New Mercedes ute perfect for tradies with cash to splash
MERCEDES-Benz has released a blue-chip option for blue-collar tradies.
Aussie plumbers, builders and electricians have developed expensive tastes in recent years, regularly spending more than $60,000 on work trucks.
The German brand has reacted by unveiling what it claims is the world’s first lux- ury ute, the X-Class. It’s so expensive, tradies will have to pay luxury car tax when it is launched here in early 2018.
Local Mercedes dealership Geelong City Motors says car enthusiasts here will have to wait until 2018 to get their hands on the new ute.
Dealership principal Tony Jennett said the unveiling was exciting.
“We think it has enormous potential in our local market,” he said. “It will possess all the strengths of a classic ute with the design and comfort of a Mercedes-Benz.”
The latest sales figures show utes are now the third-biggest vehicle category in Australia behind small cars and SUVs. On top of that, it’s the expensive versions in hot demand.
More than half of all Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger utes sold in Australia cost more than $60,000 — and both brands are struggling to keep up with demand.
The first Mercedes-Benz ute is expected to be priced beyond Australia’s Luxury Car Tax threshold (now $63,184).
The flagship of the fleet will be powered by a Mercedes 3.0litre turbo diesel V6 that will make it one of the most powerful utes in its class. But the more affordable four-cylinder turbo diesel versions will use Nissan Navara engines.
The Mercedes ute promises to be able to carry up to 1200kg and tow up to 3500kg.