Mercedes has apparently set a date for the global unveiling of its highly-anticipated ute, with the unconfirmed moniker of ‘GLT’ or ‘X-Class’.
French network TF1 is reporting that Mercedes’s first ute is set for its official debut at an invite-only presentation on October 25. It’s said it will again be on show for the general public in Sao Paulo, Brazil, between November 10-20, with deliveries slated to commence sometime in 2017.
The GLT is the end result of a collaboration between Daimler and Renault-Nissan, with the ute borrowing its platform and chassis underpinning both the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan ute (pictured).
In terms of engines, they could be either carried over from Nissan and Renault’s existing powertrain lineup, which includes a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel producing 141kW/450Nm, 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and top-of-the-line 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel producing 190kW and 620Nm. Or, Mercedes may implant its own units.
Mercedes has confirmed the GLT or Class X will be available in Europe, South Africa, Latin America and Australian markets, while leaving North American buyers in the dark as to whether it will enter its fiercely-competitive pick-up segment.
When it arrives in Australia, it’ll be competing with the likes of the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, VW Amarok and close relative, the Nissan Navara.
