Mercedes bakkie a premium pick-me-up
MERCEDES-Benz this week unveiled its new bakkie which is headed for South Africa. Shown to the world’s media in Stockholm on Tuesday, the Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class is the first outlook of the new pickup bearing the three-pointed star.
It will be launched in late 2017 under the name Mercedes-Benz X-Class. Besides South Africa, the key markets will be Argentina, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
The bakkie comes in two variants – the “Stylish Explorer” and the “Powerful Adventurer”. The two are united by a powerful engine, high ride comfort and exemplary safety, making the concept the first true premium pickup, says the German company.
“Our future X-Class will be a pick-up that knows no compromise,” head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volker Mornhinweg, said. “Ladder-type frame, high-torque six-cylinder engine and permanent all-wheel drive are compulsory for us.
“As an added value we bring safety, comfort, agility and expressive design,” Mornhinweg said.
Vice-president of Mercedes-Benz Vans SA Nicolette Lambrechts, who attended the launch of the two concept vehicles in Stockholm, said: “We are confident the X-Class will make its mark on the South African landscape once it is launched.”
The top-of-the-line model will be powered by a V6 diesel in combination with 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive.
The all-wheel-drive system will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear and two differential locks.
The traction system and the electrically operated on-demand differential locks channel the power to where traction is best. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential and the inter-axle differential can be locked. This will make it possible to safely master difficult obstacles and inclines.
The powerful drive system and the tough ladder-type frame will make a payload of more than 1.1 ton and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons possible.
The launch of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class in Europe will begin in late 2017.
The pickup will be manufactured in a production co-operation with the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Production for the European, Australian and South African markets will start at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain next year.