GERMAN car maker Mercedes-Benz has entered the highly competitive ute market, unveiling its much anticipated luxury X-Class in South Africa overnight.
Europe will be the first to get the new model from November, with Australia and South Africa to get the X-Class from early next year, followed by Argentina and Brazil in 2019.
Managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand, Dianne Tarr said there is already plenty of interest in the X-Class.
“The high level of interest and anticipation in the lead up to revealing the new X-Class has been a reflection of just how ingrained dual-cab utes are in both the Australian and New Zealand culture,” she said.
“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.”
The X-Class will be available in three variants: the Pure, Progressive and Power, with options for four or six cylinder engines, six-speed manual or seven-speed auto transmission and permanent or part time all-wheel drive systems.
The Pure model is positioned as the workhorse of the range while still boasting comfort, while the Progressive model targets those after more comfort. The Power edition is the top of the line and is aimed more at the urban customer.
