mercedes-benz concept X-class is the first true premium pickup

mercedes-benz concept X-class pickup truck: mercedes gives a concrete outlook on its new pickup, the ‘X-class’, in stockholm. the first premium pickup will combine the best of two worlds. this is demonstrated impressively by the german-automaker with two design variants of the concept car. the concept ‘X-class powerful adventurer’ illustrates that the future model will possess all the strengths of a classic pickup–tough, functional, strong, and with off-road capability. the concept ‘X-class stylish explorer’ goes a step further and shows what will distinguish the pickup bearing the mercedes star. this will be a true pickup from the hallmark brand design and comfort to the driving dynamics and safety. this will make mercedes-benz the first premium manufacturer to account for the changing lifestyle requirements in the global segment of mid-size pickups, and it will make the tough one-ton pickup with seating for up to five persons the first to be attractive as an urban family vehicle.

concept X-class powerful adventurer

the mercedes concept ‘X-class powerful adventurer’, focuses on the classic traits of a pickup. the luxury pickup with a ‘lemonax’ metallic paint finish stages toughness; durability; and off-road capability. as a result, it underscores the fact that the future mercedes-benz pickup will combine comfort and style with the basic virtues of this vehicle category. it towers above it all at the impressive height of 1.90 metres. large tyres of size 35 x 11.50; the huge ground clearance; and the athletic design instill respect 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 and power of the future pickup.

the redefinition of toughness

worldwide the market for mid-size pickups is undergoing a radical change. gone are the days when they were bought as mere ‘workhorses’. instead, they are becoming increasingly popular as versatile vehicles for a simultaneous private and commercial use and as vehicles for a strictly private use. the percentage of privately used pickups has been growing steadily for years. accordingly, the double cab has emerged as the dominating body style, because it offers room for up to five persons. more and more private and commercial customers ask for vehicles with the characteristics and comfort features of a passenger car. a similar development took place in the segment of off-road vehicles some 20 years ago. back then, mercedes-benz was the first premium manufacturer to launch a sport utility vehicle (SUV), the ‘M-class’, and redefined the off-road segment.

carbon-style black embossed leather surfaces

with its progressive design the concept car exudes independence and thirst for adventure in their purest forms. this feel continues in the interior. matte carbon elements in the exterior and interior, metallic brushed surfaces, and a bold color scheme lend the vehicle a sense of power. the ‘lemonax’ metallic exterior paint finish is perfectly tailored to the interior color highlights. the color and material concept 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 that offers extremely good grip and has a pleasantly soft touch and feel.

integrated mercedes me connect services

the luxury pickup will also set new standards in the segment with regard to connected life. thanks to the communication module with on-board sim card, it will be possible to use the extensive mercedes ‘me connect services’. drivers can connect with their pickup by smartphone; tablet; or pc at any time and from anywhere. for example, to send navigation destinations to the vehicle or query where the pickup is parked and how much fuel is in the tank. in addition to these optional remote online services, standard services such as accident recovery, maintenance management and breakdown management will also be available.

powerful engine, high ride comfort, and exemplary safety

variety will likewise distinguish the engine range. the top-of-the-line model 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.

towing capacity up to 3.5 tons

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 meters 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 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.

concept X-class stylish explorer

the ‘concept X-class’ stylish explorer, painted in a cool elegant white metallic, impressively demonstrates how the pickup will make a stylish statement in its segment and in the urban environment. the contrast of emotionally appealing and yet purist surface treatment; and technically precise, innovative and clever details reinterprets the design philosophy of mercedes. the athletic design lends the concept car a markedly expressive and dynamic appearance. the distinctive 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 three pointed star, the face of the elegant mercedes-benz coupés.

progressive design with SUV looks

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 emphasize the athletically sculpted body. depending on the angle of the incoming light, the paintwork developed specifically for this concept car lends the urban pickup a look that gives the athletic profile even more emotional appeal.

stylish interior with a high level of operating and display comfort

the interior of the concept ‘X-class’ stylish explorer is an equally emotional and stylish statement–characterized by an intriguing contrast of warm and cool colors, as well as by high-quality materials. the world of colors and materials translates the mercedes design philosophy of sensual purity. the sensual touch and feel of the brown, very natural nubuck leather on the seats provides 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 aluminum trim elements. the world of modern luxury is realized in a highly stylish fashion.

touchpad controls for telematic functions

similar to a smartphone, all telematics functions can be controlled with the touchpad by using gestures or by entering letters and characters. mercedes-benz thus introduces the most modern control and display concept in the segment of mid-size pickups. at the same time, the characteristics and functionalities typical in the pickup segment have been retained, such as the handbrake in the centre console.