Review - Mercedes X-Class

Mercedes X-Class X250d Power

What is it?

Before I begin, let’s deal with the elephant in the room. Yes, Mercedes-Benz have partnered up with Nissan to produce the X-Class, which means that it shares some parts with the Navara. However, it isn’t a Navara in a dress, as some folks like to call it, there are some significant differences.

Ok, so it shares the same chassis, but Mercedes have extensively modified it to accommodate the new body and axles which enable the X-Class to have ventilated disc brakes all-round. Yes it shares the same engine and gearbox, though Mercedes has fettled with the software so the gearing is better. It’s also 20mm lower and 70mm wider to give the X-Class better on-road stability.

Mercedes-Benz’ brief was simple, to launch a premium vehicle with a strong brand identity and to attack the market which is dominated by the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok and the Toyota Hi-Lux Invincible. Have they achieved their goal?

On the road

If you’ve been following us on-line for a while, you’ll probably be aware that I was invited on the X-Class’s UK launch that took us around Wales - we had a blast. Back then we drove the standard version, but this particular press car is fitted with the ‘off-road’ package, which means it’s a little taller, 20mm taller in fact. In truth you’ll never notice the difference.

The X250d comes with the 190bhp version of the 2.3ltr diesel and the smooth 7-speed auto which was a delight to drive on the road and was always seamless in its gear change.

There are quite a few details that you’ll notice if you jump from another pick up into the X-class, one of them is that there’s very little wind noise from the huge door mirrors and tyres, which a commendable achievement for such a large pick-up.

The independent suspension on the X-Class means that it’ll handle potholes and dodgy road surfaces with ease - even when unladen. Overall Mercedes have done a fine job in making the X-Class an effortless cruiser, whether you’re nipping to the shops or embarking on a 7-hour round trip somewhere, it’ll do it with ease.

Off road

It was so dry around my neck of the woods during our week with the X-Class that we had severe moor fires, so finding any kind of challenging green-lanes was just impossible as they were all closed.

However, I was able to visit a friends farm and put it through its paces, it drove where ever I pointed it, pretty much like it did on the launch around Bala Off Road Centre where it was boringly capable.

There was one particular occasion where I got it totally crossaxled, and with a two foot step in front it wasn’t going anywhere on the early morning dew soaked grass. Well, that wasn’t until I pressed the rear axle diff-lock button, which is a £495 +VAT extra, and quite worth it in my book.

Interior

As you would expect from Mercedes-Benz, there’s a definite air of quality about the interior, though apart from door bins, glovebox, central cubby and two cup holders, there isn’t a lot of other space in which to hide your gubbins.

What else can I say about it, visibility is great, the seats are fabulous and the driving position is just right - the X-Class is simply a very nice place to spend your days.

Engines ’n’ tranmission

Mercedes give you 2 engine choices with 3 power options. You have the standard 2.3ltr diesel with either 163bhp or 190bhp, both have part time 4wd. Then you have the 3ltr V6 with permanent 4wd and 258bhp.

X220 with 6-speed manual 163bhp - 37.2mpg combined - 105mph - 0-60mph in 12.9 seconds - C02 = 200 g/km X250 with 7-speed automatic 190bhp - 35.8mpg combined - 109mph - 0-60mph in 11.8 seconds - C02 = 207 g/km

X350 with 7G-Tronic plus automatic 258bhp - 31.4mpg combined - 127mph - C02 = 236 g/km

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, the X-Class is aimed at the higher end of the pick up market, and while some will continue to grumble that it’s just a Navara in fancy dress, Mercedes has done more than enough to ensure that X-Class buyers will get a better experience. The end result is a double cab 4x4 that aims itself firmly towards those looking for a luxury 4x4 but with increased practicality and decent all terrain ability of a pick up.