The surge in popularity of pickup trucks owes much to the rise of crossover SUVs. Yet, despite this thriving market, only a handful of automakers include open-bed workhorses in their lineup.
Mercedes ventured into this segment a few years ago with the X-Class, essentially a rebranded Nissan Navara with some tweaks for a premium touch. However, priced higher than its Japanese counterpart and plagued by reliability issues, the X-Class met its demise in 2020 after a brief stint.
This setback led Mercedes to reconsider its approach to pickups. Rather than mimicking existing models, a fresh strategy is warranted. One compelling option could be leveraging the G-Class platform, renowned for its off-road prowess and luxurious appeal.
Recently, a rendering by j.b.cars surfaced on social media, envisioning a pickup variant of the Mercedes-AMG G 63. This digital concept showcases a shortened wheelbase and an open bed, retaining the G-Wagen’s iconic styling elements.
While purely speculative, such a model could attract a new demographic to the brand if executed well. Mercedes should carefully consider its approach, avoiding past pitfalls, and capitalizing on the G-Class’s enduring allure.
