Mercedes-Benz previews new X-class pickup

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Nereus
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Mercedes-Benz previews new X-class pickup

Post by Nereus »

Mercedes-Benz previews new X-class pickup

http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/news/11 ... ass-pickup

Four-door mid-size light truck to enter showrooms late next year with a chassis borrowed from the Nissan Navara.

So, they’re really serious about selling a pickup…

Yes they are. After teasing the public with an official design sketch of their first-ever pickup last year, Mercedes-Benz this week unveils a concept version in Stockholm, Sweden.

Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed that the new lifestyle vehicle will be called X-class when it hits showrooms late next year. It will be built in Europe and South America.

The X-class is the fruit of collaboration between Renault-Nissan, which makes the Alaskan and Navara NP300 mid-size pickups.
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Will it be made in Thailand?

Very unlikely, dude. Just because Thailand is a major production hub for mid-size pickups doesn’t mean that it can instantly lure all makers in setting up local assembly lines.

For pickups to enjoy low excise taxation in Thailand, they must feature a leaf spring rear suspension. Yes, it’s very draconian because many users of pickups – especially double-cabs – don’t load the cargo beds with pineapples these days.
This means that the X-class may only come to Thai showrooms for the kicks with prices over two million baht. The Volkswagen Amarok came to Thailand in completely built-up form at that same price level.
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J.J.B.
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Re: Mercedes-Benz previews new X-class pickup

Post by J.J.B. »

That has been beaten with the ugly stick. I'd love to see it with leaf-spring suspension and rear drum brakes though!!
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Re: Mercedes-Benz previews new X-class pickup

Post by Gregjam »

Not sure if it would be feasible but if they designed the chassis to take either leaf springs or a more modern suspension and sold it with leaf springs to comply with local regulations I am sure the badge alone would result in huge sales. Plenty of the badge snobs would not worry and upgrading it would be cheaper than having to buy an import. A heavier chassis for sure but cannot see that bothering most people.
Any auto engineers out there who can confirm if this idea is possible?
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STEVE G
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Re: Mercedes-Benz previews new X-class pickup

Post by STEVE G »

The main reason for using leaf springs on pick-ups is that they can be superior to coil springs for handling larger loads. Of course, if you're never going to put anything in the back of your Mercedes pick-up, coil springs would be better with a performance suspension.
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Re: Mercedes-Benz previews new X-class pickup

Post by Phyton »

Maybee the same game, Renault Kangoo and "Mercedes" Citan.

Take a cheap Renault, change the badge, and sell it much more expensive......
The driver is proud to drive a "Benz". LOL
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