No plans for new Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class won’t return for a second attempt at the ute market, after the original fell into the red and was axed following less than three years in showrooms.
Mercedes-Benz executives have poured cold water on the chances of a return of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute, after its first attempt at entering the double-cab pick-up market came to an end after less than three years.
The final example of the original Mercedes-Benz X-Class rolled off the production line in Spain in May 2020 amid slow global sales of the high-priced, Nissan Navara-derived ute.
Executives say there has not been a resurgence in demand for a Mercedes-badged ute to justify investing in another X-Class – possibly based on the next-generation Nissan Navara due late next year.
“So far we do not have any concrete plans into that one,” Marion Friese, global head of marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans, told Australian media when asked by Drive if there are plans to return to the dual-cab ute market – classed internationally as ‘mid-size pick-ups’.
“As always we keep an eye on our customers and potential customers as well, we will decide what we do. But for now there are no concrete plans.”
When pressed on whether customers are asking for a new X-Class, Ms Friese said: “They are not asking for a pick-up based on our current vehicles but as we have seen the pick-up segment is still a huge segment.
“Therefore I come back to what I have already said, we keep our ears at the world of the customers and see what the future will bring.”
Only about 15,300 examples of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class were reported as sold globally in 2019 – its first full year of sales – with 2126, or 14 per cent of those delivered in Australia.
Australia was among the biggest markets for the ute, alongside Germany, South Africa and the UK – though the global result means sales in each of these countries were modest.
The X-Class derived its underpinnings from the Nissan Navara, but added a stronger frame, unique bodywork, new interior and the exclusive option of a turbo-diesel V6 engine.
While the changes to create the Mercedes were significant, it was perceived by some buyers as being too close to the Nissan – and the Mercedes-exclusive V6 did not arrive until eight months after versions with the Nissan-designed four-cylinder engines launched.
Prices in 2019 topped out at $79,415 plus on-road costs for an X350d Power V6 flagship edition – the most expensive car in its class, about $3000 dearer than a Ford Ranger Raptor bi-turbo diesel and $6600 more expensive than a top-of-the-range Volkswagen Amarok V6.
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