Mercedes-Benz ute to be the most powerful in its class

[Express]

Mercedes-Benz ute to be the most powerful in its class


Six-cylinder power could result in some of Australia’s most expensive utes.

July 23 2015 - 4:59PM
David McCowen


Mercedes-Benz will launch its ute in Australia in 2018.

Mercedes-Benz plans to make a splash when it enters the local ute market by offering a model with more grunt than its rivals.

Speaking with Drive at the launch of the brand's latest Vito and Valente, Mercedes-Benz Vans managing director Dianne Tarr says the brand plans to put a powerful six-cylinder diesel engine under the bonnet of the upcoming model.

The ute has been designed to fit the 3.0-litre V6 diesel from the new S-Class limousine or GLE-class SUV, a motor that makes 190kW and 620Nm - well more than the 147kW and 470Nm Ford's Ranger ute.

"We are looking at the V6 passenger car engine and more than likely it would be that," Tarr says.

"But I don't know what the development on the car side, in terms of engines, will be by the time the ute comes out.

"Whatever we see in that V6 space will probably be adopted into the pickup."

The brand is also considering the use of its own petrol powerplant along with the possibility of sourcing Nissan power from the latest Navara that shares its core construction.

Mercedes-Benz insiders say the ute will not be a badge engineering exercise in a similar vein to Ford's Ranger and the Mazda BT-50, but will instead be a proper Mercedes product with the brand's own drivelines, technology and premium feel.

As such, top end versions of the ute may also prove to be the most expensive in Australia.

Tarr says buyers are currently prepared to spend $60,000 on a new ute before lashing out on accessories that can drive the price much higher.

Without putting a figure on its potential price, she says the model could be priced above current flagships in a move that reflects Mercedes' position as a premium brand.

"We'll have to do customer research to find out where that end point is, or whether we are able to create a slightly higher end point," she says.

"We're always conscious of that premium position but we can't be above what is market accepted from a price perspective. The intention is to be competitive, but are we going to go toe-for-toe and nose-for-nose? At this point is time it is to be decided."

The model will undergo a local test and development program before it goes on sale around 2018. It will only be offered as a dual-cab proposition with seats for five occupants leaving the heavy-lifting of commercial jobs to the brand's current range of vans. Tarr says there are no plans for a seven-seat wagon or hybrid model based on the ute.

She says the model is being developed with Australia in mind.

"Being one of the four core markets we have so much more input and involvement in the actual constriction, and build input into the options, specifications etc," she says.

"We collectively do come together as a council... [but] I do make it quite clear how important it is that we do need certain requirements and certain specifications, and considerations for the Australian market."

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/m...23-gij4kq.html

[zilo]

Merc ute eh?

Probably only be about $170k plus on road costs?

[1TUFFUTE]

And never see a dirt road....let a mine site!

[rex351]

They make vans and trucks to a competitive price so a ute shouldn't be any different. Shares navara basic structure so it can't be too exotic.

[SumoDog68]

This will be a good upgrade for current Navara 550 owners .

[Brazen]

I suspect it may be sold through their commercial van dealers, so probably not too expensive. Australia will probably be it's biggest market.