It won’t be here until 2018, but buyers are already queuing up for the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup.

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class “stylish adventurer” pickup concept — the production model is due to hit the UK in 2018

Demand is so high, apparently, that Mercedes has launched an early reservation service to allow potential UK buyers to reserve a spot at the head of the queue when the X-Class becomes available to order.

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd, said:

“Many customers we have spoken to have a strong desire to be amongst the first to own the new X-Class, which is incredible considering that it hasn’t been unveiled yet!”

If you’d like to be one of the first to hit the road in what promises to be a truly eye-catching vehicle, then you’ll have to put down a £1,000 refundable deposit.

If you’re still undecided, then here are a few tasters. According to Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, the X-Class will have:

“a ladder-type frame, high-torque six cylinder engine and permanent all-wheel drive”. It will also have the class-leading performance, safety and luxury that you’d expect from any Mercedes.

The new pickup is expected to be a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Daimler — it will essentially be a reworked version of the Nissan NP300. However, as with the Mercedes-Benz Citan small van (based on the Renault Kangoo), it will be heavily modified to ensure it delivers the quality, performance and luxury expected from the three-pointed star.

Here are a few more pictures of the X-Class concept to whet your appetite:

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class “powerful adventurer” concept model

A rear view of the X-Class “powerful adventurer” concept

You can find out more at www.mbvans.co.uk/xclass.