Following an intensive global pre-launch publicity campaign, Mercedes-Benz is launching three variants of its new X-Class ute to the market from November 2017.
The arrival of the X-Class reflects the expanding strategic cooperation between Daimler AG and Renault-Nissan Alliance that began more than seven years ago.
Mercedes-Benz says the partnership affords it a fast and cost-efficient entrance to the high-growth segment of midsize utes.
Production of the X-Class for markets in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will soon start at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain.
The X-Class for the Latin American market will roll off the assembly lines at the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina, starting from 2019.
Nissan is the second-largest manufacturer of mid-size utes with a payload of one tonne in the world with more than 80 years of experience in producing and marketing these types of vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz will launch the X-Class into the European market in November 2017 in Europe, followed by New Zealand, South Africa and Australia early in 2018, as well as Argentina and Brazil at the beginning of 2019.
There are three design and equipment variants to choose from as well as four or six-cylinder diesel engines, rear-wheel drive and engageable or permanent all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The specification grades for X-Class, are the Pure workhorse variant, the mid-grade Progressive model providing more comfort, and the high-end luxury Power model for urban lifestyles, says Mercedes-Benz.
At launch, buyers can choose from the common rail diesel X 220 d (120 kW/163 hp) and X 250 d (140 kW/190 hp). The top-of-the-line V6 diesel will arrive in mid-2018.
Mercedes-Benz says the X-Class will offer excellent on road and off road performance thanks to its tuned coil-spring suspension and internally vented front and rear disc brakes.
The engageable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system has low-range gearing and differential lock on the rear axle. From the middle of 2018, a permanent all-wheel drive will become available.
The X-Class features passive and active safety equipment including active brake assist, lane keeping assist and collision prevention assist, among others.
Mercedes-Benz says it is developing the X-Class for the changing requirements of the ute market. The demand for midsize utes with passenger car characteristics and comfort features has been steadily on the rise for years.
At the same time, it says the number of utes for private use is increasing. They are no longer viewed purely as “workhorses”.
According to Mercedes-Benz, it is aiming the X-Class at very different groups of customers: land owners and farmers, business owners such as building contractors, families with an affinity for premium products, trend-conscious individuals as well as sporty, enthusiastic adventurers.
“The high level of interest and anticipation in the lead up to revealing the new X-Class has been a reflection of just how ingrained double cab utes are in both the Australian and New Zealand culture,” says Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand managing director Diane Tarr.
The fact is we love utes, and we are showing a desire to incorporate this type of vehicle into our lives in more ways than we did in the past. Not just for work, but also increasingly for private use,” says Tarr
“By introducing the X-Class, we can provide a solution for trade and fleet customers, and we will find out just how far this category can evolve for private clients who need the vehicle to support their lifestyle,” she says.
