Mercedes-Benz is readying its double-cab offering, which is expected to make its official debut next year. Even though it will be based on a modified (new-generation) Nissan Navara platform, it will be appointed to a level of luxury that will satisfy brand loyalists and will be sold and serviced through conventional Benz dealers.

According to our spy photographer the fully disguised prototype appeared wider (ostensibly owing to the Mercedes having a broader track width) than the Navara and “although the exterior design still looks a lot like the Nissan’s, but that should change when this car goes into production in 2017.

“We suspect that Mercedes has an altogether different interior (to the Navara), because the prototype had a completely disguised cabin,” he concluded.

This is our first look at (the albeit heavily disguised) Mercedes-Benz, which is widely expected to be named the "GLT" when it goes into production. It was conceived for markets in which high-spec derivatives of otherwise commercially-oriented pick-ups are popular and South Africa’s a prime example.

Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle division head Volker Mornhinweg revealed last year that the “GLT” (its official name has yet to be confirmed) will be produced in 3specification levels and in the double-cab body style only. It is expected that turbopetrol and –diesel powerplants will be offered in 4- and 6-cylinder guises and that there will be a choice between 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmissions.

Speaking to Cars.co.za at the 2015 Frankfurt Show, Mornhinweg said that the double-cab would offer sufficient build- and driving refinement to warrant being retailed by Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle dealerships (as opposed to its commercial vehicle outlets). The premium focus would extend beyond Benz offering the most luxurious cabin in its segment, he added — the level of integrated technology (convenience- and safety-wise) will be at a level thattraditional Mercedes-Benz customers have come to expect. We'll provide more details when they become available…

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

See an early artist's impression of what the Mercedes-Benz double cab could look like