Is this the end for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class?

By Chad Luckhoff

Sources close to Daimler AG suggest that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class may be discontinued under pressure from low sales figures and poor group performance.

Reports have been rolling in that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class could soon be no more. Reports from Europe and automotive news sources suggest that the Stuttgart-based firm will be pulling the plug on their double cab offering in light of poor sales figures and increasing economical pressure, reports Autonews.com.

Daimler AG has cut its profit forecast several times over the last year with its most recent coming in July of this year. Daimler cites pressure from the government with regards to diesel vehicles as well as the cost implications of the Takata airbag recall, amongst others. It was stated that their Group EBIT for the second quarter of 2019 is down on previous years, prompting a revision to their risk assessments as well as their product lineup.

No specific mention is made of the X-Class but global sales figures indicate that volumes are considerably lower than originally anticipated, with reports suggesting that only 16 700 units were sold in Europe, Australia and South Africa. Many believe this to be due to the current pricing model when considering local markets and direct competition.

Sources speculate that uncertainty in the relationship with the Renault Nissan Alliance could also be to blame for this rumour. The X-Class builds on the Nissan Navara platform, one that it shares with the Renault Alaskan.

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class was launched in South Africa in early last year in X220d and X250d trims with current pricing starting at R642 103. The highly-anticipated V6 offering, the X350d followed a few months later. The X350d Power model now retails for R973 188 before options.

This pricing has made it a tough sell in South Africa where the staple of Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger continue to top the sales charts in a very competitive market.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa declined comment on speculation that the X-Class would be dropped from production and assisted with figures from an ad hoc release regarding the forecasts and quarterly profit report.