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Mercedes launched the X-Class, a brand-new pickup truck, last night in Cape Town. The X-Class is the first ever pickup truck that the German car manufacturer has launched and will be a luxury, yet rugged powerhouse. Last week, Mercedes launched a teaser video for the car revealing elements of its design and a few leaked image renders gave fans an inkling into what the car will look like. Its design is muscular and dominant but still evocative of luxury, which is to be expect of a Mercedes.

Mercedes X-Class 2018 REVEALED in pictures Sat, July 15, 2017 Mercedes X-Class 2018 REVEALED in pictures Play slideshow PH 1 of 97 Mercedes X-Class 2018

Mercedes will look to take on the Nissan Navara and the Mitsubishi L200, which are both stalwarts in the pick-up class. The live event was streamed online from 6:14PM (19:14 CEST), where the vehicles design, price and specs were revealed. Customers interested in the premium pick-up can leave a £1,000 deposit although deliveries of the car are not expected until 2018, when it finally hits the UK market. There are two variants of the car to be unveiled, the X-class Powerful Explorer and the X-Class Stylish Explorer. The Powerful Explorer is expected to be the rugged and tough variant while the Stylish Explorer will be a more refined and luxury vehicle. Mercedes look to be offering something unique by placing the X-Class firmly in the luxury car bracket, which could be its unique selling point. Mercedes has confirmed that the X-Class will be true to Mercedes brand and offer premium comfort and driving dynamics for both variants. The German manufacturer stated that they don’t just hope to enter the segment but “extend it” by introducing this luxury model.

PH The all new Mercedes X-Class 2018 revealed tonight

Speaking at the reveal event, Chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche said: “With the Mercedes-Benz pick-up, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio. "Our target: we want to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.” The five-seater pickup will come with full LED headlamps and sits on mammoth 22-inch alloy wheels. Its front-end styling is reminiscent of their GLA SUV range but is more muscular and has a more dominant stance. Dr Dieter Zetsche, described the pick-up as tough, and ready for challenges and expressed Daimler’s vision to redefine the pick-up market. It’s the “supermum and superadd of cars”, described Dr Zetsche describing how it is rough, rugged and practical workhorse that can be used everyday and still be is still fun and adventurous. Dr Zetcsche also said that the X-Class will bring intelligence to market class, alluding to its on-board technology and connectivity.

Mercedes AMG GT concept at the Geneva Motor Show 2017 Mon, March 6, 2017 Mercedes AMG GT concept at the Geneva Motor Show 2017 in pictures. Play slideshow PH 1 of 17 Mercedes AMG GT concept

Extensive tests of the X-Class were conducted in extreme conditions including all weather and road surfaces with test drives taking place in the car’s core markets, to ensure it was suitable. During the press event a point that was stressed by Mercedes is the car’s multifaceted capabilities. Phrases such as “tough meets urban lifestyle” and “luxury and leisure” were driven home to viewers during the event to emphasise the car's versatility. The car will be available with either rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive and a six speed manual or a seven speed automatic transmission. From its market launch, customers can choose between the common rail diesel X 220 d (120 kW/163 hp) and X 250 d (140 kW/190 hp) as well as a petrol engine (122 kW/165 hp) in selected markets. Next year a powerful V6 engine variant producing 250 bhp will be added to the range.

PH Mercedes X Class 2018 will cost €37,000 in Germany