The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is due for introduction in 2017, but don’t expect to see an AMG version. Here’s why…
The reveal of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept just about "broke the Internet" a few weeks back and South Africa is one of the markets that will receive the X-Class later in 2017/2018, butIf you were hoping that a high-performance AMG X-Class derivative was in the works, you will sadly be disappointed.
According to reports,Tobias Moers – the boss of Daimler's AMG division – has offered some reasoning as to why you won’t see an AMG X-Class on the road.
Demand is the biggest issue standing in the way of an AMG X-Class becoming a reality. There is simply not enough demand to justify the existence of such a model and market analysis by Mercedes-Benz seems to confirm this fate.
Also, it must be remembered that the X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara. It will even be built by Nissan in Barcelona, Spain. Production is also set to kick off in Renault’s Cordoba factory in Argentina come 2018, which will serve Latin American markets. It seems AMG isn’t too keen on developing a model that isn’t of pure Mercedes-Benz descent.
Moers also raises the issue of AMG branding conflict and that an AMG X-Class won’t fit the current brand image of Mercedes-Benz.
Although an AMG X-Class won’t see the light of day, Mercedes-Benz will in all likelihood offer a styling pack that will beef up the looks of the X-Class, butthat's as far as the rabbit hole goes, for now.
We will keep you updated as more information on the Mercedes-Benz X-Class becomes available, so stay tuned.
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