£37k is price for Mercedes’ posh pick-up

Rugged styling and 4x4 ability will give the X-Class all-terrain ability and those features will be enhanced with a permanent fourwheel-drive variant arriving next year.

A long wheelbase of 3,150mm results in a load bed length of 1,587 and Mercedes says the cargo area is big enough to transport 50 barrels of beer.

Three trim levels – Pure, Performance and Power – will be offered with the latter aimed more at the lifestyle market.

The trend for targeting the posh end of the truck market will also see the X-Class being offered with leather trim and upholstery with plenty of add ons including styling bars, side rails and load canopies.

Independent suspension at the front and coil springs all round are designed to give the X-Class good performance and ride under all conditions and the vehicle will be fitted with the likes of Mercedes’ safety systems such as Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, among others.

Options will include the Mercedes COMAND infotainment and connectivity systems and the top range X-Class will come with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a multi-mode drive programme.

“The segment for mid-size pick-ups is ripe for a premium vehicle,” said Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Mercedes. “With the X-Class we will open up this segment to new customer groups, just as we redefined the off-road segment with the M-Class more than 20 years ago.

“Our pick up convinces as a workhorse, yet also as a family and lifestyle vehicle. In short, The X-Class is the Mercedes among pick-ups.”