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Is the Mercedes-Benz X-Class dead? Premium ute to be scrapped after poor sales: reports

Has the Mercedes-Benz X-Class been killed off?

Mercedes-Benz will drop the struggling X-Class from its lineup in the wake of disappointing global sales as the brand looks to reduce costs and complexity from its business, according to international reports.

American outlet Automotive News is quoting company sources who have reportedly confirmed the X-Class has been culled, with no updated versions to be released. What that would mean for the current-generation vehicle remains unclear. 

We should be clear here that Mercedes-Benz in Australia says it won't comment on speculation, telling CarsGuide a refreshed model is scheduled to arrive locally in 2021.

"The X-Class remains a fixed component of the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio in Australia," says Mercedes-Benz Vans' communications manager, Blake Vincent. "And we are continuing to focus on establishing that product in the Australian market."

The X-Class' sales figures have been underwhelming, with 16,700 units sold in Australia, Europe and South Africa in 2018. In Australia, the brand's ute delivered 1545 sales last year.

This country's top-selling ute - the Toyota HiLux - shifted 51,705 vehicles over the same period. The Nissan Navara - the vehicle the X-Class (which is built in a Nissan plant in Spain) is based on - managed 16,469 sales in Australia in 2018.

The X-Class spans a $45,450 to $79,415 price range in Australia. But this news comes just weeks after Mercedes-Benz announced the Edition 1 (pictured), which is hitting dealerships now. The limited-edition model - based on the X350d 4Matic - is priced at $87,500 plus on-road costs.

Have you bought an X-Class? Tell us in the comments below.