By now you’ve undoubtedly heard Mercedes-Benz is partnering with Nissan to build a midsize pickup truck for the global market. Well, a leaked product release schedule shows the pickup slotted for the 2017 model year. There’s not much else to go on, but the information is certainly suggesting Mercedes is whole-heartedly diving into the pickup segment.
This is only the latest piece of information regarding the upcoming truck. Spy shots have captured heavily camouflaged trucks on two different occasions. The test mule pickups show just how closely Mercedes is working with Nissan. Both share a design that’s obviously Nissan, though the Mercedes version will be wider, more luxurious, and powered by Mercedes engines.
The biggest unknown is whether Mercedes will release the pickup (rumored to be called the GLT) in the U.S. Mercedes has confirmed the truck will debut for Europe, Australia, South Africa, and Latin America. Trucks sent to these areas will be more utilitarian in nature, just as its direct competitors from Ford and Toyota.
If Mercedes does bring the GLT to the U.S., we expect it to create a new high-end, luxury sub-set in the compact pickup segment. GMC technically will beat Mercedes with the upcoming 2017 Canyon Denali, but Mercedes could debut the GLT for the 2017 model year. There is still time left. Our bet, however, is for a 2018 model year release.
Pricing is still a deep mystery, but expect the GLT to carry a base price of no less than $45,000. That secures its position above the other midsize trucks in the segment, save for the GMC Canyon Denali.
So, could Mercedes’ new pickup start a whole new category – premium midsize trucks? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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