Mercedes reveals X-Class pick-up 19 | 07 | 2017

    MERCEDES HAS REVEALED its long-awaited new premium pick-up, the X-Class. On-sale in Scottish dealerships at the end of the year, priced from £34,500 (incl of £5600 VAT), it’s a five-seat, four-door crew cab pick-up. (Related: Mercedes launches new entry-level SLC)

    Available with the choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, it also comes with either selectable or permanent four-wheel drive. There’s also the choice from four engine options.

    In its marketing blurb, Mercedes says the new X-Class can be used as both a rugged, off-road-capable pick-up, as well as a vehicle for ‘urban families’.

    The company believes it is in pole position to capitalise on a growing niche for pick-up trucks with the refinement and convenience features of a conventional car.

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    As you would expect, Mercedes — in addition to the pick-up’s robust construction and sophisticated suspension — has focused on delivering quality in the cabin. As a result there’s three varieties of dashboard finish, six upholstery options — including two in leather — and three trim levels. These range 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.

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    And while a number of X-Class models will be purchased for purely workhorse requirements, Mercedes hopes its extensive connectivity, safety aids and scope for personalisation will make it appeal appeal to the leisure market.

    Pick-ups, by their very nature, are most targeted at carrying loads. No surprise then that the X-Class can carry up to 1042kg, which is similar to that of its main competitors, including the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200and Nissan Navarra. (Related: Roadtest — Toyota Hilux 2.4 Double Cab)

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    Loadbed length is 1587mm, its width 1560mm and height (to the top of the loadbed walls) 474mm.

    As for towing, the X-Class can haul a 3.5-tonne load equivalent to a three-berth horsebox or an 8m yacht. The new Merc also has the longest wheelbase in the class and is slightly wider than its competitors.

    Naturally, load securing points are standard. on higher trim levels, these become load-securing rails.

    Options? There’s the usual soft and hard tonneau covers, a three-piece detachable stainless steel underguard, a plastic loadbed liner, running boards, an aluminium roll-top cover, a roll-over hoop, a 156-litre storage box and a styled body-colour rear canopy.

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    But the X-Class is also available with a connectivity app which enables users to remotely locate the vehicle, check its fuel level and navigate from door-to-door via a smartphone. You can also have Traffic Sign Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist. Mercedes’ Comand infotainment and 360-degree cameras are also options.

    Engines in the new X-Class include a 161bhp diesel X220d and 187bhp X250d, while there’s also a 163bhp petrol engine in some markets. It’s unlikely this will appear in the UK.

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    Both the X220d and X250d 4Matic provide selectable four-wheel drive, while the six-cylinder unit has permanent four-wheel drive. Low-range gearing is standard on all models, though a rear axle differential is optional.

    The X-Class’s driving character can be altered via Dynamic Select option providing comfort, ECO, sport, manual and off-road choices.

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    Jim McGill

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