Mercedes-Benz makes a pickup? Giddy up, partner

By the end of the decade, Mercedes-Benz will launch its first ever pickup truck. Yes, a real get-dirty midsized truck with a three-pointed star in its grille.

While premium-branded trucks are virtually non-existent today, premium-priced trucks are everywhere. Forget the ultra-expensive heavy-duty models from Detroit. Just price out a few top-level Chevrolet Silverados, Ford F-150s or Ram 1500s. They can easily crest $59,000. For a truck.

Mercedes says its future pickup will have a payload of about one metric ton, likely to fulfill most peoples’ needs. The new vehicle will also have “attributes that are typical of the brand with regard to safety, comfort, powertrains, and value.”

Mercedes currently sells work-type vans vans—and even the hulking Unimog—around the world. So, it almost seems natural that a pickup truck could fit into the mix.

Back in 1997, Mercedes raised eyebrows with its first M-Class SUV. After all, the company was best known for building premium sedans, coupes, and convertibles. But the ML sold well and soon spawned the larger GL and compact GLK and GLA.

Learn more about the latest pickups in our trucks buying guide.