New doubts over future of Mercedes-Benz X-Class

The future of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class appears to be grim following news from Nissan's global light commercial vehicle boss, Francois Bailly, that the German car-maker has not yet asked to be part the project to replace the current Nissan Navara.

And the German luxury car-maker’s first global ute could even be axed prematurely, according to a statement from Mercedes-Benz that confirms the future of the X-Class, which it describes as a “niche” model, is under review.

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is produced in Spain alongside the Navara on which it’s based and the next-generation Navara is currently being co-developed alongside a new Mitsubishi Triton, both of which are due for release within the next few years.

Asked if Mercedes-Benz planned to once again spin-off an X-Class based on the next Navara, Bailly told Australian journalists at the Tokyo motor show yesterday that the German car-maker was not involved in the joint-venture ute project.

"I will have to ask you to check with them [Mercedes-Benz] as to their own development position. For the next generation, it's for them to tell us what they want to do," he said.

In response, Mercedes-Benz Vans today said in a statement: “The X-Class ex-Barcelona for Europe and overseas remains a part of our product portfolio. Although we know that the ute plays a very important role in some key markets like Australia, it is a niche product for our overall worldwide product portfolio.

“So we continuously review and analyze which further role the X-Class will play in our product portfolio. We kindly ask you for your understanding that we do not provide any further comments.”

News of the X-Class ute’s premature demise first surfaced in April, when Mercedes-Benz global chief Ola Kallenius told Manager magazine the company planned to “end the co-operation” with Nissan because “almost all common businesses are in the red”.

A similar report surfaced in July via respected outlet Automotive News Europe and the following month Reuters said Mercedes-Benz Vans chief Marcus Breitschwerdt called for a review of the X-Class.

Adding to speculation the X-Class could soon be dropped, senior Mercedes executives at last month’s Frankfurt show refused to confirm or deny any future plans for what was billed as “the first pick-up from a premium manufacturer” when the X-Class was launched in late 2017.

Since then global sales of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class have been slower than expected, especially in Europe where its popularity was apparently impacted by concerns over the cleanliness of its diesel engines.

Just 16,700 examples were sold in 2018 – its first full year of production – including only 1500 in Australia, where pricing starts at $50,400 for the entry-level four-cylinder X 220d Pure and extends to $79,415 for the top-shelf X 350d Power V6.

Sales of the X-Class have spiked by almost 50 per cent this year in Australia, but the upturn appears to have been driven by strong incentives if a quick look at carsales is any guide.

The Mercedes-Benz X 220d can be had from as little as $34,490 drive-away and the X 250d Power is available from $58,990 drive-away.