Mercedes-Benz breaks from tradition with first pickup

For some purists, viewing a Mercedes-Benz station wagon is odd. Now the German luxury carmaker is further expanding tradition with its first pick-up truck.

The latest version of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class concept will be presented at the Geneva International Motor Show. It will be available later this year in selected global markets.

One caveat: The new luxury midsize truck won’t be available in the United States — at least for now.

Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has announced the X-Class will debut in “key markets” — Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and some European countries.

A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said the pickup “will close one the last gaps in our portfolio. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.”

The Geneva International Auto Show, held in the Palexepo Arena, will be held March 9-19. Press and trade days are scheduled March 7-8.

The concept version being shown in Geneva will be more upscale than the one seen last year at an event in Sweden. It will be made at Nissan and Renault plants under an agreement with Mercedes-Benz.

While not available from at its debut, the truck could be offered in the United States. One reason: There are currently no luxury brands among major truck models.

According to Autodata.com, about 2.2 millions full-size pickups sold in the U.S in 2016. About 450,00 midsize pickups sold.

While many details of the X-Class remain undisclosed, the pickup will include an electric winch and 22-inch wheels. The one-ton truck will seat five.