The new Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup is here. Built on the Nissan Navara platform and based on the concept unveiled at the Paris motor show last year, the X-Class is intended to serve both as an all-terrain pickup and as a vehicle for urban use.
Mercedes-Benz will be hoping to capitalise on the current high demand for pick-ups. In May of this year, pickups were the only segment of the new LCV market to see growth, and a large number of those vehicles are bought for play rather than work.
Pure Progressive Power
The X-Class is available in three trim levels: Pure, Progressive and Power. Those opting for the X-Class as a lifestyle vehicle are likely to find themselves Power-hungry, as this is the top-spec trim level offering the most comfort and style. The front bumper is colour coded, the rear bumper is chromed and there is a choice of three interior trims.
Further styling options are available in the form of a side bar, canopy, various tonneau covers, nine paint finishes and several alloy wheel designs. Customers can also opt for an electrically-opening rear window.
The X-Class is available with two four-cylinder diesel engines; a 2.2-litre offering 163hp and a 2.5-litre with 190hp, with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. From mid-2018, a top-of-the-range 3.5-litre V6 258hp diesel engine will join the ranks.
Apparently immune to the petrol power renaissance, Mercedes-Benz is only offering the 165hp petrol variant of the X-Class in left-hand drive.
So what can those engines do? Well, Mercedes-Benz is keen to assure customers that the X-Class can carry 17 full 50-litre beer barrels or pull a trailer with three horses or an eight-metre yacht. Whichever takes your fancy.
Finishing touches
With its venture into the pick-up segment, Mercedes-Benz is aiming to impress with a touch of luxury. To this end, the X-Class has an eight-inch touchscreen, multi-function steering wheel and multi-function touchpad, all borrowed from its luxury car family.
Customers will find themselves faced with a choice of six seat covers, and Mercedes-Benz is keen to assert that the X-Class will be available with the widest choice of materials and colours in the pick-up segment.
The latest in connectivity will enable owners to check their vehicle’s fuel level and location and navigate door to door.
Safety-wise, plenty of assistance is on hand in the form of active braking, lane keeping and traffic sign recognition. For those not content with a simple reversing camera, a 260-degree camera can be specified.
UK pricing is yet to be announced, and full specifications will be announced closer to the local X-Class arriving on UK forecourts in November.
