Mercedes-Benz launched what it is calling the world's first premium Ute - the X-Class in Cape Town, South Africa this week.
It's the first Ute from a premium vehicle manufacturer and the motor company is hailing it as 'pick up meets lifestyle'. The X-Class can be used as a rugged, all-terrain pickup but also as a vehicle for urban lifestyles and families. The press release states: 'The X-Class pushes the boundaries of the classic pickup. It complements the prized strengths of a mid-size pickup with the typical Mercedes-Benz characteristics of driving dynamics, comfort, design, safety, connectivity and an extensive scope for individualisation. With this Mercedes-Benz meets the changing customer requirements and opens up the segment to new customer groups. There are three design and equipment variants to choose from as well as four or six-cylinder engines, rear-wheel drive and engageable or permanent all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition there are six different seat covers, including two leather variants, three sets of cockpit trim parts and a diverse range of accessories developed by Mercedes-Benz. These allow the X-Class to be modified to suit personal tastes and requirements like no other pickup, both visually and in terms of functionality. The market launch in Europe is scheduled for November 2017. At the beginning of 2018 South Africa, Australia and New Zealand will follow, beginning of 2019 Argentina and Brazil.'
According to this week's Go Auto News the company has big plans for the X-Class down under. Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand managing director Diane Tarr told Go Auto News: “We have big ambitions for the X-Class,” she said. “As you can understand we can’t give you specific numbers, but it is our intention to be a decent player in that space. For us, we are also setting a … new category, by introducing a real premium ute into that segment and let’s see how that stimulates interest and demand for all of us in that space.”