Do you find surprising that Mercedes doesn’t seem to offer a pickup truck in their vehicle lineup? As we mostly associate the manufacturer with luxury cars, you may think it would be inappropriate for Mercedes to produce a utilitarian vehicle. However, it still seems strange not seeing them trying to take a chunk of this huge and lucrative market segment. Besides, they have extensive and successful experience with SUVs and crossovers, which are not that different from pickup trucks. After visiting their websites or authorized dealers, you will find out that, against all odds, the manufacturer actually offers a couple of such models. This may come as a surprise, as it's pretty likely that you have seen none of them, yet.
Are you asking yourself how a reputable manufacturer like Mercedes can be so off track? In this article, we will go through their pickup truck offerings and discover what makes them so unique. Furthermore, we will also examine in detail why they don’t sell in high numbers as some other models do.
The X-class
At this time, Mercedes offers a pickup truck named the X-class. It has been under production since early 2017. According to them, this mid-sized vehicle is the first true premium pickup truck in the world specifically targeted at high-end buyers. If we consider the size and overall characteristics, the major competitors here are vehicles such as the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma. When compared to them, the X-class offers similar load and hauling capabilities but really takes the luxury-aspect to the next level.
The front end features a sleek and elegant design that incorporates details similar to other models across the range. This approach extends to the interior, with a futuristic dashboard and comfortable leather seats being just a part of the equation. Solutions like a digital instrument cluster or high-tech infotainment system round up this unique offer.
Under the skin, this pickup truck uses a traditional body-on-frame structure. This gives it decent structural integrity and durability. Engine range covers one four-cylinder gasoline engine and several diesel engines, available as a pair of four-cylinder or a powerful V6 unit. Trucks with smaller engines come with an optional 6-speed manual transmission. More powerful variants use a 7-speed automatic. In most cases, the X-class comes with a well-proven 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive system that distributes the power between the rear and front axle.
Were there any other Mercedes pickup trucks in the past?
While the X-class is the only current Mercedes’ representative in this class, it's not the first one. Back in 2013, their performance AMG department took a seasoned and popular G-Wagen and converted it into a pickup truck. During this process, they’ve taken this military-grade vehicle to a whole new level of luxury and off-road capabilities. The resulting Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 was so unique that there was nothing similar to it on the market.
The most notable thing about this truck is that it has six wheels, with two in front and four in the back. Unlike ordinary trucks that use solid axles, this one has a pair of portal axles. This is a special drivetrain that allows increased ground clearance. This reduces the chances of bottoming out at tough terrains and improves overall off-road capabilities. And the wheels connected to a superior 6x6 system that sends the engine power where you need it the most.
While the original military vehicle has a diesel engine under the hood, this one uses a brutal twin-turbo V8 unit. This powerhouse can deliver loads of torque, which is crucial for hauling the big four-seater’s considerable curb weight. The power goes to the wheels through a 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic, mated to a low-range box and five electronic differential locks. With such power and traction combined with formidable ground clearance, this pickup truck is unstoppable on any terrain.
Inside, the G63 6x6 is similar to any other G-Wagen, with a familiar upright driving position and a steep windscreen. The major difference is the additional rear legroom, thanks to a longer cabin. Of course, leather and finest materials combined with all imaginable creature comforts are the norms in vehicles like this.
Why are these pickup trucks so rare?
There is a chance you have never seen these vehicles in your life, and there is a reason for it. For a start, six-wheeled G63 AMG was more of a showcase project than it was a production vehicle. The prime purpose of this car was to show how much power and luxury Mercedes can put into a pickup truck. Because of its unique properties and a hefty price tag that comes with it, this truck never sold in vast numbers. Mercedes built it based only on individual orders, and ended up making approximately one hundred of these pickups.
The X-class is the first attempt from Mercedes to create a mass-produced lifestyle pickup truck. However, you will not find it in the US, as they have decided not to sell it in North America. This is a vehicle that aims at specific markets like South Africa or Australia, where they have become very popular. Still, global sales don’t match what Mercedes expected of it. The main reason hides under the skin. Look closer and you will see that the X-class is actually a redesigned Nissan Navara. You may also know it as a Nissan Frontier in America. Besides sharing the same four-cylinder diesel engines and ladder frame, these cars use an identical running gear. Mercedes did an excellent job of hiding this on the outside, with only taillights and rear passenger doors being similar.
Although sharing structure with a well-proven truck like the Navara should be an upside, it seems to put off some potential buyers. Loyal Mercedes fans can’t chew the fact that this is just a Nissan with a three-pointed star logo on it after all. On the other hand, more rational buyers will just go for the Navara instead, which is far cheaper. Because of this, Mercedes is considering stopping the X-class production, despite being a relatively fresh vehicle.
In a word
As you have seen in this article, Mercedes had two serious attempts at the pickup truck market. The first one was the Mercedes AMG G63 6x6, a unique six-wheeler that showcased many extreme engineering solutions. Being so exotic and expensive, it only sold in limited numbers.
The current X-class is a far more conventional pickup truck, which tries to find its spot in a mid-size pickup segment. According to Mercedes, this Nissan-based vehicle is the first true premium pickup truck in the world. This is a truck that aims at high-end buyers. Although not available in North America, it became popular in markets like South Africa or Australia.