It's not a Nissan Navara
Although Mercedes-Benz has used the Navara's underpinnings as a starting point, to call the X-Class a Nissan in new clothes is disingenuous. Every panel bar the roof is unique to the Benz, adopting the German firms own styling language to give the X-Class a premium appearance.
But there are more changes underneath with Mercedes overhauling the suspension, developing unique components including the rear axle and widening the front and rear tracks.
However, the Mercedes and Nissan do share some similarities, including the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine and coil-spring rear suspension.
It will be the most powerful ute in its class
Mercedes has introduced its own V6 engine into the X-Class to not only give it a unique powertrain option but also make it the most potent machine in its segment.
The 3.0-litre turbo diesel unit will produce 190kW of power and 550Nm of torque. That's an extra 25kW over the current ute benchmark, the Volkswagen Amarok V6.
Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines will be available with the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. Rear- and all-wheel options will also be on offer.
It will be a workhorse
Despite being the first prestige car maker to enter the ute segment the Mercedes-Benz is still a commercial vehicle, and as such there are workhorse models. The entry-level X-Class Pure will come decked out in un-Mercedes like 17-inch steel wheels, humble black grille and bumpers and a vinyl floor in the cabin.
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Mercedes calls Pure a "basic variant for classic robust use" - not what you typically associate with the three-pointed star.
In terms of raw numbers the X-Class measures 5340mm in length with a 3150mm wheelbase, 1920mm wide and 1839mm high.
The tray is 1587mm in length and 1560mm wide. It will have a payload up to 1092kg and a towing capacity of 3500kg.
Other key figures are a 222mm ground clearance which helps it achieve a wading depth of 600mm.
![Mercedes-Benz X-Klasse ? Exterieur, Kabaraschwarz metallic, Ausstattungslinie PURE // Mercedes-Benz X-Class ? Exterior, kabara black metallic, design and equipment line PURE 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Pure.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170720142607im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/e/5/7/o/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1500428174173.png)
2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Pure. Photo: Supplied
But it is also a show pony
Being a Mercedes it naturally has to bring new levels of luxury to the ute market. While the Pure is a workhorse the company has higher aspirations for the other two models in the range.
The mid-spec Progressive trim level is for "higher requirements in terms of quality feel and comfort" and the range-topping Power model is a "high-end variant for urban lifestyles."
Externally the Progressive will roll on 18-inch alloy wheels and the Power will get 19s. Both models will also get a more premium silver grille and body-coloured bumpers to set them apart from the working-class Pure.
Aside from the exterior changes the German designers have also done a job on the interior.
The X-Class will also be available with Mercedes' Comand infotainment system, the same used in its passenger vehicle range. It will include a 7.0 or 8.4-inch screen (depending on model) and a console-mounted rotary and touch controller, plus a range of online services, voice control, smartphone integration and inbuilt hard disc media storage.
The South African launch of the X-Class showcased the top-spec Power model and the cabin looked suitably premium. The layout is derived from the passenger car range, with turbine style air vents, a stitched dash, leather trim, powered seats, climate control and a huge aluminium-look panel adorning the dash to go with 'galvanised' interior highlights on the vents, infotainment surrounds, and door pulls.
Mercedes-Benz claim the X-Class offers the widest range of trim selections in the ute market, with a choice of black or grey headlining, six different seat cover trims (depending on specification) including fabric, Artico faux leather and Dinamica microfibre, or a choice of black or brown genuine leather.
Mercedes claims it raises the bar for on-road performance
Not surprisingly the German luxury brand claims its new ute will be the best to drive, both on and off-road.
In addition to the unique suspension and coil spring set-up the X-Class will get four-wheel disc brakes. The company claims the ride and handling has been tuned "for the comfort typical of a Mercedes" which will endow it with "not just excellent off-road but also superb on-road performance."
We'll reserve our judgement until we can get behind the wheel.
There's only one bodystyle
Mercedes confirmed at the unveiling that the X-Class will only be available as a dual-cab ute. No single-cab or cab-chassis models will be available.
You'll be able to accessories
Mercedes has developed a range of add-ons in-house to allow customers to tailor their X-Class to their unique needs. Included in that range are hard and soft tonneau covers, tray liners, a rear canopy, side steps, tow bar, sports bar and bullbars.
A lot of brands leave this level of accessories up to third-party suppliers but Mercedes has brought the process in-house to ensure a high quality finish for the premium ute.
It should be the safest ute
Mercede-Benz Australia hasn't confirmed local specifications yet, but thanks to the brand's passenger car range the X-Class has the potential to raise the benchmark in terms of safety - if the company decides to make it standard across the range.
At the unveiling the brand confirmed that all of its key active safety features are available on the ute, including Active Braking Assist which combines forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist to monitor speed signs and other traffic signs, a reversing camera or 360 degree camera system, tyre pressure warning, trailer stability control and seven airbags.
-- with staff.
3 Comments
Well, Mercedes is primarily a truck manufacturer, with a sideline in luxury cars...
Of course it is a Nissan Navara. A couple of new fender panels, new fascia and a suspension tweak doesn't make it a MB. That same way that a Ranger is the same as the Mazda ute.
Of course it is a Nissan Navara. A couple of new fender panels, new fascia and a suspension tweak doesn't make it a MB. That same way that a Ranger is the same as the Mazda ute.