A pick-up truck doesn’t need an explanation, but since the X-Class is the first one coming from Mercedes, the company decided to give us a guided tour.
It’s still an alien concept for the German car manufacturer (and its designers), especially as the product tackles an unexploited niche. There are countless “lifestyle” pick-ups available, but Mercedes raised the bar by adding luxurious traits.
When the automaker announced the X-Class concept, it came up with two variants: the Stylish Explorer, and the Powerful Adventurer. Both trucks follow the same design philosophy, but they’re each tailored to a different kind of customer.
While the Powerful Adventurer is all about off-roading, featuring a winch, fatter off-road tires, and even a tailgate mimicking a net, the Stylish Explorer is clearly the ultimate lifestyle truck, featuring posher alloys, a chiseled design, and neat aluminum inserts.
It’s no secret that the X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara, but its muscular design hides its origins and makes it look unique, at least to the untrained eye.
Kai Sieber, Merc’s Director of Design Brands & Operations, describes the X-Class’ lines as “emotionally appealing” – which could be one of the most sugary things somebody said about a pick-up. Ever.