Mercedes Rumored To Unveil Its Truck On October 25

TopSpeed

By Mark McNabb

Published Oct 18, 2016

But will it come to the U.S.?

Rumors are swirling that Mercedes will debut its long-awaited pickup on October 25. Soon after on November 10, the truck is said to make its world premiere in São Paulo in Brazil. The very unofficial word comes from the French website FT1, which says it has information confirming the dates. A usual for automakers, Mercedes has been silent on the topic.

Still unknown is if Mercedes will bring the pickup to the United States. The truck, rumored to be called the GLT or X-Class, would find itself in a growing segment that includes the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, and upcoming Ford Ranger. The Mercedes would likely be the most luxurious of the bunch.

The U.S.-spec GLT would be a different truck than its global counterparts. Oversees, the truck would be a utilitarian tool like its global-spec counterparts, the Toyota Hilux., Chevy Colorado, and Ford Ranger. Stateside, the GLT would likely offer more standard features like leather seats, Mercedes current infotainment system, and the full suite of active and passive safety features.

Powertrain options will be numerous, with specific markets getting different engine choices. Mercedes is likely to use the 2.0-liter turbodiesel from currently powering the Metris van. The four-cylinder makes 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic transmission would do the shifting.

Of course, the most solid information regarding the GLT is its shared platform with the next-generation Nissan Navara. Mercedes has partnered with Renault-Nissan in order to cut development costs while increasing engineering power. Mercedes has confirmed the GLT will get its own unique styling and suspension tuning. The GLT will also be wider than the Navara.

At this point, rumors and speculation are all we’ve got to go on besides the little Mercedes has confirmed. Hopefully that changes October 25, so stay tuned to TopSpeed for more information.

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Why it matters

This marks the first time Mercedes has entered the mid-size pickup market, so the hype surrounding the truck is huge. The truck’s purpose is to help the German automaker expand its commercial vehicle lineup in place South American, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Here in North America, Mercedes would have to play a different card, option to make the GLT more of a luxury truck designed to attract upscale buyers to the pickup segment.

We will definitely be watching Mercedes’ next moves over the coming months for official word on this long-awaited pickup.