Mercedes pick-up to be focused on both work and play

The Mercedes-Benz pick-up truck (based on the Nissan NP300 Navara) that could either be known as the X-Class or Z-Class, will come in both work-focussed and lifestyle-based forms, CarAdvice reports.

“It will have versions that are more towards the commercial side of it and versions that are more for the individual passenger-car-like-use,” said Ola Kallenius, member of the board of management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars marketing and sales. He added, “you will have a spread from a more commercial vehicle-oriented version of it, to something that is more for the individual, yes.”

The pick-up truck will be developed by Mercedes-Benz’s van division but for markets like Australia, it will be distributed through (passenger car) dealerships, according to Kallenius. It will sport all the distinctive features of a Merc, including luxury finishes and high quality, while an AMG Line will likely be available too.

Mercedes-AMG CEO, Tobias Moers previously said, “so far we had a discussion about the package – a wheel package, a ‘line’ package, cosmetics, so to speak. We then had a more precise conversation about doing an AMG out of that car. And so far is there is no plan to do it.”

This means an AMG version – either a 43 Sport or a 63 AMG with a V8 is not likely, due to zero market potential. “I think that the market potential is not there. And then regarding the complicated, or pretty challenging project structure, together with Nissan and all that – no. Never say never, but at the moment, no,” Moers explained.

Meanwhile, Kallenius also added, “I wouldn’t say that it’s on top of the list for an AMG, because the pick-up segment is not necessarily associated with hardcore, on-track performance cars. That’s unlikely.”

As for markets, Mercedes-Benz is looking to send the truck into South America, Africa, Australia and parts of Europe. It won’t be introduced in the US as the vehicle is “too small” to be deemed fit for the market. On that note, Kallenius declined to go into the finer details of the vehicle, but he explained that the model will follow the brand’s philosophy on safety.

“If you’re talking about the SUVs, we certainly have the same standard with the SUVs as we have in passenger cars,” he said. An official introduction can be expected in 2019, but before that, a sneak peek within the next 12 to 18 months is a possibility.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz X-Class spyshots

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.