New Mercedes-Benz X-Class Pickup May Actually Come To U.S. Soon

When Mercedes-Benz first revealed the X-Class pickup truck concept, it wasn't clear if the German automakers would sell its midsize pickup to the US. However, for months later, they changed their mind.

Division head, Volker Mornhinweg said that Mercedes-Benz Vans division is looking closely at growing demand in the United States for midsize pickups to see whether the is potential to launch the new model in the market. The company has created its first pick up, a Nissan-based model to be sold in Europe, South America, Australia and South America but has shied away from launching it in the U.S. They think that customers there have traditionally preferred full-size cars.

Mornhinweg said at a news conference on Friday that a recent shift in the United States back toward midsize vehicles is encouraging. He added, "In the past year the midsize truck market has come back a bit. General Motors is launching a midsized truck. We are watching developments very closely, and we will take a decision at the appropriate time."

U.S. sales of midsize pickups increased by 26 percent to nearly 450,000 in 2016. Honda Motor Co., GM, and Toyota Motor Corp have revealed redesigned or all-new pickups in the segment, and Ford already has plans to bring back the Ranger later this decade. Mercedes is not the first luxury brand to sell a pickup in the U.S. Lincoln, and Cadillac has offered luxury full-size pickups on and off since the 1990s.

Mornhinweg also said that a new U.S. production site would be considered to build the future pickups for the North American market, which would exclude the Mercedes X-Class from the 25 percent border tax on imported trucks. Plans for the Nissan Navara-based truck will be built in Argentina and Spain.

The V-6 powered premium pickup truck is anticipated to be capable of hauling a payload of more than 2,400 pounds and can tow more than 7,700 pounds. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class debuted last October and arrived in two different versions. The Stylish Explorer model focuses on a lifestyle complement, along with creature comfort to the fore. While the Powerful Adventurer model focuses on utility, a greater capability and looks to match.