The Mercedes X-Class pickup hits the market in Europe this year.

THREE VERSIONS OF THE MERCEDES TRUCK ARE HEADING FOR EUROPE, SOUTH AFRICA, LATIN AMERICA AND AUSTRALIA

Mercedes-Benz introduced its new X-Class pickup truck on Tuesday in Cape Town, South Africa. The non-U.S.-bound luxury pickup will see duty in Europe, Latin America, South Africa and Australia and will sticker for about $43,000, converted from euros.

The X-Class will come in three basic trims: Pure, Progressive and Power. Pure is for “rugged, functional use” says Mercedes, while the Progressive trim is for buyers who want more styling and comfort. Power is the top level “for whom styling, performance and comfort are paramount.” Small and large cab versions are offered, and Mercedes showed one with a cap on the back and one with light bars.

Payload is rated at 2,425 pounds and towing comes in at about 7,700 pounds. Its wheelbase and length are about the same as a small Chevrolet Silverado.

The Mercedes X-Class will be offered with one of two 2.3-liter, four-cylinders or a V6 (all diesels) while a few markets will just get a small gasoline engine. Power ranges from 163 hp in the four to 254 hp in the V6. Max torque in the diesel V6 is rated at 405 lb-ft.

Rear-wheel drive is standard; selectable or permanent 4Matic four-wheel drive is optional, as is a differential lock. A seven-speed automatic will transfer power on all trim levels.

Other notable stats including a fording depth of 23.6 inches, about 8 inches of ground clearance and 28.8 and 23.8 degrees of approach and departure angles, respectively.

“We are keeping a close eye on the U.S. market,” Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes Vans, said in an emailed statement. No decision has been taken. “We are evaluating the conditions for such a move,” he said.

Like all Mercedes models, the X-Class will get adjustable driving modes for comfort, sport and eco. It uses coil springs at the front and rear; a double wishbone setup in front and a multilink solid axle in back.

The rest of the pickup, it seems, will feel a lot like a Mercedes. The X will feature the “Comand” infotainment system, choices of (man-made) leather or microfiber, a ton of safety features, 360-degree cameras and smartphone integration.

The launch begins in November 2017 in Europe. South Africa and Australia will follow at the beginning of 2018, as well as Argentina and Brazil at the beginning of 2019.

Source: Autoweek