Mercedes-Benz reveals plush X-Class pick-up
Mercedes is aiming to broaden the appeal of its pick-up from traditional buyers to the leisure market; it goes on sale at the end of 2017
Mercedes has revealed its much anticipated new premium pick-up, the X-Class.
The model is a five-seat, four-door crew cab pick-up with a separate chassis, four engine options, a choice of selectable or permanent four-wheel drive and six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission options. It goes on sale at the end of this year at prices starting from £34,500, inclusive of £5600 VAT.
The company claims that the X-Class can be used as both a rugged, off-road-capable pick-up, as well as a vehicle for urban families. Mercedes is aiming to meet the rising demand for pick-up trucks with the refinement and convenience features of a conventional car. Besides its robust construction and sophisticated suspension, the X-Class’s premium cabin, connectivity, extensive safety aids and scope for personalisation are all intended to extend its appeal beyond the traditional pick-up buyer looking for a workhorse, towards the leisure market.
To this end, the X-Class is offered with three varieties of dashboard finish, six upholstery options including two in leather and three trim levels, ranging from the entry-level Pure through Power and Progressive. Mercedes-Benz UK expects almost all sales to be of the pricier Power and Progressive trims.
X-Class engines include a 161bhp diesel X220d and 187bhp X250d as well as a 163bhp petrol engine in some markets. A 255bhp, 542lb ft V6 diesel will be released in mid-2018. The X220d and X250d 4Matic provide selectable four-wheel drive, while the six-cylinder unit has permanent four-wheel drive. All versions have low-range gearing; a locking rear axle differential is optional.
Mercedes claims excellent off- and on-road performance, the X-Class’s suspension consisting of coil-sprung double wishbones at the front and a coil-sprung, five-link live axle at the rear. Long spring travel, good articulation and precise wheel control are features, along with ‘a high level of driving dynamics and ride comfort on the road’. The X-Class’s driving character can be altered via Dynamic Select option providing comfort, ECO, sport, manual and off-road choices.
Pick-ups are mostly about carrying loads, and the X-Class can carry up to 1042kg – similar to that of mainstream competitors such as the Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navarra. The load bed length is 1587mm, its width 1560mm and height (to the top of the loadbed walls) 474mm. The X-Class will tow a 3.5 tonne load equivalent to a three-berth horsebox or an 8m yacht. It’s slightly wider than its competitors, and also has the longest wheelbase in the class.
Load securing points are also standard, these becoming load-securing rails on higher trim levels. Typical pick-up options include a styled body-colour rear canopy, a plastic load-bed liner, a bed-divider system, soft and hard tonneau covers, an aluminium roll-top cover, a 156-litre storage box, running boards, a roll-over hoop and a three-piece detachable stainless steel underguard.
Less typical of a pick-up are Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, along with a connectivity app that enables users to remotely locate the vehicle, check its fuel level and navigate from door-to-door via a smartphone. Also unusual is a higher standard of in-cab finish than typically found aboard pick-up trucks. Mercedes’ Comand infotainment and 360-degree cameras are also options.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-benz-reveals-plush-x-class-pick