Mercedes-AMG X-Class unlikely in this generation
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 25th Jun 2018
MERCEDES-BENZ Vans says the possibility of an AMG-fettled X-Class is unlikely, at least in this generation of the one-tonne ute, but the company refused to rule it out altogether.
Speaking to GoAuto at the global drive of the V6 X-Class X350d, Mercedes-Benz Vans head of marketing Marion Friese said the priority for the brand was to ensure the four- and six-cylinder models are established in all markets.
When asked about the possibility of an X-Class AMG, Dr Friese said: “Not so far, but it is also something – bring the basic versions first, then see how the demand will develop for a version like that.
“You look for what the future will bring … but so far it is not here yet, so we will see – but of course we are thinking in all directions to keep the vehicle attractive.”
Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia PR and communications manager Blake Vincent added that there had not been much interest from Australian customers in an AMG X-Class.
“There’s been no requests for AMG, there’s been the V6 inquiry, but no specific, over-the-top demand around an AMG variant,” he said.
“AMG is definitely not on the table for X-Class at the moment, there are no plans for AMG. We also have been pretty comfortable with the range we’ve got coming, knowing we’ve got the V6 coming, for the dual-cab segment the power output we’re providing, the ride quality, the exterior design the X-Class brings with the V6, we really think that’s a strong proposition as it is.
“So we haven’t been crying out for an AMG variant or anything like that. We’re very comfortable with the range that we’ve got, it’s about embedding the X-Class range into the market now.”
He added that if an AMG X-Class materialised, the local division would consider it given the popularity of AMG vehicles Down Under.
“If that were to come then Australia is a big AMG market, we would look at that independently and look at what opportunity is there for our market, and then we’d go from there but for now there’s no plans.”
When asked about potential popularity, Mr Vincent said an AMG X-Class would likely be successful in Australia, but he was unsure of the sort of volume it may attract.
Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia managing director Diane Tarr has previously expressed her desire for an AMG X-Class in Australia.
Dr Friese said one possibility for this life cycle would be to create an AMG-based exterior bodykit for the X-Class.
Mr Vincent said that sporty bodykits were successful on passenger cars, but there were no current plans to bring one for the X-Class.
“Right now there are no plans for it. If demand changes and we really see that that’s the type of package we need for X-Class and there’s volume to justify it, then we can push that but right now there’s no need for it.”
When asked about the possibility of a solely off-road oriented variant similar to one of the concepts shown when the X-Class was first revealed in 2016, Mr Vincent said that a dedicated variant would be hard to justify, but added that more accessory packs would be possible.
“(A dedicated off-roader) would be an interesting concept. I don’t know if there would be enough volume to justify it, but having said that, expanding the range of accessory items that we have to match with the X-Class, to have winches, to have all-terrain and off-road tyre patterns available, maybe that could be something that evolves with X-Class.
“And if that’s the case we’d look to get those (accessories) developed if that’s a possibility. Having a standalone variant at this stage I think would be unlikely.”
