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Mercedes-Benz X-Class targets lifestyle buyers

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The Mercedes-Benz X-Class will likely tick boxes with lifestyle buyers as a pickup wearing a desirable badge.

First deliveries of the brand’s first-ever open-backed model will be made in January 2018, at prices starting from £27,310 plus VAT, and only available in the lifestyle-friendly double-cab format.

However, Mercedes-Benz reckons buyers looking for a tough workhorse should not dismiss the X-Class, pointing to the fact that it boasts selectable all-wheel drive and a low-range gearbox as standard. A differential lock and 20mm ground clearance increase are also on offer as options to further expand the vehicle’s capabilities.

Both markets, meanwhile, will likely appreciate a strong standard safety specification. This includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping and hill-start assist, traffic sign recognition and a reversing camera, as well as the Mercedes me Connect emergency and breakdown service.

Trims to suit markets

The X-Class goes on sale in three trim levels and which you buy depends on what use you are likely to put the vehicle to. Entry-level is the X 220 d Pure, powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel of 163hp, put through a six-speed manual gearbox. Lots of storage, black fabric and 17-inch steel wheels feature on a specification tuned to the building site.

Progressive models will offer more home comforts, including styling upgrades, heated mirrors and alloy wheels, as well as the option of an X 250 d model with 190hp and matched to a seven-speed auto transmission. Progressive trim starts at £28,510, the more powerful engine and auto transmission combination adds another £2,000.

Lifestyle buyers will likely favour the top-range Power grade. Only available in X 250 d form and at £3600 more than the Progressive version, it gains a further raft of styling touches including quite a lot of chrome, along with LED front and rear lights, keyless entry and start, folding mirrors, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Mercedes offers a standard infotainment package across the range, a CD system also including Bluetooth and a DAB radio. A seven-inch touchscreen controls everything while steering wheel controls feature on Progressive and Power models. The package can be upgraded, adding Garmin Map Pilot navigation for £405, or the full Mercedes Connect Online system for £1470.

Also available on the options list are seven packages targeted at different types of users. These range from extra styling to parking sensors and a 360-degree camera and a winter package with heated seats and windscreen washer jets.

Mercedes clearly has high hopes for its new pickup and will expand the range later in 2018, adding a V6-powered X 350 d model to the line-up.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class The Car Expert

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Andrew Charman
Andrew Charman
Andrew is a road test editor for The Car Expert. He is a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers, and has been testing and writing about new cars for more than 20 years. Today he is well known to senior personnel at the major car manufacturers and attends many new model launches each year.