Mercedes-Benz just revealed the X-Class, its very first pickup truck model, with the aim of mixing traditional off-road capability and utility with high-end German engineering and refinement. The debut took place during a live stream event in Cape Town, South Africa, and lacked the flair and excitement we expected from such a high-profile reveal, although we did get to see Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz and mustache enthusiast, in a cowboy hat, so not all was lost. We’ve been following Mercedes' trail of breadcrumbs pretty closely in anticipation of the launch, but now we have solid details on everything from the interior tech, trim levels, powertrain, its on-sale date, and pricing.

Let’s tackle the oily bits first, shall we? Merc revealed a slew of engine options for the new X-Class, with both four-cylinder and six-cylinders on the table. The X-Class is rated at 1.1 tonne (2,425 pounds) for the payload and 3.5 tonne (7,716 pounds) for towing, and will come with either RWD or 4WD for traction. Both a six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic are available for the transmission options. Pricing will start at 37,000 euros ($49,455 at current exchange rates, 07/18/2017) with sales commencing in November in European markets. South Africa and Australia will get the X-Class in early 2018, while Argentina and Brazil must wait until the beginning of 2019. Want more? Read on for engine specs, trim level info, and interior tech details.

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About Those Engine Options…

The X-Class will launch with a selection of four-cylinders, starting with the gas-powered X 200, which will produce 164 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Up next is the diesel-powered X 220 d, making 161 horsepower and 297 pound-feet of torque. Then there’s the X 250 d, another oil-burner, producing 187 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes also announced that a range-topping V-6 diesel will be released later, and offer up 254 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, as well as permanent 4WD.

What About The Trim Levels And Interior?

Mercedes says it’ll offer three trim level variants, including Pure (the base model workhorse), Progressive (extra style and comfort on board), and Power (top of the line with lots of extras).

In terms of cabin tech, the X-Class will get the usual Merc-branded autonomous features, such as brake assist, lane keep assist, and traffic sign assist, while the cabin gets a standard stand-up infotainment screen on the dash. Customers will also have the option to access remote features using their smart device and the Mercedes Me platform, including vehicle location and door-to-door navigation.

And The Styling? How Does It Look?

For anyone familiar with the Concept X-Class that dropped last year, the production version shouldn’t be that big of a surprise. The same grille and fascia lines are present, complete with shiny trim, broad horizontal bars, and a four-door crew cab body style.

Is It Coming To The U.S.?

For now, Merc says the X-Class will only be sold overseas, but that could very well change in the future. The U.S. market is absolutely cutthroat when it comes to the pickup segment, so I can’t really blame Mercedes for testing the waters elsewhere first.

What do you think? Should Merc bring the X-Class stateside? Does it look appealing, or is this a big miss from Daimler? Let us know your opinions in the comments below, and make sure to check out our full written review coming soon.

References

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

Read our full review on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept.

Read our full review on the 2015 Nissan NP300 Navara.