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.