SPY PICS: Mercedes-Benz ute

Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the one-tonne ute category with a fresh-faced vehicle based on Nissan Navara underpinnings has been spied for the first time in these new images.

Pundits hoping for a clues of how the new model will be styled may have to wait a little longer, however, as this disguised vehicle appears virtually identical to its donor car, the Nissan Navara.

The angular headlights, roof rails, grille – every little detail, it seems – is identical to the Thai-built Nissan Navara that's currently on sale in Australia.

Mercedes chief designer, Gorden Wagener, has previously confirmed the Benz ute design is done, dusted and locked in, but it seems Benz is testing other elements of the new vehicle, which has been called the GLT-Class but which the spy photographers at Automedia have dubbed the X-Class.

It's likely the Stuttgart company is testing new interior tech, suspension, and other features before it tests the aerodynamics and NVH implications of a new design.

That new design will be previewed by a concept car at the 2016 Paris motor show in October, insists Automedia, ahead of the production vehicle in 2017. Manufacture of the new ute will be split between Spanish and Argentinean factories.

Joining Mercedes-Benz's other commercial vehicles, namely vans, the new vehicle has already been touted as the "world's safest ute", although those hoping for something with sporting-intent AMG packages have been mooted.

Regular models will carryover Nissan Navara powertrains, namely a 2.3-litre turbo-diesel four-banger good for 120kW/403Nm, but there's also a chance Mercedes will offer one of its own engines, potentially a more potent V6 turbo-diesel.

Although these spy photos are not taken in Australia, the Benz ute will be tested Down Under and calibrated for local tastes, and the company expects plenty of interest from dinky-di motorists.

What's your take on the new Mercedes-Benz 'X-Class' ute – will it drag buyers from Australia’s favourite HiLux and Ranger? Have your say in the comments section below.