Doubts grow over Mercedes-Benz X-Class sequel

Mercedes-Benz has failed to address rumours at the Frankfurt motor show that its X-Class pick-up will be dropped from its line-up without a replacement in sight.

Earlier this year, carsales reported that the Nissan Navara-based Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute was under review after dismal global sales that were attributed to concerns about the cleanliness of its diesel engines.

The review, undertaken by Mercedes-Benz vans boss Marcus Breitschwerdt, has already cast doubts over the long-term future of the X-Class, with some reports suggesting the Nissan-built pick-up could even be prematurely culled from the range.

When asked at the Frankfurt motor show for clarification, Breitschwerdt was not available for comment and not one, but three, senior Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle representatives refused to discuss the X-Class on or off the record.

One representative, PR boss Andrea Eberhardt, was willing to go on record but only said:

"We currently have an X-Class in market and we are of course interested in finding as many customers as possible and that's all we can say".

When Eberhardt was pushed further she replied that she would not confirm or deny that a replacement X-Class was in the pipeline.

At the time of writing carsales is still awaiting an interview request with Breitschwerdt.

Of around 17,000 X-Class utes sales globally, 1500 were sold in Australia, although in our market sales have risen considerably in 2019, hinting at a bright future for the X-Class here if Benz doesn't pull the plug.

Based on the same platform as the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is currently offered with four- and six-cylinder turbo-diesel engines.

Rumours of the X-Class being dropped locally have been dismissed by Mercedes-Benz Van's local division as "speculation".