Mercedes is taking the rough-tough image of pick-up trucks and adding a somewhat posh tone to the mix with its all-new X-Class model.

It’s the German marque’s first venture into pick-up territory and is expected to go on sale late next year. But as a taster of what’s in store, Mercedes has revealed a couple of concept models.

One is aimed directly at those who enjoy the workhorse status traditionally associated with pick-ups and the other adds a touch of luxury with a full leather interior and state-of-the-art trimmings.

Mercedes has called the first version of its Concept X-Class the ‘powerful adventurer’ and the other it is dubbing the ‘stylish explorer’.

Both models are being developed as part of Mercedes’ link up with the Renault-Nissan Alliance and the X-Class will be built in Spain alongside the Nissan Navara.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said: “With the Mercedes-Benz pick-up, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio. Our target: we want to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.”

Pick-up sales now account for more than one per cent of all vehicles registered in the UK and Mercedes is aiming its new models at the lifestyle sector as well as the business market.

Revealed at a preview in Stockholm, the luxury model has smoked oak trim with aluminium inserts and a cabin upholstered with nubuck leather.

The adventure model, which was shown in a lemon paint finish, stands 1.9 metres high and sits on very large tyres giving added ground clearance.

Payload is said to be 1.1 tonnes with a towing limit of 3.5 tonnes and the top end models will be powered by a V6 diesel engine mated to Mercedes’ 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drivetrain.

The X-Class will be marketed in key global regions with models for Europe, Australia and South Africa being produced in Spain and versions for Latin America to be built in Argentina where production is due to start in 2018.