Watch Live as Mercedes Launches the X-Class Pickup Today

TopSpeed

By Mark McNabb

Published Jul 18, 2017

The highly anticipated truck debuts at 1:14 P.M. Eastern

The wait is finally over as Mercedes-Benz prepares to debut its all-new X-Class today at 1:14 P.M. Easter time. The X-Class is Mercedes’ first foray into the pickup truck market – a segment dominated by industry stalwarts like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Amarok. Mercedes definitely has plenty to prove, but we should have a clear understanding this afternoon of how serious Mercedes is with dominating the segment. We’ve included the link to watch the live debut on YouTube, so stick around for that. In the mean time, let’s look at what we know about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

The mid-size, consumer pickup segment is completely new for Mercedes, however, the German automaker isn’t alone in its endeavor. Mercedes partnered with Renault-Nissan in developing the X-Class, aided by Nissan’s long history with building metric-tonne pickups. In fact, the X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara NP300. But don’t expect warmed-up Navara leftovers with a three-pointed star tacked on. Mercedes says the X-Class has been groomed specifically for its luxury-minded clients. Changes include Mercedes-built powertrains, upgraded suspension components, unique bodywork, and a wholly Mercedes cabin inside. It’s doubtful even the simplest switches and buttons are borrowed from Nissan. Nevertheless, the X-Class benefits from the Navara’s fully boxed ladder frame, body structure, and five-link rear suspension – all of which are proven. Combine that with a high-end interior (hopefully with E-Class styling), and the X-Class should be a huge success. Sadly, Mercedes is not bringing the X-Class to North America – at least right now. Corporate bigwigs are still unsure about tackling the ultra-competitive American pickup market. Hopefully, that changes with Ford’s launch of the U.S.-spec Ranger in 2019.

Continue reading for more on the Mercedes X-Class.

Watch Live

TopSpeed’s Rendering

Last year we published this rendering of the Mercedes X-Class. We based its design on spy shots, rumors, and speculation. We were a bit bummed when Mercedes debuted its X-Class concepts trucks in October of 2016, seeing as they looked nothing like what our insider information led us to believe. However, hope was fully regained when Mercedes released its X-Class teaser video July 5, 2017, on YouTube. As we detailed in our Rendering VS Reality article, our interpretation of the Mercedes pickup appears to be spot-on. We will know for sure come this afternoon.

So, are you excited about the 2018 Mercedes X-Class? Do you want Mercedes to sell it within North America? Let us know in the comments below.