Mercedes X-Class: Merc reveals posh pick-up truck

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Mercedes is planning to venture into new territory next year when it unveils an unlikely new vehicle, a premium version of the pick-up truck.

Despite being fairly small-beer in the UK, pick-up trucks make up one of the world's biggest car markets, and Mercedes thinks it can offer an entirely twist with its posh, premium version.

Set to be called the X-Class, it'll be on sale late next year.

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Mercedes has previewed its upcoming pick-up with two near production-ready concept cars that are intended to show off how versatile the X-Class will be. There's the X-Class Powerful Adventurer Concept, designed as an off-road workhorse, and the Stylish Explorer, which is intended as a more urban, fashionable vehicle.

The X-Class is closely related to the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan pick-ups, but Mercedes has treated its truck to some upmarket styling and premium interior design.

The front end gets the trademark Mercedes grille and swept back angular headlamps. Some of the styling details on the X-Class concepts, such as the huge oval ring taillights looping around the tailgate, won't make the cut on next year's production version. The overall shape should remain almost the same, though, and will include massive flared wheel arches. The huge 22ins alloy wheels on the X-Class Stylish Explorer will be on the options list as well, says Auto Express.

Inside the cabin, the rugged version gets a tough looking interior finished with metal and carbon-fibre trim, as well as bright yellow accents to match the Powerful Adventurer's paint job. The Stylish Explorer model is more upmarket, with fine woods and leather dominating the cabin.

The production version's interior will be toned down significantly, but with options and trim lifted straight from Mercedes road cars. These will be available on high spec, range-topping X-Class trucks.

Given that the X-Class is set to launch late next year, it shouldn't be long until the one you will be able to buy – along with engine options and prices for the posh pick-up – will be unveiled in full.