In 2017 Mecedes-Benz decided to enter the pickup truck market with the X-Class. However, the X-Class wasn't a true Mercedes under the shell, but a modified third-generation Nissan Frontier, also known as the Navara in other markets. Mercedes' concept was to offer a more premium truck in terms of looks and equipment, but it seems that it didn't go really well. After only two years on the market, the X-Class was discontinued. But a new report claims that the German truck will actually live on as Nissan wants to use the modifications that Mercedes made to the platform on the next-generation Frontier.

The next-gen Nissan Frontier will carry over Mercedes X-Class updates

A report from Autoblog Argentina claims that Nissan will adopt some of the modifications that Mercedes-Benz made to the outgoing Frontier platform for the X-Class.

These include structural reinforcements for improved chassis strength and driving dynamics that made the X-Class a bit sportier and more comfortable than the Frontier. Yes, this also means that the new-generation Frontier won't be a redesigned truck, but a more extensive upgrade.

Nissan is now in the middle of a big restructuring plan that includes 12 new models over the next 18 months, so the Japanese firm wants to lower costs and raise profits in order to fund the new vehicles.

The Frontier is also part of the new lineup, but it's one of those vehicles that needs to remain relatively cheap to produce.

The 3.8-liter V-6 and the nine-speed gearbox will definitely remain in place. The latest teaser suggests that the front fascia will look notably more modern and different than the outgoing truck.

The current Frontier was introduced in 2014, so it's already six years old as of 2020. This means that the new truck should break cover by the end of 2021. Although Mercedes-Benz won't offer a new X-Class, the redesigned Frontier will spawn a new version of the Renault Alaskan.