Mercedes Pickup Truck: X-Class, Specs, Towing, Engines, Price and Future

When people search for a Mercedes pickup truck, they are usually thinking about one vehicle: the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

The X-Class was Mercedes-Benz’s attempt to enter the global midsize pickup market with a premium truck combining traditional pickup capability with the styling, comfort and technology associated with the Mercedes brand.

It was an unusual product for Mercedes-Benz. The company was already known for luxury sedans, SUVs and commercial vans, but the X-Class brought the three-pointed star into a segment dominated by pickups such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok.

The X-Class officially entered production in 2017. Mercedes-Benz positioned it as the world’s first premium pickup, targeting both traditional pickup users and customers interested in a lifestyle-oriented truck.

However, the X-Class had a short production run.

Mercedes-Benz decided to discontinue production, with the company stating that X-Class production would end at the end of May 2020.

That means there is no current 2026 or 2027 Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup.

As of October 2026, Mercedes-Benz’s current vehicle strategy is focused on passenger cars, SUVs and vans, including the new electric VLE and future commercial vehicles based on its new Van Architecture. Mercedes-Benz’s current Vans portfolio does not list a production pickup.

Still, the X-Class remains an interesting part of Mercedes-Benz history and an important answer to the question: Did Mercedes ever make a pickup truck?

The answer is yes.

Mercedes Pickup Truck Quick Overview

Specification	Mercedes-Benz X-Class
Vehicle type	Midsize pickup truck
Brand	Mercedes-Benz
Production	2017 to 2020
Generation	One
Seating	Up to 5
Platform	Body-on-frame pickup architecture
Drive	Rear-wheel drive / 4MATIC depending on version
Engines	Four-cylinder diesel and V6 diesel depending on market
Top engine	3.0L V6 diesel
Maximum output	258 hp
Maximum torque	550 Nm
Transmission	Manual or automatic depending on engine
Off-road system	4MATIC with low range on suitable versions
Maximum towing	Up to approximately 3,500 kg depending on market/configuration
Current status	Discontinued
2026/2027 successor	No confirmed production pickup

The specifications varied by market and model year, so used-market examples should always be checked by VIN and exact trim.

Did Mercedes-Benz Make a Pickup Truck?

Yes.

Mercedes-Benz produced the X-Class, a midsize pickup developed for global markets.

Mercedes-Benz officially described the X-Class as a premium pickup and designed it to combine pickup practicality with Mercedes-style comfort, design and safety.

The company first previewed the X-Class concept in 2016.

Mercedes said the truck was intended to attract customers who wanted a pickup for urban, family and recreational use while still offering the toughness expected from a one-ton pickup.

Production began in 2017.

The X-Class was sold in markets including Europe, Australia, South Africa and parts of Latin America.

But the model did not remain in production for long.

Mercedes-Benz ultimately decided to discontinue the X-Class, with production scheduled to end in May 2020.

Why Did Mercedes Discontinue the X-Class?

Mercedes-Benz did not continue the X-Class as a long-term pickup line.

The company announced that, as part of its review and prioritization of the product portfolio, X-Class production would be discontinued.

The X-Class was also competing in a difficult segment.

Midsize pickups are traditionally dominated by brands with decades of pickup experience and strong commercial-vehicle networks.

The X-Class had to justify a premium price while sharing its underlying architecture with other vehicles in the Renault-Nissan alliance.

For Mercedes, maintaining a dedicated pickup program was ultimately not considered a priority.

The result was a rare Mercedes product that disappeared after only a few years.

Mercedes X-Class Design

The X-Class looked immediately different from conventional work-oriented pickups.

Mercedes gave it a large grille with the three-pointed star, sculpted bodywork and a relatively sophisticated cabin.

The goal was not to make the X-Class look like a basic commercial pickup.

Instead, Mercedes wanted the truck to appear closer to a premium SUV with an open cargo bed.

This was particularly important because the company was targeting customers who might use the vehicle for:

• Family transportation
• Outdoor recreation
• Camping
• Towing
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Business use
• Off-road driving

The design therefore attempted to combine two identities.

It needed to remain recognizably a pickup while looking sufficiently premium to justify the Mercedes badge.

Mercedes X-Class Platform

One of the most important details about the X-Class is its underlying architecture.

The X-Class was developed within the Renault-Nissan alliance and shared its basic platform architecture with pickups such as the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan.

That helped Mercedes enter the pickup segment without developing an entirely new pickup platform from scratch.

However, Mercedes made substantial changes to the vehicle’s suspension, steering, body design, interior and other components.

Mercedes described the X-Class as using a ladder frame, independent front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension arrangement with coil springs.

That setup was intended to provide a more comfortable ride than a traditional leaf-spring pickup while maintaining useful load-carrying capability.

Mercedes X-Class Engine Options

The X-Class was offered with different engines depending on market and model year.

The most important engine in the range was the 3.0-liter V6 diesel.

Mercedes introduced the X 350 d 4MATIC as the flagship version in 2018.

Its specifications were impressive for a midsize pickup of the period.

X 350 d 4MATIC

The X 350 d used a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine.

Mercedes rated it at:

• 258 hp
• 550 Nm of torque
• 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission
• Permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive
• 0-100 km/h in approximately 7.9 seconds
• Top speed of approximately 205 km/h

Mercedes also gave the X 350 d a low-range transfer case and optional rear differential lock, making it substantially more capable off-road than a typical luxury SUV.

The 550 Nm torque figure was particularly useful for towing and off-road driving.

Mercedes X-Class Four-Cylinder Diesel

Lower versions of the X-Class used four-cylinder diesel engines.

The exact specifications varied by market.

The four-cylinder versions were designed to provide a balance between operating costs, payload capability and everyday performance.

These versions were more closely positioned against conventional midsize pickups.

For many buyers, the four-cylinder diesel was the more practical choice.

The V6 X 350 d, however, is the version that attracted the most attention because it delivered performance much closer to a premium SUV than a conventional work pickup.

Mercedes X-Class Transmission

Transmission availability depended on engine and market.

Lower-powered versions were available with manual transmission options, while the X 350 d was paired with Mercedes’ 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

The seven-speed automatic was designed to provide smoother shifting while also supporting towing and off-road driving.

Mercedes also included different driving modes through its DYNAMIC SELECT system on appropriate versions.

Mercedes X-Class 4MATIC

Four-wheel drive was one of the major attractions of the X-Class.

The X 350 d used permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive with a 40:60 front-to-rear torque distribution. Mercedes also used a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing.

This was important because pickup buyers expect more than road-going traction.

A proper pickup should be able to handle:

• Mud
• Gravel
• Sand
• Snow
• Steep climbs
• Uneven trails
• Trailer ramps
• Poor rural roads

The X-Class was engineered to provide that capability.

Mercedes X-Class Off-Road Capability

The X-Class was not simply a luxury pickup with a fancy interior.

Mercedes invested heavily in its off-road hardware.

Depending on configuration, the truck could have:

• Four-wheel drive
• Low-range gearing
• Rear differential lock
• Hill descent functionality
• Off-road driving modes
• Increased ground clearance
• Specialized suspension tuning

The X 350 d was particularly capable because of its permanent 4MATIC system and low-range transfer case.

Mercedes described the X-Class as combining off-road capability with road-driving dynamics and comfort.

Mercedes X-Class Towing Capacity

The X-Class was designed as a one-ton-class pickup.

Depending on market and configuration, the truck could tow approximately 3,500 kg, or around 7,700 pounds, when properly equipped.

The exact rating depends on the specific market, engine, trailer configuration and regulations.

This put the X-Class in the same general capability range as other European midsize pickups.

For buyers considering a used X-Class today, the exact towing rating should be verified against the vehicle’s registration documents and VIN-specific specifications.

Mercedes X-Class Payload

The X-Class was also designed around the one-ton pickup category.

Payload varied according to engine, body configuration and equipment.

A basic four-cylinder version could generally provide a different payload rating from a heavier V6 model.

This is an important distinction for used buyers.

A luxury pickup loaded with larger wheels, premium equipment and a V6 engine can have less available payload than a lighter commercial-oriented version.

Mercedes X-Class Interior

The interior was one of the most important ways Mercedes tried to differentiate the X-Class from conventional pickups.

The cabin used design elements associated with other Mercedes vehicles.

Depending on trim, buyers could get:

• Leather or premium upholstery
• Mercedes infotainment
• Premium audio
• Navigation
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Advanced driver assistance
• Automatic climate control
• Heated seats
• Parking assistance

The dashboard was designed to look more like a Mercedes passenger vehicle than a basic commercial truck.

This was central to the X-Class concept.

Mercedes wanted buyers to feel that they were driving a premium vehicle rather than simply a work pickup.

Mercedes X-Class Comfort

The X-Class used a coil-spring rear suspension rather than the traditional leaf-spring arrangement commonly found in pickup trucks.

Mercedes described the suspension as using a ladder frame, independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs.

This helped the X-Class provide a more controlled and comfortable ride when the truck was being used without a heavy load.

That was particularly relevant to Mercedes’ target audience.

A customer buying a pickup for weekend recreation and daily commuting may care more about unloaded ride quality than a commercial operator who regularly carries heavy cargo.

Mercedes X-Class Safety

Safety was another area where Mercedes wanted the X-Class to differentiate itself.

Depending on specification and market, the truck could be equipped with systems such as:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane keeping assistance
• Traffic sign recognition
• Blind-spot assistance
• Parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Trailer-related assistance

The exact equipment varied considerably between markets.

As with any used vehicle, safety equipment should be checked on the exact vehicle rather than assumed from the model name.

Mercedes X-Class Trim Levels

The X-Class was offered in different equipment lines depending on market.

Some of the better-known designations included:

• PURE
• PROGRESSIVE
• POWER

The philosophy was straightforward.

X-Class PURE

PURE was oriented more toward utility.

It made the most sense for customers who wanted the basic capabilities of the X-Class without paying heavily for premium equipment.

X-Class PROGRESSIVE

PROGRESSIVE added more comfort and styling equipment.

It was positioned as a more balanced configuration for customers who wanted to use the truck for both work and personal transportation.

X-Class POWER

POWER was the lifestyle-oriented flagship specification.

It emphasized premium equipment, appearance and comfort.

The V6 X 350 d was positioned at the top of the range.

Mercedes X-Class vs Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara is one of the most important comparisons because the X-Class shared its basic platform architecture with the Nissan pickup.

Feature	Mercedes X-Class	Nissan Navara
Segment	Midsize pickup	Midsize pickup
Platform relationship	Renault-Nissan alliance architecture	Nissan platform
Premium positioning	Yes	No
Diesel V6	X 350 d	Market dependent
4WD	Available	Available
Low range	Available	Available
Rear suspension	Multi-link/coil setup	Configuration dependent
Luxury focus	Strong	Moderate
Production status	Discontinued	Varies by market

The X-Class was not simply a Navara with a Mercedes badge.

Mercedes modified the suspension, steering, body and interior and offered its own engines and technology on higher versions.

However, the shared architecture remains an important part of understanding the truck.

Mercedes X-Class vs Volkswagen Amarok

The Volkswagen Amarok was another major European midsize pickup competitor.

Both trucks targeted customers who wanted more refinement than a traditional work pickup.

The Amarok and X-Class also benefited from their manufacturers’ passenger-car design philosophies.

The difference was that the X-Class carried the Mercedes premium positioning, while the Amarok was positioned as a Volkswagen commercial vehicle and lifestyle pickup.

Both offered strong diesel engines and four-wheel-drive systems.

Mercedes X-Class vs Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is one of the most established names in the midsize pickup market.

The X-Class competed with the Ranger by emphasizing:

• Premium interior
• Mercedes styling
• V6 diesel performance
• Comfortable suspension
• Premium equipment

The Ranger, meanwhile, had the advantage of Ford’s much longer pickup history and stronger global pickup identity.

For buyers interested in a used X-Class today, the Ranger is still a useful benchmark because it represents the mainstream midsize pickup approach.

Mercedes X-Class vs Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux has a much stronger reputation for long-term durability and harsh-duty use.

The X-Class took a different approach.

Mercedes prioritized refinement, comfort and premium positioning.

The Hilux traditionally focuses more strongly on rugged commercial use and global-market durability.

This makes the comparison particularly interesting.

If the main priority is a premium driving experience, the X-Class has an obvious appeal.

If the priority is proven long-term commercial pickup durability in difficult environments, the Hilux has a stronger reputation.

Mercedes X-Class vs Mercedes G-Class

It is easy to confuse the X-Class with the G-Class because both are associated with Mercedes off-road capability.

But they are fundamentally different vehicles.

The G-Class is a luxury off-road SUV.

The X-Class was a midsize pickup.

The G-Class focuses on passenger comfort and off-road capability.

The X-Class added an open cargo bed and was designed for pickup users.

The G-Class also sits much higher in Mercedes’ product hierarchy.

Does Mercedes Still Make a Pickup Truck?

No.

As of 2026, Mercedes-Benz does not have a current production pickup truck in its lineup.

The X-Class was discontinued in 2020.

Mercedes-Benz’s current commercial-vehicle strategy is centered around vans and other commercial solutions. Its current Vans portfolio includes models such as the Sprinter, Vito, eSprinter and eVito, while the new electric VLE is part of the company’s next generation of vans and MPVs.

Mercedes-Benz has also started production of the VLE at its Vitoria plant in Spain as part of its new modular Van Architecture strategy.

There is currently no official announcement confirming a new Mercedes-Benz-branded pickup to replace the X-Class.

Is Mercedes Bringing Back the Pickup Truck?

There is currently no confirmed Mercedes-Benz production pickup comeback.

This is an important distinction because social media and automotive websites frequently publish speculative Mercedes pickup renders.

A rendering, independent concept or speculative article does not mean Mercedes has confirmed a production vehicle.

As of October 2026, Mercedes-Benz’s official product information does not announce a new X-Class successor.

The company’s current product expansion is concentrated on passenger cars, SUVs and vans rather than a new midsize pickup.

Therefore, claims about a “2027 Mercedes pickup truck” should be treated as speculation unless Mercedes-Benz officially announces the vehicle.

Could Mercedes Build Another Pickup?

Technically, Mercedes could return to the pickup market.

The company already has extensive experience with:

• Body-on-frame commercial vehicles
• Vans
• Off-road vehicles
• 4MATIC systems
• Electric commercial vehicles
• Premium interiors
• Advanced driver assistance

Mercedes also continues to operate a large global commercial-vehicle business.

However, there is currently no confirmed production program for a new pickup.

The automotive market has also changed significantly since the X-Class was introduced.

Electric pickups have become increasingly important, while midsize pickups remain highly competitive.

A future Mercedes pickup would therefore likely need a very clear reason to exist.

Could There Be an Electric Mercedes Pickup?

An electric Mercedes pickup would theoretically make sense as a premium lifestyle vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz is already expanding its electric portfolio and commercial-vehicle technology.

The company offers electric vans such as the eSprinter and eVito, while its new Van Architecture is designed to support future electric commercial vehicles.

But there is no officially confirmed Mercedes electric pickup as of October 2026.

That means any claim about a specific electric Mercedes pickup range, battery size, horsepower or release date should currently be treated as speculation.

Mercedes Pickup Truck Price

There is no current Mercedes pickup price because the X-Class is no longer produced.

When new, pricing varied significantly by market and engine.

The X 350 d was positioned at the premium end of the midsize pickup market.

Today, buyers interested in the X-Class must look at the used market.

Used prices can vary dramatically depending on:

• Model year
• Engine
• Mileage
• Service history
• Accident history
• Country
• Trim
• 4MATIC system
• V6 availability
• Accessories
• Condition

Because the truck is discontinued, condition and maintenance history can matter more than simply finding the cheapest example.

Is a Used Mercedes X-Class Worth Buying?

It can be interesting, but it requires more careful research than buying a current mainstream pickup.

The X-Class has several advantages.

Reasons to Consider One

• Premium Mercedes interior
• Distinctive styling
• Strong V6 diesel
• Good road manners
• Comfortable suspension
• 4MATIC capability
• Useful towing capacity
• Rare and unusual
• Practical pickup bed

But there are also reasons to be cautious.

Things to Check

• Complete service history
• Diesel emissions system
• Turbocharger condition
• Automatic transmission service
• 4MATIC system
• Suspension components
• Differential and transfer case
• Electronics
• Accident repairs
• Availability and cost of parts
• Previous towing or off-road use

The X-Class is not simply a regular Mercedes SUV with a pickup bed.

It has a commercial-vehicle architecture and components that can experience demanding workloads.

Is the Mercedes X-Class Reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on engine, maintenance and usage.

The X-Class was produced for a relatively short period, so there is not the same enormous long-term global ownership history available for it as there is for vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux.

The V6 diesel is mechanically sophisticated and can be expensive to repair if neglected.

The same applies to the four-wheel-drive system, automatic transmission and emissions equipment.

A well-maintained example can be an interesting premium pickup.

A poorly maintained example can become expensive quickly.

For a used X-Class, a thorough inspection is much more important than simply looking at mileage.

Mercedes X-Class in India

The X-Class was never positioned as a mainstream Indian pickup.

India has a very different pickup market from Europe, Australia or South Africa.

The high cost associated with importing, maintaining and operating a premium imported pickup would make the X-Class a niche proposition.

That makes the X-Class particularly unusual for Indian buyers.

Anyone considering importing or buying an old X-Class in India should investigate:

• Registration eligibility
• Parts availability
• Mercedes service support
• Import history
• Insurance
• Emissions compliance
• Vehicle age
• Right-hand-drive specification
• Local regulations

A used luxury pickup can look attractive at an international used-car price but become considerably more expensive once ownership costs are considered.

Mercedes Pickup Truck vs Mercedes SUV

One reason the X-Class remains interesting is that it offered something Mercedes SUVs cannot provide.

The open cargo bed.

An SUV such as a GLE or G-Class offers a large enclosed cabin and cargo area.

The X-Class provides:

• Open cargo space
• Pickup loading flexibility
• Trailer capability
• Utility-focused dimensions
• Commercial-style practicality

For someone who genuinely needs a pickup bed, an SUV is not a direct substitute.

However, for someone who simply wants the Mercedes badge and off-road ability, a modern Mercedes SUV may make more sense because Mercedes continues to actively develop that segment.

Mercedes Pickup Truck Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Premium Mercedes styling
• Comfortable interior
• Strong X 350 d V6
• 550 Nm torque
• 4MATIC four-wheel drive
• Low-range gearing
• Available rear differential lock
• Useful towing capability
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Distinctive design
• Rare on the used market

Disadvantages

• Discontinued
• No new model available
• Limited production history
• Expensive maintenance
• Premium parts costs
• Platform shared with mainstream pickup architecture
• Used examples can have demanding commercial histories
• No confirmed X-Class successor
• Limited availability in many countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class was one of the most unusual vehicles Mercedes-Benz has produced in recent decades.

It attempted to take the traditional midsize pickup formula and add the qualities associated with the Mercedes brand.

The result was a pickup with a premium interior, distinctive styling, comfortable suspension and, in the X 350 d, a powerful 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 258 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque.

The X-Class also offered genuine off-road hardware.

The X 350 d used permanent 4MATIC, a low-range transfer case and an available rear differential lock, giving it considerably more capability than its luxury appearance might suggest.

But the experiment was short-lived.

Mercedes-Benz ultimately discontinued production in 2020 as part of its product portfolio review.

More than six years later, there is still no confirmed replacement.

That is important for anyone searching for a 2026 or 2027 Mercedes pickup truck. There is currently no new Mercedes pickup that can be ordered as a successor to the X-Class.

Mercedes-Benz is instead concentrating its commercial-vehicle strategy on vans, including the new electric VLE and the company’s new modular Van Architecture.

So, if the goal is a new Mercedes pickup, there is currently no official model to buy.

If the goal is a Mercedes pickup from the used market, the X-Class remains the name to search for.

Among the versions produced, the X 350 d 4MATIC is particularly interesting because it combines the strongest engine in the range with permanent four-wheel drive and serious off-road equipment.

The X-Class may not have become the long-term Mercedes pickup that some expected, but it remains a fascinating chapter in the history of the three-pointed star.