Mercedes-Benz has really pushed the envelop here when it comes to nonconformity. The fact that BMW, Audi and Volvo have not made a luxury pick-up truck meant only one thing – to get the ball rolling with the all-new Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
The X-Class is the third product to be conceived out of the Daimler AG and Nissan-Renault partnership. Although greatly differing from the concept last year, the ute still looks fairly decent to earn itself a pass in the aesthetics department.
The fascia sports the familiar twin-louvre radiator grille, while the side profile is clearly reminiscent of the Navara. The rear end, well, looks just about like any other conventional pick-ups. Three trims will be offered for the X-Class: Pure, Progressive and Power.
Each differs in dashboard, trimmings and upholstery (up to six configurations, in fact). Depending on the variant, the X-Class comes with an 8.4-inch COMAND online infotainment screen, leather seats, powered seats with lumbar support and a redesigned rear bench that offers better comfort for passengers.
There will be four engines powering the X-Class, with the X 350 d being the range topper. The X 200 petrol is only reserved for left-hand drive markets, by the way.
| Name | X 220 d | X 250 d | X 350 d | X 200 |
| Engine | 2.3-litre four-cylinder single-turbodiesel | 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel | 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol | |
| Max Power | 163 hp | 190 hp | 258 hp | 165 hp |
| Max Torque | 430 Nm | 450 Nm | 550 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Drive | Rear-drive & selectable four-wheel | 4MATIC All-wheel | Rear-wheel | |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual | Six-speed manual & seven-speed automatic | Seven-speed dual clutch automatic | Six-speed manual |
The suspension has also been reworked – it gets revised coil springs, double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear axle. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz offers two ride heights depending on customers’ needs – 202 mm ground clearance for the more comfort-oriented setup, whereas the workhorse is taller by 20 mm for greater axle articulation. Both would suit the Malaysian palette, we bet.
The X-Class has a payload of 1,042 kg, and the cargo bay is thoughtfully lit (just like the Ranger). On the safety front, it’s packed with seven airbags, active brake assist, lane keeping assist and collision prevention assist as standard. It doesn’t end there, because there’s Trailer Stability Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and even emergency call system!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aGK4xW2jFM
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class will go on sale in European markets by November this year before making its way to the rest of the world in 2018. Pricing in Germany starts from 37,294 Euros (approximately RM184k) and upwards. Want one? Guess you’ll just have to wait and see…
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