Mercedes Pickup Trucks reviews

Mansory is a premium aftermarket company that has designed some pretty good vehicles in the past. The cars that it has unveiled lately, however, seem to tell a different story. Check out the audacious Lamborghini Urus Venatus or the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Coastline to know what I mean. But, now, the company is back to working on its favorite vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

In 2019, Mansory worked on the Mercedes-AMG G63 to create a Star Trooper edition of the legendary SUV. The company has now created a pickup version of the same Star Trooper SUV with a few more touches. Did Brabus inspire them to do this? The Star Trooper has been designed by Mansory in collaboration with Phillip Plein.

The 2020 Mercedes X-Class gets lost in the shadows among the coolest new Mercedes models to hit the market in recent years. That should change, at least for the time being, with the introduction of the first-ever X-Class to wear the “special edition” label: the X-Class Element Edition. Based on the Progressive trim of the X-Class, the Element Edition benefits from a smattering of exterior and interior touches, as any special edition model would. Options and packages are also included as standard equipment on the special edition pickup. There are no engine upgrades, though, so if you’re looking for a little power bump from the pickup’s four-cylinder diesel unit, you’re not getting any. Unfortunately, you’re also not getting the actual special edition X-Class if you live in the U.S. market.

Just when you think that Chevy, GMC, Ford, and RAM cracked the luxury nut within the massive pickup trucks universe, Mercedes-Benz comes with its

based X-Class to show us all how things are supposed to be done. For some, however, a luxury pickup truck simply isn’t good enough. Aftermarket tuners such as Carlex Design from Poland, who reinvented the luxury in the X-Class, comes to the rescue. Yup, if you are into Mercedes-Maybach cars, you may have already noticed some similarities between this truck and the most expensive and luxurious Mercedes-Maybach vehicles. A design like this isn’t pursued only by chance - Carlex Design wanted to transform the X-Class into a Maybach. This is usually achieved only in Photoshop but Carlex Design has stepped up and delivered in the real world.

The new Mercedes X-Class is lustful looking machine with an upscale vibe typical of the three-pointed start mixed with rugged capability thanks to its body-on-frame architecture and beefy solid rear axle. And despite the X-Class still being extremely new, aftermarket companies are already building interesting products for the pickup. Perhaps the most interesting is this – a slide in camper build specifically to the X-Class’ bed dimensions.

The camper is designed and built by the coachbuilder Tischer and features a main sleeping area over the cab, a three-person seating area that converts into a sleeping area, a kitchen with a three-burner stove, and a bathroom with a swivel toilet, fold-away sink, and a shower.

Continue reading for more information.

First confirmed in 2015, the X-Class was unveiled in 2017 as a production model and became the company’s first mass-produced pickup truck. Produced by Nissan Motor Iberica, the X-Class isn’t an original Mercedes-Benz design, as it borrowed its chassis and many body panels from the Nissan Navara. However, it employs many Mercedes-specific styling cues on the outside and new technologies inside the cabin. In addition, it features a more premium interior, at least in the more expensive trim. Similarly, most engines available come from Nissan, but the range-topping model uses Mercedes’ V-6 diesel mill. With the X-Class on its way to showrooms, is the German company finally planning to roll out an AMG model?

So far, there aren’t any signs that Stuttgart wants such a model. What’s more, Tobias Moers, the man in charge of AMG, said that there are no plans for a beefed-up X-Class, adding that he doesn’t see a market for it. This was in late 2016. In 2017, the AMG was again dismissed by Mercedes-Benz Vans boss Volker Mornhinweg, who said that the truck "is not right for a V-8." However, the AMG-badged X-Class is still "something that we will listen and look carefully," so there is still hope of a production model. Actually, I’m positive that Mercedes-Benz will eventually make one, as both the Middle East and the U.S. markets will be more than happy to get it. We’ve already made a rendering of the truck, and we’re going to discuss what it may bring to the table in the speculative review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG X63.

Mercedes debuted its all-new X-Class pickup truck July 18, 2017 in South Africa in celebration of it being Mercedes’ first international market. The correlation with the X-Class being Mercedes’ first pickup wasn’t breezed over during the short presentation. Corporate self-appreciation aside, the X-Class resides in a completely new segment for the German automaker, and one that’s teaming with established competitors. Mercedes’ sales pitch centers on the X-Class offering three trim levels catering to distinct customer groups, with four available engines, two transmissions, and three RWD/4WD mechanicals.

Of course, Mercedes isn’t venturing into the mid-size, metric-tonne pickup market alone. Renault-Nissan co-developed the X-Class by contributing the Navara NP300, one of the X-Class’ rivals. The Mercedes uses Nissan’s chassis and body structure under the skin, along with a few familiar Nissan buttons and knobs. While the cost-cutting is apparent inside, the proven Navara chassis – including the fully boxed ladder frame – ensures the X-Class starts on the right foot. The X-Class will arrive in European showrooms beginning in November of 2017 with a price of 37,000 euros, roughly $49,500 at current exchange rates. Sales will expand to South Africa and Australia in early 2018, followed by Argentina and Brazil in the beginning of 2019. Sadly, Mercedes has no plans to launch the X-Class in the U.S. However, that could change once the X-Class has proven itself and Ford reestablishes the mid-size Ranger pickup in the U.S. for 2019.

Continue reading for the full preview

Mercedes-Benz Vans has pulled the covers off its all-new pickup, the X-Class. Debuting as a concept in Sweden, the pickup truck gives a glimpse as to what Mercedes will eventually bring to market in late 2017 as a 2018 model. The truck is slotted for markets around the world, including Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Australia. Sadly the U.S. and Canada are not included.

Mercedes brought along two design variants to the October 25, 2016 debut: the “Stylish Explorer” and the “Powerful Adventurer.” Both are based on the same ladder frame platform borrowed from Nissan, but each show Mercedes’ willingness to stretch the pickup beyond a luxury ‘ute or utilitarian tool.

The target audience, according to Mercedes, is a Gen Xer who lives an urban lifestyle yet enjoys outdoor activities like biking, skiing, and hiking. This buyer is also someone who has not previously considered a pickup as a vehicle choice. The automaker sees the mid-size pickup segment growing in the next several years, moving from 800,000 global units sold annually to roughly 2.5 million annual global sales. Mercedes is obviously planning to capture part of that market.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said at the debut, "With the Mercedes-Benz pickup, 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."

Volker Mornhinweg, the head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, followed Dr. Z by saying, "We will open up and change the segment of mid-size pickups – with the world’s first true premium pickup for the modern urban lifestyle." Mornhinweg continued, saying, "Our future X-Class will be a pickup that knows no compromise. Ladder-type frame, high-torque six-cylinder engine, and permanent all-wheel drive are compulsory for us. As an added value we bring safety, comfort, agility, and expressive design – in other words, everything that distinguishes vehicles bearing the Mercedes star. We will thus appeal to new customers who have not considered owning a pickup before."

Mercedes certainly sounds confident it can redefine the mid-size segment. Let’s take a deep look at its new X-Class to see if Merc is on the right path.

Continue reading for the full review of Mercedes’ new X-Class Concept.

Mercedes-Benz has announced an all-electric commercial truck designed to replace

powered trucks on local, short-run delivery routes. It’s called the Urban eTruck and it runs off lithium-ion batteries that power two electric motors at the rear wheels for a clean, quiet, ride with zero local emissions.

The truck is said to have little trade-offs in relation to its diesel and gasoline-powered counterparts. It has a range of up to 124 miles and a maximum payload capacity rivaling diesel trucks. Its cabin comes chocked full of Mercedes’ latest technology from FleetBoard, including real-time traffic information with alternative route planning, driver and dispatcher communications, and emergency route guidance back to home base should the truck run low on its charge.

The Urban eTruck comes with three choices in battery size. The standard setup includes three battery modules with a total capacity of 212 kWh with a range up to 200 kilometers, or 124 miles. Battery modules can be factory ordered for truck with longer delivery routes and those that frequently travel at higher steeds, or trucks with larger payloads but travel fewer miles.

Mercedes says production of this type of truck is conceivable to begin at the start of the next decade. Whether the automaker will achieve that goal is unknown, but knowing how Mercedes generally succeeds at its goals, it’s likely vehicles like the Urban eTruck will become a reality.

This product concept comes on the heels of Tesla’s “Master Plan, Part Deux,” which details the electric automaker’s plans for building all-electric commercial trucks and public transportation. Undoubtedly Elon Musk has to feel the pressure.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck.

Every fall, dozens of journalists from all over Texas and around the country gather to compare, test, and crown the winner of the “Truck of Texas” competition. It’s a coveted award from the Texas Auto Writers Association that signifies Texas’ collective approval of a truck. And not only are trucks involved, awards go out for the SUV and CUV of Texas.

I already touched on the topic in the preview piece, but awards are also given to the winner in each vehicle category and for various things like “best connectivity” and “best powertrain.”

This year’s competition was fierce. There were 84 vehicles present from 21 automakers entered into 17 different categories. Evaluating the field were 69 TAWA members comprised of journalists and social media influencers.

So let’s get down to the results. Keep reading for the full breakdown.

Continue reading for the results of the 2015 TAWA Truck Rodeo

Daimler Trucks has just announced the U.S.’ first autonomous truck, the Freightliner Inspiration. The truck has been granted a license for road use in Nevada, allowing Daimler to further test the truck’s systems and abilities to self-drive along the highway.

This isn’t Daimler’s first autonomous truck, however. 2014 Saw the automaker demonstrate the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 as it drove along the A14 autobahn near Magdeburg, Germany. It’s technology from that truck that has crossed the Atlantic – and through some rigorous recalibration for U.S. roads – and into the Freightliner Inspiration. It’s called Highway Pilot.

Daimler says the autonomous truck is designed to help ease the stress on long-haul drivers, as well as reduce traffic congestion and improve the truck’s overall fuel efficiency thanks to the computer-controlled driving. The company makes it clear the truck isn’t a replacement for drivers, saying the self-driving aspect is relegated to highway use and the driver is needed for rural and urban roads.

In fact, Daimler sees the driver’s roll actually becoming more important. During highway sprints, drivers can attend to other tasks, or even become “transport managers” – making the trucking career more attractive.

So how does the Freightliner Inspiration work? Continue reading for all the details.

Continue reading for the whole story.

You’ve certainly heard the news Mercedes will build a pickup truck by the end of the decade. Well now we have our first realistic glimpse at what Mercedes might have up its sleeve. This original rendering shows a truck with looks inspired by the current GLE Coupe, but with an obvious difference behind the passenger compartment.

Having a Mercedes puts owners in a fairly elite group, but having a Mercedes G63 AMG 6X6 puts owners in a group so elite they might as well have their own island. However, for those Mercedes 6X6 owners who feel the island might be too crowded, vehicle tuner Mansory has a solution.

Starting with a “stock” G63 AMG 6X6, the company goes to work customizing the exterior, interior, and adding gobs of power under the hood. Starting on the outside, the front grille gets the usual Mansory touch, with the large M badge. Upgraded headlights help light the way while a full carbon-fiber hood covers the engine.

Speaking of which, Mansory takes the 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V-8 down to the bare block, rebuilding it with race-ready components such as new pistons, connecting rods, the crankshaft, and cylinder heads. The mechanical transformation takes the AMG engine from 536 horsepower to a mind-blowing 829 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Then again, the G63 6X6 is a lot of truck to move.

The upgrades continue with new side vents for the engine bay and new front and rear air deflectors made from composite materials. Inside, the cabin is dressed to impress with even more carbon-fiber bits, custom leather seating, and upgraded Alcantara and wood accents.

Needless to say, the dolled-up Mansory G63 6X6 will cost quite a bit more than the standard truck’s asking price of roughly $600,000. With all the performance add-ons and visual upgrades, we wouldn’t be surprised to see another $150,000 tacked onto that price.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes AMG G63 6x6 By Mansory.

The legendary Mercedes-Benz Unimog all-terrain trucks are refreshed for 2013 with a comprehensive makeover inside the cabin, underneath that boxed ladder chassis and outside with a menacing new grille and LED lighting.

The top of the new Unimog lineup in terms of off-road ability is the new U5023 model, which replaces the previous U5000 nameplates. Sharing the nose layout with its shorter sibling, the U4023, these models are the freshest outside with a dramatic new single-wing grille to house the dinner-plate-sized Mercedes star emblem.

This is a unique touch for the U5023, as this design is usually reserved for the sportiest models in the lineup, like the SLS AMG. Regardless, the new design is functional more than stylish, with a new cab and engine mounting position that is farther back in the chassis and other significant changes to go along with this new grille design.

The chassis itself of these off-road models is quite something. With a flexible central spine, the Unimog U5023 is able to articulate its wheels farther than any other production vehicle, and now can even flex the chassis to ensure at least one wheel has traction on the ground.

The other big news for the Unimog line is a vastly improved cabin with better visibility, easier off-road traction settings, a vastly improved driving position with a tilt/telescoping wheel, and a new Euro6-complaint BlueEfficiency turbo diesel engine.

Despite a (limited) top speed of 56 mph in Europe, the Unimog U5023 has some of the most clever and innovative off-road tech designed right into its chassis.

How far ahead of a Jeep is the Unimog? Well it has 664 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic for forward movement. A six-speed automatic handles reverse, where the Unimog can also hit its 56 mph top speed going backwards. Not something many would attempt in a Jeep.

While the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 is a big draw for flashy people, the Unimog will always be the real king of mud, sand, rocks and water.

Click past the jump for the full review of the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5023.

It’s hard not to give the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 the applause it deserves because not doing so would probably result in the vehicle jumping off our page and slapping us silly with those two extra tires.

All joking aside, this vehicle really is one for the ages. Adding German tuner extraordinaire Brabus into the equation, makes this one monster ride that will no doubt leave every other vehicle scampering away and cowering in fear by the vehicle’s mere presence.

At the Frankfurt Auto Show, Brabus will present its program for the G63 AMG 6x6. You had better find a nice place to hide because if this Brabus-tuned G63 AMG 6x6 finds you looking at it funny, it might just decide to give you a knee-buckling stare of its own.

Give credit to Brabus for taking the time to work on a vehicle like this. Chances are, the company enjoyed working on it so much that Brabus engineers likely "tested" the model extensively.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6

Mercedes has a model for everyone and every niche – small cars, big cars, SUVs, vans, buses, supercars and the Unimog. The Unimog truly defies a complete explanation. No single consumer can comprehend the myriad of capabilities that these machines possess.

The standard U500 Unimog would have been the ultimate vehicle in the movie Dante’s Peak. If you’ve never seen it, the Unimog would have been racing up a mountainside road covered in volcanic ash, saving the family from lava rushing to destroy their house, fording a river on the way back down while using its winch to save a puny National Guard Hummvee – all in a day’s work.

So why would Brabus want to create a version of this car? Brabus has been making the fastest and most prestigious Mercedes vehicles for years and if they are willing to take the Smart car and give it a makeover then the Unimog should also have its moment of glory.

Hit the jump for more details on the Brabus Unimog.