When we think of luxury pickup trucks, in the past we’ve thought of the Ford Ranger as the market leader, but the Volkswagen Amarok being a real competitor to watch out for as well. However, to beat the big guys, jointly developed with Renault Nissan, the X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara and next year’s Renault Alaskan, but it’s a loose partnership that Mercedes has taken great lengths to make it’ stamp on it.
The power comes from a shared Renault-built 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with two outputs – the single-turbo 161bhp X220d and the twin-turbo 187bhp X250d.
A 163bhp petrol engine will be launched in some markets, but the powertrain that should propel the X-Class to the top of the pack is a 255bhp, 542lb ft V6 diesel that will be released in mid-2018.
For now, the X220d gets a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the X250d receives a seven-speed auto. Both get the selectable four-wheel drive, but next year’s V6 will have a permanent four-wheel drive and a revised seven-speed automatic gearbox. All models get a low-range gearbox with the option of a locking differential.
Luxury – Smart – Sleek
From where it stands, the X-Class comes with three trims to choose from – Pure, Progressive and Power.
The entry-level X-Class Pure trim is a stripped-down, minimalist work model – although better equipped than the equivalents at Ford, Nissan and Toyota. Each Pure trimmed X-Class gets manually adjustable front seats, air conditioning, a reversing camera, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, front fog lights and LED load bay lighting and Mercedes’ Audio 20 infotainment system complete with 7.0in screen, rotary controller and Bluetooth connectivity.
We predict the more popular choice will be the Progressive trim, which adds heated wing mirrors, 17in alloy wheels, automatic wipers, carpet mats, a leather steering wheel and an eight-speaker audio system.
The top-class Power trim sets the X-Class out as a premium pickup, with electrically adjustable front seats, a leather upholstery, keyless entry, climate control, 18in alloy wheels, front and rear LED lights and electrically folding door mirrors.
Can you see yourself driving this car?
This car has been made for the driver who spends most of their time motorway driving, as its 187bhp is sufficient and with the seven-speed automatic gearbox, it’s a comfortable and capable cruiser.
Mercedes have imported a great sound-deadening to mask what is otherwise a fairly coarse commercial car engine, thereby enhancing the quality feel of the X-Class.
Overall, we feel that the X-Class is the latest pickup to date that has included both working abilities with car-like comfort. It comes at a respectable price from £27,310 for an X-Class Pure and if you’re all about the top spec – the Power trim comes at £34,100.
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