There’s been a lot of hubbub over the years about Mercedes-Benz launching a pickup truck. To be honest, it’s not that weird. The three-pointed star has been making utility vans, heavy-duty work trucks and unimogs for decades now. So it really isn’t that odd that Mercedes is finally making a pickup. But it is odd to finally see it after years of teasing. But the question that BMW fans are asking is likely, “Will the Mercedes-Benz X-Class push BMW to make a pickup?”
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To be honest, the answer is almost certainly “no”. BMW doesn’t seem to have any real interest in making a pickup. While Mercedes-Benz has a long history of making some of the most rugged work machines on the planet, BMW does not. It makes sense for Mercedes to have a truck but not so much for BMW. Plus, would a pickup truck really work with the Ultimate Driving Machine ethos?
Now, BMW has pranked us with an E92 M3 pickup truck, which caused many enthusiasts to think it was a real thing. However, it was just a car BMW built to run parts back and forth between warehouses. Once built, BMW decided to make an April Fool’s prank out of it. So it has a bit of notoriety, which caused many rumors. BMW also made a pickup out of the E30 M3 for the exact same reason. But BMW never had any real desire to put such a thing into production.
What’s interesting, though, is that this X-Class looks quite good. It’s chunky and rugged while also looking decidedly Mercedes-Benz. So it looks like a more premium pickup and could rival the higher-end Ford F150s and Dodge Rams. On the inside, there’s a weird blend of rugged utilitarianism and luxury. The steering wheel and gauges are plucked right from an E-Class, making it look premium there. However, the chunky shift lever and shift gate look plucked straight from Nissan’s parts bin (thanks to the relationship between Mercedes and Nissan).
Could BMW do something like this? Yes, probably. However, I don’t think they should. Mercedes has a long history of proper off-road machines, with locking diffs and genuine rock-crawling capability. BMW does not.
BMW doesn not need to make a piece of crap like that X-Crap
its also just a nissan patrol btw
That’s a cheap shot. Did you forget about the Z4/Supra?
That’s very different. They’re developed together, but have their own DESIGN and uses BMW tech mostly. This is just a rebadged and slightly changed Nissan. It’s pathetic.
*Navara
Nothing. This is one segment BMW AG can completely turn a blind eye. Not their lane, and they should stay away from it.
i don’t even know what i’m looking at….
a nissan
BMW could easily make a Pick-Up to compete. With BMW’s partnership with a Toyota, they could use a Toyota Tacoma platform as a basis and implement BMW ingenuity with the engine, drivetrain, etc.
The difference is that Mercedes Benz is a major manufacturer of trucks, 4×4, vans and buses with a long history and good reputation. MB didn’t really need Nissan to create the X class. They have competences. BMW has nothing to do with utility vehicles.
That interior is awful.
If at all BMW decides to go for this segment, i would suggest that they come up with a sub brand for the pick ups.
BMW ‘s core ethos of driving pleasure are in total contrast with the utilitarian and practical nature of these vehicles. These vehicles are more about rugged and hard wearing nature instead of the finesse and sophistication.
if Merc has done it, BMW would be doing it at some point of time, i think. Its not about staying in competition with age old rival, it would be about what competitive edge Merc would get by making immense profits that these vehicles (no doubt) would bring to them. These profits then internally can be utilized to take the strategic advantages that fatter pockets always bring with them (More cash for R&D, New Tech development, more sustained business environment etc.) .
BMW ‘s core ethos of driving pleasure are in total contrast with almost every car they have on sale right now.
Don’t attach so much value to a marketing slogan.
Not true. Almost all BMWs are still very fun to drive. Not as pure as they used to be, but that’s not possible and that’s not what 99% of the customers want either.
I think this is in response to the VW Amarok that is doing fairly well in the markets that eat up most of these types of vehicles(mostly Africa and Australia). However this still has nothing against the Ford Ranger(best in class at the moment) and the Toyota Hilux(Reliability king). This is basically modified Nissan Navara : http://www.caradvice.com.au/568250/mercedes-benz-x-class-v-nissan-navara-styling-face-off/
Frankly its time Mercedes also took a dump because their form of late has been total fire.
Just like the Citan, Vito, Sprinter, et cetera, the X Class isn’t relevant for BMW.
It’s a Nissan, with a Mercedes logo and kinda Mercedes interior. Pathetic.
What is that interior even??? It looks cheap af.
Someone here did make a point. Its not that Merc & VaGina does it so Bimmer needs to follow. Crunching the analytics of the market in about 2-5yrs. If consumers are demanding it, I’m afraid they will dip their toes in this luxury pickup truck segment. How the hell do you explain and brand a pickup truck as the ultimate driving machine? LOL
Any ways, i hope its a new brand and not badge as a BMW. Best way to launch this is partnering with Toyota. Hi-lux/Tacos are the shiznit! Then rework it from there and eventually if the sales sustains it build it from ground up.
No way they can compete with the real truck makers though. This segment don’t want a luxury pick up. We want a truck with creature comforts, latest tech, muscle, robust, and a hint of luxury feel.