Mercedes Benz X-Class Ute edges closer

We’ll see the production-ready version of Mercedes Benz’s X-Class ute on July 18 but Stuttgart has teased us with this short video giving glimpses of what we can expect at the unveiling.

Tamed down from the wild X-Class concepts displayed last year, the production model has a front end more akin to Mercedes Benz’s current SUV range.

The door lines show the link to the Nissan D23 Navara on which the ute is based while at the back, the upright LED taillights have been retained but are now limited to the corners and don’t extend across the tailgate as they did on the concept.

2017 Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI Review

The 35-inch off road tyres and front mounted winch that were on the concept car have disappeared as expected, although Benz says it will offer an extensive range of factory accessories for multiple uses.

We’ll have full details of the powertrains later this month but top-billing with be a V6 turbodiesel engine from Benz making upwards of 500Nm of torque, backed by an 8-speed automatic and full-time 4x4.

Lower spec X-Classes will get the four-cylinder Renault-Nissan engine shared with Navara with the option of auto or manual transmissions and part-time, dual-range 4x4.

Benz has told us that the interior will be an all-German affair taking parts from its range of luxury passenger cars and SUVs including top of the line connectivity and audio systems.

The suspension tuning is also tipped to be more European than that of the Nissan donor vehicle.

Video: Mercedes-Benz G300 vs Toyota LandCruiser 79

The X-Class isn’t expected to reach Australian showrooms until 2018 but is one of the most highly anticipated new 4x4s to come in the next year.

It will give Mercedes Benz Vans division a strong player in the hotly contested 1-tonne 4x4 ute market with both recreational and trade ute buyers looking for the next new thing.