Really want the upcoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class bakkie, but can't wait until 2018? Mercedes-Benz has a potential solution and this one's arguably tougher…

It's called the Mercedes-Benz G300 CDI Pickup and comes with a legendary reputation. Based on the mighty G-Class SUV, this single-cab bakkie retains that toughness and go-anywhere ability, but gains a sizeable loadbay in the back. The G300 Pickup is still formidably tough and can take on most hardcore off-road scenarios. An approach angle of 38 degrees, departure angle of 35 and wading depth of 635 mm make it one seriously capable bakkie.

That load bay gives it credible workhorse ability and it can hold 2 085 kg worth of cargo. It can also tow up to 2 120 kg. Power comes from the trusty 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel motor (with peak outputs of 135 kW and 400 Nm) and reaches all 4wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.

The 16-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 265/75 all-terrain rubber and the vehicle features numerous add-ons, such as a snorkel, bull-bar,tyre pressure monitoring system, two 12Vbatteries, a 96-litre fuel tank and rubber floor mats, all of which suggests that this creation is more about work than play. There's no fancy Mercedes-Benz infotainment system fitted, for example, but the Pickup does feature air-conditioning and vinyl seat covers.

It's built at the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen factory in Graz, Austria and is available in right-hand drive. The first market to get it is Australia – a country not too dissimilar to ours in terms of rough terrain and buying trends. Will it be made available in South Africa? We'll let you know as soon as we find out…

Further Reading

Mercedes-Benz X-Class finally revealed

Five Cool Facts about the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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