The Stuttgart-based automaker is developing its first modern pickup truck. The forthcoming model should come as 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLT. As you know, the pickup trucks are the thing in the automotive industry at the moment. For example, in the United States, almost 80% of the market goes to full-size pickups. Moreover, 2 million of the various truck are sold per year across North America.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLT Will Be Built By Nissan
According to the recent reports, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLT will be built by Nissan. As a result, the German company will soon have a platform that can be customized. But, don’t think that the upcoming Benz will be some kind of luxury Frontier. We expect to see something more like the NP300. This model is very popular outside the States, and the GLT could get some features and mechanics from it.
Also, the production of the Mercedes pickup will probably take place at Nissan’s factory in Mexico. Besides the US and Europe, the company is preparing for a release in South America, the Middle East, and Africa as well. So, with the growth of the mid-size market, we expect to see more and more companies involved in the production of high-quality pickup trucks. For example, we already see that the Hyundai is preparing the Santa Cruz truck.
What It Will Look Like?
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLT will be built more off-road-oriented than the similar models from the segment. The rear axle will be standard for this type of truck. However, the customer will choose if they want an independent rear suspension as well. Furthermore, a ladder frame will ensure the rigidity of the vehicle. The GLT comes as a four-door cab model. That’s different than you might expect, taking into account that the Navara offers King/Double Car Choice.
As for the trim levels, there will be three of them. First, the company will bring the “workhorse” trim level, which will be more capability-oriented. The starting price of this version should be around $35,000. Also, expect to see a dual-use and leisure as well. The fully-equipped leisure variant will be the most expensive and the most luxurious version of the GLT pickup.
The carmaker will deliver numerous luxurious features for the cabin, as in every single vehicle they made. Therefore, you’ll find excellent connectivity, a tailgate that can be locked at 90- and 180- degree angles, three cabin configurations, and the same instrument panel like in GLE and GLC-classes.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLT Engine
The forthcoming 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLT will probably use Nissan’s 2.5-liter DOHC I4 diesel powertrain, which produces 190 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The second option might be a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline mill. This unit is good for 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque.
However, the German company will include a broad range of engines before they decide which one is the right one. As for the transmission, the standard option will probably be a 6-speed manual, or perhaps a 7-speed automatic gearbox.
On top of that, Mercedes will probably include the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as well. The release date of Mercedes’s first mid-size truck is still unknown. However, according to the reports from the company’s HQ, we assume that the pickup will be ready before the end of the year.
