the lower edge, and, as a distinctive feature, a continuous LED light strip in a slim chrome surround on the tailgate.
The interior of the Concept X-Class Stylish Explorer is characterised by a contrast of warm and cool colours, as well as high-quality materials. There’s very natural nubuck leather in brown colour on the seats to provide a cosy feel. This warm colour, which is also found on the dashboard, is combined with cool white nappa leather. The trim made of open-pore smoked oak contrasts with the brushed and polished aluminium trim elements.
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 letters and characters. Although Mercedes-Benz introduces the most modern control and display concept in the segment of mid-size pickups, the characteristics and functionalities typical in the pickup segment have been retained, such as the handbrake in the centre console.
Complementing the Concept X-Class Stylish Explorer, the second concept car focuses on the classic traits of a pickup. The Concept X-Class Powerful Adventurer with a lemonax metallic paint finish shows toughness, durability, and off-road capability.
The Concept X-Class Powerful Adventurer towers above it all with a height of 1.90 metres. Large tyres of size 35 x 11.50, the huge ground clearance, and the athletic design instil respect even at first glance. The brand’s hallmark SUV radiator grille with two louvres, front and rear underride guard, wing claddings, and matte carbon wheel arches additionally underscore the superior off-road aesthetics. An electric winch at the front and a metal hook at the rear are further indications of the toughness of the pickup.
Inside the cabin, Concept X-Class Powerful Adventurer feature matte carbon elements, metallic brushed surfaces, and a bold colour scheme. The lemonax metallic exterior paint finish is perfectly tailored to the interior colour highlights. The colour and material underscores the outdoor look with glossy black nappa leather and the use of carbon-style black embossed leather surfaces. To ensure the seats provide lateral support in all handling situations and in any terrain, the seat side bolsters are trimmed with black leather.
When the X-Class comes into production, the top-of-the-line model X-Class 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 channel the power to where traction is best. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential and the inter-axle differential can be locked. This will make 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. Enough power for transporting some four cubic metres of firewood on the pickup bed and a sail boat hooked up to the trailer coupling, for example. At the same time, 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. The pickup will continue impress with precise steering, a comfortable ride, and agile cornering. It will absorb bumps in a superior fashion, making it a perfect fit for the urban environment.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class 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, while the X-Class for the Latin American market will roll off the assembly lines at the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina, starting in 2018.
Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer – Exterieur, Weißmetallic ; Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer – Exterior, White metallic; Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer – Exterieur, Weißmetallic ; Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer – Exterior, White metallic;
