Mercedes revealed its plans of entering the pick-up truck market last year in October and introduce the Mercedes Benz X Class Concept. The concept was an initial design resembling pick-up truck but with Mercedes characteristics such as sweeping headlights, the large grill up front and the 3-pointed star logo. Finally, Mercedes Benz first pickup truck has now been launched in all its glory this June.
Let’s take a look at the X Class from Mercedes:
Exterior
The design and shape of the X Class is similar to any other pick-up truck in the market such as the Nissan Navara or the Toyota Hilux.
In fact, it does share the same platform with the Nissan Navara but features a few overall changes. Being a Mercedes, it also does have some exclusive exterior design choices.
Mercedes trademark design elements are all present on this vehicle. You have the big grill up front with the huge Mercedes logo. The headlights are also typical Mercedes.
The exterior lights are different from the concept in such a way that there’s no longer a single LED strip all around the bed but two separate lights on the back, it will help to make reparability easier and keep costs down.
Having a wheelbase of 3,150mm, it is longer than the Toyota Hilux (3,085mm) but shorter than the Nissan Navara (3,198mm).
Payload of the X Class is rated at 1,100kg with a towing capacity of 3,500kg. The approach and departure angles are 28.8 and 23.8 respectively.
Overall, the new X class is the right balance between tough and stylish. Coming from far away, you can easily tell that it is a pick-up truck and that too a Mercedes, with a strong road presence.
Interior
The interior of the new X Class is all unique Mercedes. The X Class elevates comfort and quality feel to a new level within this segment of vehicles.
The instrument panel has the concave trim element typical of a Mercedes. There’s also a COMMAND Online multimedia system included that features an 8.4-inches screen – the biggest display in the segment.
It has a resolution of 960×540 pixels and high-contrast IPS technology which just simply means that is both sharp and clearly visible at any angle.
Coming to the instrument cluster, it features large, analogue round dials that are available in the C-Class Mercedes.
There’s also a 5.4-inch color multimedia display in between the round dials. The buttons on the 3-spoke steering wheels are used to navigate through this screen.
In the center console, you’ll also find the multifunction touchpad that is also similar to most other passenger cars that the company produces.
Engine & Transmission
The X Class will be available in 2 engine options. However, until mid-2018 you’ll only get a single engine but with two power options.
The engine of the X Class is a high-torque common-rail diesel drive system with a displacement of 2300cc. It will have two power outputs. In the X 220d, there’s a single turbocharger mated to the 2.3l engine that produces 163hp and the X 250d is a bi-turbo that generates 190hp.
Both of these variants will be available with either left or right-hand drive vehicles with rear wheel drive and engageable all-wheel drive. These engines will be available with a six-speed manual transmission but with the X 250d you get the option of a seven-speed automatic transmission as well.
A high torque X 350d V6 diesel engine will be made available in mid-2018 which will ensure even greater agility on and off-road. This engine will generate a 258hp and a maximum torque of 550Nm. This will allow the X Class to have a leading position in the segment. They will come standard with a permanent 4MATICC all-wheel drive and the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS with steering wheel shift paddles and ECO start/stop function.
Variants
The X Class will be available in three variants to suit different work environments:
• The X Class Pure: The basic variant is ideal for rugged and functional uses. It fulfills all the demanded places on a workhorse. At the same time, you also get the comfort and design that you would expect from a Mercedes.
• The X Class Progressive: This is aimed at people seeking a rugged pickup with extra styling and comfort functions.
• The X Class Power: This features a high-end design and equipment line. It is aimed at customers for whom styling, performance and comfort are paramount. Through its design and high level of equipment it reflects an independent and individualistic lifestyle.
Pricing & Availability
The Mercedes Benz first pickup truck X Class will be first made available in Europe, Africa South America and a few other markets. Pricing starts at around €37,000 which is almost equal to Rs. 44,800,00.
Only time would inform us about the official prices in Pakistan.
