What happened to the Mercedes-Benz X-Class?
In the latest episode of Front Seat, we take a look back at the premium ute that disappeared as quickly as it arrivedWhen Mercedes-Benz entered the dual-cab ute market in 2017, it came in hot. The X-Class was billed as a premium workhorse, a luxury alternative to tradie favourites like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. But just three years later, it quietly disappeared. So, what went wrong?
A promising start, on paper
Mercedes wasn’t wrong to chase the booming ute segment, especially in Australia, where one in five new cars sold was a ute. The company had form in commercial vehicles and saw potential in high-end variants selling north of $60K.
The X-Class launch was bold. The concept wowed. And the brand cachet helped fuel early hype. But once the production version arrived, the cracks began to show.
More Nissan than Mercedes
Underneath, the X-Class was based on the Nissan Navara. It borrowed heavily from it, including the chassis, drivetrain and interior plastics. Even the key fob was pure Nissan.
Mercedes added its own styling and suspension tweaks, but the core remained the same. A top-spec X350d V6 arrived later with a genuine Benz engine, but by then, the value question had already taken hold.
Why pay $79K for a dressed-up Navara when the original cost significantly less?
A ute without a clear role
The X-Class never really nailed its identity. Tradies didn’t see it as tough enough. Lifestyle buyers didn’t see enough luxury. It lacked the off-road chops of a Ranger and the rugged rep of a HiLux.
Aussies were willing to spend big on utes, but not on one that didn’t feel like the real deal.
The quiet goodbye
Sales were lukewarm from the start, just 2186 units sold in 2019 versus over 40,000 Rangers. By 2020, Mercedes-Benz pulled the plug globally.
Meanwhile, full-size American pickups like the Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado gained traction here, despite their higher price tags. Why? Because they leaned into their identity. The X-Class didn’t.
Final verdict
The X-Class was a bold move, but ultimately a misfire. It didn’t deliver enough Mercedes magic to justify its price, nor enough ute grit to win over Aussie buyers.
Today, it’s a curious footnote in ute history and maybe, one day, a collector’s oddity. But for now, it’s proof that in Australia, the ute game isn’t just about badge prestige. It’s about earning your place in the lineup.
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Related: Mercedes-Benz X-Class EXY Urban 2019 Review
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