Mercedes-Benz GLT ute to be most powerful and safest on the market

A Mercedes-Benz ute is well and truly on the horizon, and the man behind its development has big expectations for the finished product.

In an interview with Wheels, head of Mercedes Vans, Volker Mornhinweg, said the Mercedes-Benz ute (likely to be badged ‘GLT’) will be the safest, most luxurious and most powerful ute on the market.

The GLT will share its underpinnings with the Nissan Navara, and be built on Nissan production lines in Argentina and Spain.

“We will develop the first premium pickup, but on the other hand we want to show it has real driving dynamics, and this focus I think will be something new for this segment.”

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Engine options are yet to be confirmed, though it is likely we will see a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines, lead by the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 currently found in the GLE SUV producing 190kW/620Nm.

Merc’s full suite of safety technology will be included in the GLT, and the luxurious interior will fall in line with other Mercedes-Benz product.

“We see there is a trend towards a more premium, more passenger car-like pick-up and we want to push that kind of trend,” said Mornhinweg.

“The clear plan and target is to make a pick-up that is a Mercedes-Benz, with our philosophy and our genes. You can be sure it will be an outstanding product, I’m totally convinced of this.”