Fresh details about Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming dual-cab ute seem to have emerged, expected to be called either the X-Class or Z-Class.
Comprehensive details are rumoured to have been revealed at a private event, including engines, range structure, design details and pricing estimates.
Although it is well known the Mercedes ute will use the Navara NP300 as a basis, there will be significant differentiation for the premium marque’s version.
Dual-cab only is expected, with three model variants; a base ‘workmate’ style priced from around $40,000-$50,000, a mid-spec priced from around $60,000, with the flagship ‘lifestyle’ variant expected to start at around the $80,000 mark.
A range of diesel engines have been cited as the source of motivation, with no petrol donks believed to be in the works. The base model and mid-spec is said to share the Navara’s 2.3-litre 140kW/450Nm four-cylinder, with a similar 3000kg towing capacity.
The top of the range engine is mooted to be a six-cylinder, producing about 190kW and 550Nm. Whether this is a V6 or Mercedes’s upcoming OM654 inline-six remains to be seen. A straight six diesel would be a major point of difference in the segment. This variant is expected to offer at least a 3500kg towing capacity.
Rear- and four-wheel drive options are likely, while the interior is set to be similar in layout to the B-Class, including its floating infotainment screen.
At this stage there isn’t any word of a dedicated AMG model coming, and it doesn’t seem likely at any point given the heavy-duty nature of the vehicle. However, AMG does produce the G 63 AMG wagon so we guess nothing is impossible. AMG is likely to offer a range of personalisation trimmings though.
The Mercedes-Benz ute will arrive some time in 2018. What do you think, would you like to see an AMG workhorse?
A link to the origin article, for those interested: http://www.caradvice.com.au/410635/2019-mercedes-benz-x-class-z-class-ute-details-emerge/