Kiwis will get the chance to drive away from their local Mercedes-Benz (van & commercial) dealership in a brand new X-class ute early in 2018.

That was the message from the glitzy global launch of the all-new Nissan-based turbo-diesel double cab  model in South Africa in July.

There,  Mercedes-Benz Vans announced that the new X-Class  will launch in Europe in November this year with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to follow early in 2018, as well as Argentina and Brazil at the beginning of 2019.

Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand, Diane Tarr, said, “The high level of interest and anticipation in the lead up to revealing the new X-Class has been a reflection of just how engrained dual cab utes are in both the Australian and New Zealand culture.

“The fact is we love utes and we are showing a desire to incorporate this type of vehicle into our lives in more ways than we did in the past. Not just for work, but also increasingly for private use.

“The new X-Class finds the perfect balance between the stylish design expected of a Mercedes-Benz and the uncompromising robustness and functionality demanded of the category.

“As a result, with the X-Class, we can effectively provide a solution for trade and fleet customers, and we will find out just how far this category can evolve for private customers who need the vehicle to support their lifestyle.”

There are three design and equipment variants to choose from as well as four or six-cylinder engines, rear-wheel drive and engageable or permanent all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
 

Like the Navara on which it is heavily based, the X-Class is built round a ladder-type frame, with a multi-link live rear axle, independent double wishbone front suspension and coil springs on both axles.

The X-Class will be available in three model variants to suit different lifestyles and work environments:

• The basic X-Class PURE "workhorse".

• The X-Class PROGRESSIVE aimed at people seeking a rugged ute with extra styling and comfort functions for business and/or private use.

• The X-Class POWER, a lifestyle vehicle suitable for urban environments as well as for sports and leisure activities off the beaten track.

Pricing will be announced later this year.

To read every story in the September 2017 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (August 18) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.