[LuxRoader]

From reading an article on AutoEvolution, the X-Class may become the worlds first mid-sized hybrid pick up. As it is right now, the top of the line variant will come with a V6 diesel and there will also be a lower 4 cylinder diesel available as well.

Mercedes is expected to implement some of it's best technology into the X-Class as well (interior technologies)

Being the first hybrid mid-sized pick up could definitely give them a significant edge. But, this may inflate the price to a point where people may not be so seduced by it?

Mercedes-Benz X-Class Could Become World's First Mid-Size Hybrid Pickup Truck - autoevolution

 

[benzventure]

If it wasn't for Mercedes already having hybrid powertrains in some SUV's then I would doubt this happening and doubt it happening any time soon.

But with a GLE550e on the market already which has the potential to share a lot with an X-Class hybrid, the ball started rolling well before reports like this got sent out.

 

[LuxRoader]

For sure, this has been thought through prior by them from the time they started discussing powertrains in the lab. There's no reason why they wouldn't share the same tech and transfer it over. Dodge is doing the same thing with the Ram currently, implementing the Pacifica hybrid tech. It just makes sense overall.

 

[X-Man]

Would the hybrid system's improved torque delivery give the X-Class exceptional towing capacity compared to its competitors?

 

[LuxRoader]

The GLE550e has a towing capacity of 6600lbs which seems pretty darn good enough. I'm not too sure how much different it'll be with the X class though.

 

[benzventure]

It might be safe to say that 6000-7000 is the ball park.

But not only do we have to look to other products that MB sells but also what its rivals have going on since its the market which helps to dictate what's appropriate and car/truck makers play into that accordingly.

 

[LuxRoader]

For sure, they have to make it appropriate for what they're competing with. Either way, I doubt anything more than 6-7000 pounds is really needed. Appropriate enough to haul whatever I need it for and majority of what people will use it for.

 

[benzventure]

Well that range I stated is what you'll find to be the norm with trucks in this segment, so if there's one of many things it need to fulfill here that will be one of them.

No point in having a truck sitting in a specific segment that can't do a truck specific thing which the rest do. As much as its a mercedes, it has to act the part of a truck.

 

[LuxRoader]

They definitely can't produce a vehicle in the segment and not follow suit, that would be an extreme downfall on their part. Like building a pickup with sedan capabilities. I'm sure we would also see features like hill assist, and brake hold?

 

[benzventure]

They definitely can't produce a vehicle in the segment and not follow suit, that would be an extreme downfall on their part. Like building a pickup with sedan capabilities. I'm sure we would also see features like hill assist, and brake hold?

Bad example since if you look at what Europe has, then you'll find pickups just like that, even back in the 80's we had something similar going on.

As far as technology as that goes, all we have to do is look at models like the GL, GLE and so on, those will give good indication of MB's norm which the X-Class might get. Its still a Mercedes so with that it will get some of the usual Mercedes things.

 

[LuxRoader]

I would hope it doesn't stop there though and they implement something new into it. Something more pickup related. I can't think of any examples of pickups that were like sedans in NA. Unless we're talking Subaru Baja and El Caminos or whatever, and look at how long those lasted or how many are still out there.