Mercedes has confirmed it’s axing its X-Class premium pick-up some three years after it first launched.
Based on the same platform used for the Nissan Navara and sharing features with the Renault Alaskan, the X-Type was developed under Mercedes’ parent firm Daimler’s industrial partnership with the carmakers and was intended to meet demand for those looking for a practical yet premium solution compared to more mass-market solutions.
Speaking at the time, Dr Dieter Zetsche, then chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “With the Mercedes-Benz pick-up, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio. We want to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.”
However, Mercedes had already announced in the first quarter of 2019 that it would not be expanding production from Barcelona to Argentina because “the price expectations of the Latin American customers have not been economically viable”, and slower-than-expected sales have now cut short its lifespan.
A spokesperson for the company commented: “In our global product portfolio, the X-Class is a niche product which plays a great role in a few markets, including Australia and South Africa.”
They added that production of “this relatively young model” will cease from the end of May 2020. However, orders will continue until stock runs out and Mercedes-Benz Vans will continue to provide service and warranty coverage on existing sales.
