Mercedes Benz X-Class spotted testing in Europe

When Mercedes Benz had displayed its X- Class concept last year in Stockholm, Sweden. When it was revealed, it was surprising to everyone as the concept of luxury pick up truck had not crossed anyone’s mind earlier. But, it seems, Mercedes Benz has clearly studied the market and the product is clearly under advanced stages of development.

Now almost 7-8 months since it was revealed globally, the Mercedes Benz luxury pickup has been spotted a couple of times recently undergoing testing both on track and on non existent roads.

We expect the vehicle undergoing testing to be no different from the concept. Though the X class concept is actually based on Nissan Navara / Renault Alaskan, it should be more than just a luxurious version of those pickups. Mercedes will ensure the pickup truck with the three pointed star badge is worthy of it.

While the spy images of the pickup do not reveal much about the interiors,few peeks does reveal a dashboard layout similar to the one shown in the concept. The dashboard will feature a stand alone infotainment screen similar to the E-Class where it is optional and the S-Class where it is available as a standard feature.

While the question of whether the Mercedes Benz X-Class concept present a solid business proposition remains, the fact that the vehicle is not being developed from the ground up means that the cost of development would be greatly reduced and the support case rests there. A three pointed star badge too can easily throw around more weight and that should be the reason behind the brand waving green flag for the project.

When on sale, the Mercedes Benz X-Class should be available with either a front or an all wheel drive layout. A host of 4-cylinder engines should ensure ample power delivery. The top of the line version is again expected to be available with a 3.0 litre turbocharged diesel engine connected to the 4Matic setup. While an AMG version of the pickup is a bit too much of an asking, Mercedes can go till an extent of AMG inspired styling.

The pickup truck is expected to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year followed by sales around different parts of the world excluding US. The Mercedes Benz X-Class shall be built by Nissan in Spain and by Renault in Argentina.

[Credits: Motor1]