Most people think the X-Class is the first Mercedes pickup ever. However, there is a full history of exceptional pickup trucks built by Mercedes-Benz. That’s why we wanted to put together this series article. Let’s dive into them right away!
Mercedes 170V Pickup / W 136L (1946-1949)
In the 1940s, car manufacturers usually built one platform and used different chassis on it to create different classes. There were also private coachbuilders that could modify the bodies specifically for a platform.
The Mercedes-Benz 170 V (internally W 136) was the platform that was first presented in 1936. It was the best-selling Mercedes passenger vehicle of the pre-war period and was the only one that continued to be produced after the end of the war.
The 170 V was available as a two or four-door sedan and as a four-door convertible sedan. There were also two- and four-door open touring cars, the two-seater Cabriolet A and the two-door Cabriolet B with four seats.
In a period of reconstruction, the manufacturer launched its first flatbed truck, the 170 V Pickup (internally W 136 l), in May 1946. It was based on the model introduced in 1936 and was the first vehicle that Mercedes resumed production after the end of the war. The 14 ft long, 5 ft wide, and 6 ft high 170 V pickup weighed 2403 lbs and had a gross vehicle weight of 4630 lbs.
The Design
The chassis consisted of an X-shaped oval tube frame. The front wheels of the two-door pickup were individually suspended on double transverse leaf springs; at the rear, it was equipped with coil springs.
All wheels were fitted with piston shock absorbers, and hydraulic drum brakes acted on front and rear wheels. The functional structures for the Mercedes flatbed truck were manufactured by the Stuttgart coachbuilder Hägele, who later also built panel vans.
The Power
The 170 V was powered by a 1.7-liter four-stroke M 136 gasoline engine that delivered 28 kW / 38 hp at 3,600 rpm. It provided the maximum torque of 100 Nm at a speed of 1800 rpm.
The four-cylinder engine reached a top speed of 50 mph and consumed an average of 2.9 gallons of fuel per 60 miles.
A 4-speed manual transmission transmitted the engine power to the rear via a drive shaft with two joints to the frame-mounted differential gear of the oscillating axle. Mercedes kept building 170 V Pickup was built until 1946 with a number of 1,098 vehicles, including 440 police patrol cars.
Mercedes 180D Pickup / W120 (1956-1958)
The Mercedes 180 (internal designation W120) premiere in 1953 was a historic milestone in the history of Mercedes passenger cars. Because the 180 was the first passenger car from the Stuttgart car manufacturer to have a self-supporting body ("pontoon shape") that was firmly welded to the frame-floor system to form a static unit.
This technology increased the torsional rigidity and, at the same time, reduced the weight compared to the common design with an attached body. Another new feature of the Mercedes 180 (also known as the "Ponton Mercedes") was the suspension of the front wheels, which were guided by double wishbones.
The rear wheels on the swing axle were also guided on widely spaced trailing arms and ensured outstanding driving characteristics at the time. In addition, the Mercedes W120 also shaped the design and technical conception of the luxury class 180, 105, and 128 series.
The Design
With the "three-box design", the company set new standards in terms of design and form because the body of the W120 stood out clearly from the previous models of the brand. The design featured a rectangular floor plan with less sweeping, fully integrated fenders, and clearly demarcated areas for the powertrain, occupants, and cargo bed.
The idea of producing a 180D pontoon pickup came after the South African government imposed import restrictions on passenger cars after the end of the war. To circumvent this import restriction, Mercedes-Benz only delivered "half cars" - without the body section behind the B-pillar.
Such vehicles were classified as commercial vehicles and were therefore subject to fewer import regulations. Locally manufactured load boxes or platforms and side walls were then mounted on these. The biggest challenge was finding a South African carmaker that could produce Mercedes-quality bodywork for the 180D Ponton pickup.
The first Mercedes 180D pickup (internal designation W120) was manufactured in 1955 and sold in South Africa from 1956. Here the Mercedes pickup was called "Bakkie" (flatbed). In 1958 the production of the Mercedes 180D pickup ended.
More than 400 registered sales of the Mercedes 120W pickup could be counted, but it is still unclear how many of these vehicles were actually sold since Daimler did not list these “half models” separately.
The Power
The Mercedes Ponton pickup type 180D was powered by an OM636 engine with a displacement of 1,7 liters. The 1.8-liter diesel engine developed 43 hp and had a maximum torque of 101 Nm. The 180D pontoon pickup thus reached a top speed of 68 mph. The Mercedes pickup completed the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 39 seconds.
Mercedes W 115 Pickup / 8 (1972-1976)
The W 114 and W 115 series introduced in 1968 – also known as the /8 (“Stroke 8”) – are considered legends among classic car fans. The W 114/115 models were built until 1976 and were available as sedans and coupés. But many do not know that the /8 was also available as a pickup variant.
This was built from 1972 to 1976 in smaller numbers by Mercedes-Benz Argentina (in Gonsález Catán). The locally assembled flatbed truck was based on the W 115 and was available as a single and double cab.
The Design
The birth of the mysterious Mercedes W 115 Pickup (nickname: La Pickup) was due to Argentine protectionism. This began after the global economic crisis in 1929 under the military government and only ended in 1976 with a military coup.
In order to protect the Argentine economy at the time, import bans and trade restrictions were introduced, which made it impossible to import complete vehicles. Only the import of mechanical components and body parts and their assembly were permitted, as this was exclusively a commercial vehicle.
The Germans used this gap and introduced CKD kits (completely knocked down) to Argentina. There the vehicle was reassembled, and a platform was screwed on behind the B-pillar, which turned the car into a Mercedes /8 pickup and thus into a commercial vehicle.
It is estimated that around 6,000 to 6,500 Mercedes W 115 pickups were made in Argentina in this way. Whether and how many of these vehicles made it to other places is unknown, as is the number of surviving examples.
The fact is that the Mercedes "La Pickup" was basically a purely Argentinian model or affair. As a result, its existence is not part of general knowledge even at Daimler today.
The pickup version of the MB W 115 received the unchanged sedan front with a chrome radiator grille, vertical chrome-rimmed headlights, chrome bumper, and the three-points Mercedes star.
There was a partition with a rear window behind the B-pillar of the Mercedes pickup. The newly added flatbed featured wooden panels and a downward-opening tailgate. On the other hand, the family-friendly double cab version (very rare) was basically a /8 without a trunk lid.
The Power
The Mercedes W 115 pickup was powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine (OM 615). The four-cylinder had an output of 44 kW / 60 hp and a maximum torque of 126 Newton meters.
On its 6.3 ft long and 4.9 ft wide platform, the almost 3136 lbs heavy pickup managed to transport an impressive 1565 lbs.
Mercedes G-Class Pickup (1985-1996)
The Mercedes vehicles of the W 460 series are the original models of the G-Class known to this day. They were manufactured by Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz from February 1979 to 1990 and replaced in 1991 by the W 461 series.
Initially, the Mercedes G-Class was available in the body variants “station wagon” (with long and short wheelbase) and “open wagon” (only with short wheelbase). From 1985 there was also a Mercedes-Benz G as a pick-up version for the first time - the rarest variant of the G models.
The Design
The platform truck with the star was based on a square tube ladder frame. Robust, rigid axles with large coil springs and long spring deflections were advantageous for off-road use.
The 14.6 ft long G-Class pick-up was 5.5 ft wide, 6.4 ft high, had a wheelbase of 9.3 ft, and an unladen weight of 4244 lbs. Its permissible total weight was specified as 6393 lbs.
The Power
The Mercedes 230 GE pick-up had a 2.3-liter gasoline engine with fuel injection. The four-cylinder in-line engine delivered 90 kW (122 hp) at 5100 rpm. It provided its maximum torque of 188 Nm from 4000 rpm.
The 230 GE pick-up reached a top speed of 85 mph and consumed an average of 16.8 liters of fuel per 60 miles. The G-Class was equipped with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and selectable all-wheel drive.
From 1992 the manufacturer also offered the diesel version of the Mercedes 290 GD pick-up. The four-stroke diesel with pre-chamber injection gave the 290 GD an output of 70 kW (95 hp) and a top speed of 75 mph.
The maximum torque of 192 Nm stood at 2,300 rpm. to disposal. Like the gas variant, the Mercedes 290 GD pick-up had a 5-speed manual transmission and selectable all-wheel drive.
Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6 (2013 – 2015)
The Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6 is the desert fox and is probably one of the most spectacular off-road vehicles of all time. We owe the SUT (Sport Utility Truck) Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6 to the Australian army. They were looking for an all-terrain three-axle vehicle, whereupon the armament-tested German company sensed a lucrative business.
In 2013 the time had finally come - Mercedes-Benz launched this brute pickup, with the successful mixture of the G-Class and Unimog, onto the market. It was produced on behalf of Magna Steyr in Graz/Austria, from where the last vehicle was delivered in May 2015.
While 2,000 units of the 6×6 military G went to the Australian Army, Mercedes also produced a civilian version – which was more powerful and luxuriously equipped. Although the Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6 ultimately sold better than originally expected, the manufacturer declared the model as sold out in early 2015 to maintain the vehicle's exclusivity.
“What excites the military can also be interesting for the well-heeled customer”. Mercedes-Benz must have thought something like that here and pushed a civilian fun version of the 6x6 afterward. The main focus was on customers from the Middle East, who are already receptive to exclusive desert ships.
The Design
While the military still had to make do with simple equipment and poor engine performance, private customers received a significantly upgraded Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6. The appearance of the pick-up, which is almost 20 ft long, almost 7 ft wide, and a good 7.5 ft high, inspires a lot of respect.
In addition, there are the voluminous tires (37-inch) on the three axles and the enormous distance to the ground. Instead of the normal ground clearance of 8 inches, it is a whole 18 inches on this one, which means that water passages of one meter can be mastered without any problems. At that point, at the latest, it becomes clear: neither water, desert, nor rocky terrain can stop this vehicle!
While the G 6×6 marks the hard off-roader from the outside, an Alcantara roof and lots of leather prevail in the interior. A free-standing screen adorns the center of the cockpit, based entirely on the model of the A and B classes.
A total of four people can be accommodated in the Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6, each on heated, ventilated, and extremely comfortable individual seats. The space available in the rear has also grown compared to the conventional G-Class. The reason for this is the longer wheelbase of the first two axles.
Even the loading area is no ordinary transport platform but a luggage compartment paneled with bamboo wood.
The Power
The 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine from the two-axle G 63 AMG slumbers under the hood of the extraordinary pick-up – coupled to a 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. With a full 400 kW/544 hp output and a maximum torque of 760 Nm, the three-axle vehicle will not run out of steam anytime soon.
It manages the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just seven seconds, and the top speed is capped at 100 mph. The power of the almost four-ton colossus is brought to the ground via five differential locks, with the power split dynamically in a 30-40-30 ratio.
The main territory of the Mercedes G63 AMG 6 × 6 is mainly away from roads and paths. It is clearly not only one of the most extravagant but also one of the most superior off-roaders in the world.
In the Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6, the driver controls the respective tire pressure while the front and rear axles can be varied separately. This is made possible by a powerful compressor and four 20-liter pressure tanks. In less than 20 seconds, the tire pressure can be increased from 0.5 bar, suitable for sand, to 1.8 bar, which is suitable for the road.
With special Beadlock rims, the air pressure can also be reduced so much that the ground pressure of the truck corresponds only to the footprint of a person of normal weight - also a unique value among off-roaders.
The Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6's enormous performance comes from a large number of elements from the tried-and-tested civilian construction kit of the G models, the AMG luxury and performance division, and the military construction kit.
This also includes the newly developed portal axle drive, which allows the wheels to be mounted higher up rather than on the center of the axle, as is usually the case. Thus, the vehicle gains a higher ground clearance, which is almost half a meter.
In addition, the G63 AMG 6×6 has a single-axle suspension, which means that all three rigid axles work independently and thus bring the power to the ground in the best possible way.
Both rear axles are separated by only 43 inches with a total wheelbase of 166 inches, which favors an extremely mutual entanglement. This ensures that the vehicle has sufficient traction even on rocky surfaces.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class (since 2017)
In November 2017, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class (470 series) celebrated its market launch in Germany. After several years of market analysis and development work, the German premium manufacturer is now offering a pure pickup for the first time. Because instead of simply providing a car model with a platform and a few off-road elements, the new X-Class actually sits on a robust pick-up platform.
Technically, the X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara, but this "relationship" can only be seen in the ladder frame and some components under the sheet metal. The Mercedes X-Class is designed to meet the ever-increasing demand for a modern mid-size pickup that can be used as a transport vehicle and for active leisure activities.
The X-Class is aimed at a wide variety of target groups – from farmers in Argentina and building contractors in Australia to families with an affinity for premium products in Brazil and trend-conscious individualists in South Africa.
Of course, typical passenger car properties, plenty of comforts, a superior drive, and a stylish look should not be missing from the new pickup with the star! Because the X-Class has to compete with a lot of competition - above all, the VW’s Amarok!
The Design
In order to meet different customer requirements, the four-door X-Class pickup is available in three equipment lines, depending on the engine:
PURE: The basic variant is primarily designed for functional use and meets all the requirements that are placed on a robust commercial vehicle. The X-Class PURE can be recognized by the unpainted front apron and the black painted rear bumper.
PROGRESSIVE: The middle equipment variant is more elegantly designed and offers more comfort functions than the basic line; The front apron and the rear bumper are painted in the vehicle color.
POWER: In the top equipment line, the X-Class can hardly be described as a commercial vehicle. The model has, among other things, a chrome-plated underride guard with a front bumper painted in the vehicle color and a chrome-plated rear bumper with an integrated step. The X-Class POWER is a real lifestyle pickup, with design, performance, and comfort in the foreground.
There is a choice of nine paint finishes and various rims in 17, 18, and 19-inch format for all equipment lines. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class comes in a brand-typical, progressive design. The front of the performance pickup is dominated by an imposing two-lined radiator grille with a central star and headlights with LED daytime running lights that extend far into the fenders.
A high and powerfully modeled hood and the wide front apron, which - depending on the equipment line - has its own unique character, underline the powerful design of the Mercedes pickup.
When it comes to interior comfort, the manufacturer is setting new standards in the mid-size pickup segment. The X-Class offers enough space for up to five occupants to sit comfortably even on long journeys and is equipped with extremely fine materials that are also available in various colors.
With a choice of six different seat options (including two leather variants with contrasting topstitching), two headliner colors, and various trim elements, the X-Class offers the greatest variety of materials and colors in its vehicle class. The leather-covered dashboard has a decorative element that extends over the entire width, and the large aluminum frame clasp on the center console look unusually elegant for a pickup.
The instrument cluster – consisting of large, analog round instruments from the C and V-Class – with a 5.4-inch multimedia color display and the height-adjustable 3-spoke steering wheel are definitely worthy of a premium pickup.
Control and display elements such as the multifunctional touchpad on the center console and the fully integrated COMAND Online multimedia system with hard disk navigation and LINGUATRONIC voice control have also been adopted from the passenger car series.
No matter how stylish and modern a pickup is, it should also meet its requirements as a commercial vehicle. The Germans have therefore designed the loading bed in such a way that there is also space for a Euro pallet between the wheel arches.
In addition, the loading area of the X-Class comes standard with a 12-volt socket and LED lighting that illuminates the entire loading bed - previously a monopoly in the mid-size pickup segment.
The Mercedes pickup has a payload of up to 1.1 tons and can take up to 3.5 tons on the hook depending on the engine and equipment. Equipped in this way, neither a large horse trailer nor an 8-meter yacht poses a problem for the German tank.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is equipped with extensive, state-of-the-art assistance systems. These include the "COMAND online navigation system". This transmits traffic information in real-time and can display the length or start of a traffic jam on the map with an accuracy of 100 yards and calculate a faster route.
The Mercedes X-Class is also the first mid-size pickup to have a communication module with a permanently installed SIM card, which makes it possible to use the extensive Mercedes me connect services and access the vehicle via smartphone. These services include the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system and the basic breakdown, accident, and maintenance management services.
The pickup with the star is also characterized by a high level of safety with comprehensive safety equipment. The particularly stable body with a high-strength passenger cell and a structure whose front and rear can absorb energy through targeted deformation ensure a high level of occupant protection.
In addition, seven airbags (front airbags for the driver and front passenger have a two-stage, time-delayed deployment) and the i-Size fastening system for two child seats come as standard in the X-Class.
Active safety is ensured by numerous assistance systems such as brake, lane departure, and traffic sign assistants, a trailer stability program, a tire pressure monitoring system, an emergency call system, cruise control, and LED headlights, which each have the brightest luminosity in the segment with six LEDs. A reversing camera and a 360-degree camera are also optionally available.
This extensive safety equipment earned the Mercedes-Benz X-Class the best possible five-star rating in the independent "Euro NCAP" safety test.
The Power
At market launch in 2017, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder diesel engine was powering the X-Class. The common rail diesel drive is available in two power levels. The 220 d model delivers 120 kW (163 hp) and has a maximum torque of 403 Nm.
In the X 250 d Biturbo variant, the pickup has an output of 140 kW (190 hp) and reaches a top speed of 115 mph. Its maximum torque is 450 Nm.
Both variants are available with purely rear-wheel drive or with selectable all-wheel drive.
In both diesel models, power is transmitted by a 6-speed manual transmission – for the more powerful X 250 d models, a 7-speed automatic transmission is also available as an option.
Just a few months after the market launch, Mercedes presented a new engine for its premium pickup at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018. The powerful 3.0-liter six-cylinder 350 d engine with permanent all-wheel drive became available from mid-2018.
It delivers 190 kW (258 hp) and puts a maximum torque of 550 Nm on the road. This puts the X 350 d 4MATIC at the top of the segment. The maximum torque is available over a wide engine speed range from 1,400 to 3,200 rpm - so a high torque is also available at lower engine speeds.
The top engine accelerates the X 350 d 4MATIC from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 128 mph. The V6 engine is characterized above all by its lightweight construction, the single-stage exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, and its innovative Nano-slide cylinder wall coating, which is also used in Formula 1.
The standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive works without any interruption in traction when changing gears and ensures good driving stability both off-road, on wet and snow-covered roads. The 350 d 4MATIC is combined with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles, and ECO start/stop function.
The top model X 350 d 4MATIC has the DYNAMIC SELECT system as standard, with which the driver can switch between five drive programs as required. The various programs vary the characteristics of the engine, the switching points, and the ECO start/stop function.
The following programs can be selected:
- Comfort (C): Activated automatically at start-up and ensures comfortable driving on the road;
- ECO (E): The automatic transmission changes gears at low engine speeds;
- Sport (S): The 7G-TRONIC PLUS uses the entire engine speed range when changing gears and shifts gears at higher engine speeds; the engine reacts more spontaneously to acceleration;
- Manual (M): Gears can be changed using the steering wheel shift paddles, which significantly reduces shift times compared to Comfort and Eco mode;
- Offroad (O): especially for driving in difficult terrain.
The chassis of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class not only impresses its robustness and best off-road capability but also its amazing driving comfort. Because the performance pickup has an elaborately designed comfort chassis made of a ladder frame, multi-link rear axle with rigid axle section, independent front suspension, and coil springs on both axles - a rather unusual construction for a pickup.
This chassis offers a ground clearance of 7.9 inches. A chassis that is raised by another 0.7 inches is also available as an option. The wider track compared to the Navara, a chassis tuned specifically for road use, and improved noise insulation all contribute to the driving pleasure and driving dynamics.
Mercedes is currently the only manufacturer in the segment to equip its pickup with large, internally ventilated disc brakes on both axles as standard. Discs with a diameter of 12.5 inches are used at the front and 12 inches at the rear axle. This ensures short braking distances, good response, and high thermal resilience.
With the selectable 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the front wheels can be switched on and off electrically depending on the terrain, allowing the X-Class to master almost any terrain. A low-range reduction and optional differential lock on the rear axle ensure superior pulling power even off-road. The DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) hill descent control is also on board as standard on the all-wheel drive models.
Protecting Your Mercedes Pickup
Mercedes is a premium automotive manufacturer; therefore, their pickup trucks are luxurious and exceptional. And like every luxury vehicle, it needs protection, especially if it’s going to stay undriven for a period of time.
As always, we recommend Coverking. They have custom protective equipment ready for any vehicle on the market anytime. Check out their catalog and see for yourself. Coverking is the official protective equipment supplier for most automotive brands. So, the manufacturers agree that they are the best.
Resources
- https://mercedesblog.com/the-x-class-not-the-first-mercedes-benz-pick-up-in-history
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_X-Class
- https://www.motor1.com/news/173735/mercedes-pickup-trucks-history
- https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/97469/the-strange-history-of-mercedes-benz-pick-up-trucks
- https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/12/abandoned-history-the-mercedes-benz-x-class-nissan-luxe
- https://www.slashgear.com/807696/the-mercedes-benz-pickup-you-never-knew-existed
- https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/a-look-back-at-the-mercedes-utility-vehicles-that-preceded-the-x-class-truck-ar177086
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.
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