Mercedes X Class Concept - Press Release

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany
Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz Vans expands product range
Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS –
First outlookon the new pickup bearing the three-pointedstar
• Product range expansion for sustainable global growth
• Market launch in late 2017
• Key markets Europe, Latin America, South Africa, and Australia
• Investments in the high nine figures
• Two design variants, one message: the first true premium pickup
• The X-Class: powerful engine, high ride comfort, and exemplary safety
Stockholm/Stuttgart – With the Concept X-CLASS, Mercedes-Benz Vans
gives a concrete outlook on its new pickup, the X-Class, in Stockholm.
The
first premium pickup will combine the best of two worlds. This is
demonstrated impressively by Mercedes-Benz with two design variants of
the concept car. The Concept X-CLASS powerful adventurer illustrates
that the future X-Class will possess all the strengths of a classic pickup –
tough, functional, strong, and with off-road capability. The Concept X-
CLASS stylish explorer goes a step further and shows what will
distinguish the pickup bearing the Mercedes
star. The X-Class will be a true Mercedes from the hallmark brand design
and comfort to the driving dynamics and safety. This will make Mercedes-
Benz the first premium manufacturer to account for the changing
customer requirements in the global segment of mid-size pickups, and it
will make
the tough one-ton pickup with seating for up to five persons the first to be
attractive as an urban lifestyle and family vehicle.
With the pickup, Mercedes-Benz Vans will expand its product range with
a fourth model series. At the same time, the brand bearing the three-
pointed
Press Information
25 October 2016

Page 2star will become the first premium manufacturer to occupy the promising
segment of mid-size pickups. Daimler AG will make investments in the
high nine figures (euro) in the new model series by the time of the market
launch.
It will be launched in late 2017 under the name Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
The key markets will be Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia with
New Zealand, and Europe.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of
Mercedes-Benz Cars: "With the Mercedes-Benz pickup, we will close one
of
the last gaps in our portfolio. Our target: we want to offer customers
vehicles matching their specific needs. The X-Class will set new
standards in a growing segment."
"We will open up and change the segment of mid-size pickups – with the
world's first true premium pickup for the modern urban lifestyle", says
Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. "Our future X-Class
will be a pickup that knows no compromise. Ladder-type frame, high-
torque six-cylinder engine, and permanent all-wheel drive are compulsory
for us. As an added value we bring safety, comfort, agility, and expressive
design – in other words, everything that distinguishes vehicles bearing the
Mercedes star. We will thus appeal to new customers who have not
considered owning a pickup before."
Changing segment: Mercedes-Benz first premium manufacturer of a
pickup
Worldwide the market for mid-size pickups is undergoing a radical
change. Gone are the days when they were bought as mere
"workhorses". Instead, they are becoming increasingly popular as
versatile vehicles for a simultaneous private and commercial use and as
vehicles for a strictly private use. The percentage of privately used
pickups has been growing steadily for years. Accordingly, the double cab
has emerged as the dominating body style, because it offers room for up
to five persons. More and more private and commercial customers ask for
vehicles with the characteristics and comfort features of a passenger car.
A similar development took place in the segment
of off-road vehicles some 20 years ago. Back then, Mercedes-Benz was
the first premium manufacturer to launch a sport utility vehicle (SUV), the

Page 3M-Class, and completely redefined the off-road segment – with lasting
success.
"The Concept X-CLASS design variants interpret the hallmark brand
design idiom of our SUVs in a most expressive form, and embody the
dichotomy of
our design philosophy: they are hot and cool", says Gorden Wagener,
Head of Design at Daimler AG. "With its progressive design the
powerful adventurer expresses cool modernity and thirst for adventure,
while the stylish explorer on the other hand uses pure emotion to provide
a tangible experience of modern beauty."
Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer: progressive design with SUV
looks
The Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer, painted in a cool elegant white
metallic, impressively demonstrates how the Mercedes-Benz pickup will
make a decidedly stylish statement in its segment and in the urban
environment.
The contrast of emotionally appealing and yet purist surface treatment
("hot") and technically precise, innovative and clever details ("cool")
reinterprets the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The athletic design
lends the concept
car a markedly expressive and dynamic appearance. The distinctive front
represents an evolution of the hallmark SUV face of the brand – with a
more massive powerdome on the bonnet and headlamps extending far
into the wings. The classic SUV front apron and the strongly flared wheel
arches put even more emphasis on the sense of width, and give the
vehicle an even more solid stance on the road. At the same time, the front
cites the single-louvre grille with centrally positioned Mercedes star, the
face of the elegant
Mercedes-Benz coupés.
The flared front and rear wings make room for a wide track and large
tyre/wheel combinations for tough off-road use. 22-inch light-alloy wheels
with a contrasting anthracite chrome finish give the Concept X-CLASS
stylish explorer a towering and superior stance. The running boards are
integrated into the bodywork and emphasise the athletically sculpted
body. Depending on the angle of the incoming light, the paintwork
developed specifically for this concept car lends the urban pickup a look

Page 4that gives
the athletic profile even more emotional appeal.
The extremely short front overhang, the very long rear overhang and two
long lines stretching along the side amplify the focus placed on driving
dynamics. The rear of both concept cars sports the hallmark chromed
SUV trim at the lower edge, and, as a distinctive feature, a continuous
LED light strip in a slim chrome surround on the tailgate. It points to the
unique character of the future pickup.

Page 5Stylish interior with a high level of operating and display comfort
The interior of the Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer is an equally
emotional and stylish statement – characterised by an intriguing contrast
of warm and cool colours, as well as by high-quality materials. The world
of colours and materials translates the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy
of sensual purity. The sensual touch and feel of the brown, very natural
nubuck leather on the seats provides a cosy feel. This warm colour, which
is also found on the dashboard, is combined with cool white nappa
leather. The trim made of
open-pore smoked oak contrasts with the brushed and polished
aluminium trim elements. The world of modern luxury is realised in a
highly stylish fashion.
The modern flair is further boosted by round air vents, the free-standing
high-resolution central display as well as the central controller and
multifunctional touchpad. Similar to a smartphone, all telematics functions
can be controlled with the touchpad by using gestures or by entering
letters and characters. Mercedes-Benz thus introduces the most modern
control and display concept in the segment of mid-size pickups. At the
same time, the characteristics and functionalities typical in the pickup
segment have been retained, such as the handbrake in the centre
console.
Concept X-CLASS powerful adventurer: the redefinition of
toughness
Complementing the Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer, the second
concept car focuses on the classic traits of a pickup. The Concept X-
CLASS powerful adventurer with a lemonax metallic paint finish stages
toughness, durability, and off-road capability. As a result, it impressively
underscores
the fact that the future Mercedes-Benz pickup will combine comfort and
style with the basic virtues of this vehicle category.
The Concept X-CLASS powerful adventurer towers above it all with a
height of 1.90 metres. Large tyres of size 35x11.50, the huge ground
clearance, and the athletic design instil respect even at first glance. The
brand's hallmark SUV radiator grille with two louvres, front and rear
underride guard, wing claddings, and matte carbon wheel arches

Page 6additionally underscore the superior off-road aesthetics. An electric winch
at the front and a metal hook at the rear are further indications of the
toughness and power of the future pickup.
With its progressive design the concept car exudes independence and
thirst
for adventure in their purest forms. This feel continues in the interior.
Matte carbon elements in the exterior and interior, metallic brushed
surfaces, and a bold colour scheme lend the vehicle a sense of power.
The lemonax metallic exterior paint finish is perfectly tailored to the
interior colour highlights. The colour and material concept underscores
the outdoor look with glossy black nappa leather and the use of carbon-
style black embossed leather surfaces. To ensure the seats provide
lateral support in all handling situations and in any terrain, the seat side
bolsters are trimmed with black leather that offers extremely good grip
and has a pleasantly soft touch and feel.
The X-Class: powerful engine, high ride comfort, and exemplary
safety
As is the norm for Mercedes-Benz, customers of the X-Class will be able
to choose from different equipment scopes to customise the exterior and
interior. In addition, the premium brand will develop a special range of
accessories for the pickup, for example bed covers and various styling
elements. Thanks to
the tried and proven modular strategy, a host of interior components that
customers know and appreciate from the C-Class and V-Class will be
found
in the X-Class – from the perfectly finished high-quality materials and the
infotainment system to the ergonomic seating comfort. As a result, the
pickup will offer the "welcome home" feeling typical of the brand, and
define a new level of comfort and value appeal in the segment of mid-size
pickups.
The X-Class will also set new standards in the segment with regard to
connected life. Thanks to the communication module with on-board SIM
card,
it will be possible to use the extensive Mercedes me connect services.
Drivers can connect with their pickup by smartphone, tablet or PC at any
time and from anywhere. For example, to send navigation destinations to

Page 7the vehicle or query where the pickup is parked and how much fuel is in
the tank. In addition to these optional remote online services, standard
services such as accident recovery, maintenance management and
breakdown management will also be available.
Variety will likewise distinguish the engine range. The top-of-the-line
model will be powered by a V6 diesel in combination with 4MATIC
permanent all-wheel drive. The high-torque engine will provide high
driving dynamics on the road and off the road. The all-wheel-drive system
will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction
gear, and two differential locks. The traction system and the electrically
operated on-demand differential locks channel the power to where
traction is best. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential
and the inter-axle differential can be locked. This will make it possible to
safely master difficult obstacles and inclines.
The powerful drive system and the tough ladder-type frame will make a
payload of more than 1.1 ton and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons
possible. Enough power for transporting some four cubic metres of
firewood on the pickup bed and a sail boat hooked up to the trailer
coupling, for example. At the same time, the specially constructed
suspension with wide axles, a five-link rear axle with coil springs, and a
precisely calibrated spring/damper set-up will ensure a high ride comfort –
on the road and off the road. The pickup bearing the three-pointed star
will impress with precise steering, a comfortable ride, and agile cornering.
It will absorb bumps in a superior fashion, making it a perfect fit for the
urban environment.
Like all Mercedes vehicles, the pickup will be distinguished by exemplary
safety. Modern driver assistance systems based on cameras, radar and
ultrasound sensors will support and relieve the driver in many situations,
and in so doing equally enhance safety and comfort. A host of assistance
systems will already come as standard.
The Mercedes among pickups: focus on five customer groups
The X-Class will combine the strengths of a pickup with the value appeal,
comfort, driving fun, and safety that distinguish the vehicles bearing the
Mercedes star. As a result, the Mercedes-Benz pickup will bridge the gap
between commercial and private and between urban and rural use. It will

Page 8consequently appeal not only to pickup owners wishing for more car-like
characteristics, performance, safety, and comfort, but also and above all
to people who drive a passenger car, SUV or van. Extensive market
research studies conducted by Mercedes-Benz with potential customers
in the target markets bear this out.
Mid-size pickups currently have the largest share of the total vehicle
market in Australia with 14.1 percent. Argentina comes close behind with
11.6 percent. This means that in these countries, one out of every eight
registered vehicles is a pickup in the one-ton category. In Brazil, mid-size
pickups have a share of almost five percent of the total vehicle market.
That figure is 0.5 percent in Germany, 1.3 percent in Great Britain,
1.4 percent in Turkey, and 0.8 percent in Russia.
Based on its market research studies, Mercedes-Benz has identified five
customer groups for the X-Class, which are of different relevance in the
individual countries.
One important target group is constituted by families with an active
lifestyle and an affinity to premium products. They use the pickup mostly
for commuting to work, for shopping, taking the kids to school or sports
activities, for weekend trips, and vacation. The key markets are Brazil,
Argentina, Australia, and South Africa.
Another target group for the X-Class are successful adventurers, who live
in an urban environment and participate in outdoor sports such as skiing
or riding jet skis, or have their own boat. They need a comfortable
premium vehicle for everyday use that at the same time offers sufficient
cargo space and towing capacity for their recreational equipment. The top
markets are Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Great Britain, and Germany.
In addition, the Mercedes-Benz pickup will have the potential to inspire
trend-conscious individualists with an affinity to premium products. They
lead
an independent lifestyle and want a vehicle outside the mainstream that
underscores their personality and status with a unique design.
Independent individualists use the pickup as an "everyday vehicle" in the
city, for evening and weekend activities, and for sporting events. The key
markets for this target group are Germany, Great Britain, South Africa,
and Brazil.

Page 9The fourth customer group comprises business owners such as building
contractors, architects, and service providers who want to use their
pickup
for commercial and private purposes: that is as a comfortable company
car for customer meetings, which is equally perfect for transporting
customers and employees as well as tools and building materials, as an
"everyday vehicle", and as a vehicle for weekend activities. Significant
markets for business owners are Germany, Great Britain, Australia, and
Argentina.
Landowners, such as cattle ranchers in Argentina, soy bean farmers in
Brazil or vintners in South Africa, also use their pickup for commercial and
private purposes. They need a vehicle that on the one hand takes them
through unpaved terrain and has sufficient cargo and towing capacity. On
the other hand, it must be suitable for driving to customer and supplier
meetings as well as for use as an "everyday vehicle" for the family.
Production cooperation with Renault-Nissan
The market launch of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class in Europe will begin in
late 2017. The new model series will be positioned in the segment at an
attractive price. The pickup will be manufactured in a production
cooperation with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Production for the
European, Australian and South African markets will start at the Nissan
plant in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017.
The X-Class for the Latin American market will roll off the assembly lines
at the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina, starting in 2018.
With the X-Class, Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan Alliance expand
their strategic cooperation which began six years ago. This affords
Mercedes-Benz fast and cost-efficient entrance to the fast-growing
segment of mid-size pickups. In addition, both companies benefit from
optimal utilisation of the production capacity. Nissan is the second-largest
manufacturer of mid-size pickups with a payload of one ton in the world,
and can look back on more
than 80 years of experience in producing and marketing these types of
vehicles.
Contacts:
Ingeborg Gärtner, +49 711 17-4 97 84, ingeborg.gaertner@daimler.com

Page 10Katja Bott, +49 711 17-8 40 20, katja.bott@daimler.com
Further press material is available on the Internet at
www.d.ai/PickupTheConcept and www.media.daimler.com as well as on
the USB flash drive.

Mercedes X Class Concept - Press Release

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