AMAROK VS X-CLASS

And it's goodbye from us…

Two of the most powerful pickups on sale in the UK are bowing their heads and are saying goodbye, as both Volkswagen and Mercedes relieve the market of their hardhitting V6 models, the Amarok Aventura V6 and X350D Power. Earlier on in the year, which seems like such a long time ago now, I had the pleasure of living with them both for a week, both V6 models, each producing over 250bhp. I enjoyed them both in equal measures, but if it was my money, which would I buy?

Hmmm, let’s reflect on that for a few pages...

On the road

VW Amarok

Producing 258bhp, VW decided to give the Amarok an extra 30Nm (for a total of 580Nm) and a 272hp overboost feature. Couple that to an 8-speed automatic 4MOTION gearbox, and the Amarok feels light and easy to drive.

If I have one gripe it’s that there’s an untimely lag after you’ve put your foot down hard on the accelerator, it takes a moment to wake up. That said, using the small paddles fixed to the steering wheel helps to liven things up a bit.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Its steering is much heavier, without being arduous, which I like, and its thick rimmed steering wheel has a nice weight to it. Once you dab the accelerator, 550Nm of torque pulls you away easily and its power delivery feels a lot smoother than the Amarok’s.

All I’m going to say about its pace is that it’s a good job it has a speed limiter, use it and you’ll keep your licence.

Both pickups drive exceptionally well and offer an SUV level of ride quality, even unladen on twisty and undulating roads, they both have the ability to keep all 4 wheels on the tarmac, and both offer a comfortable and well balanced ride, but when it comes to handling I’d say the Mercedes marginally has the edge, but for overall drivability theres no beating the Amarok’s 8-speed auto, and the Volkswagen is slightly better on fuel, despite its extra grunt.

Off road

There is no loser here, both pick-ups have permanent 4 wheel drive and handled rocks and wheel-in-the-air action with ease. I drove the same green lanes in both and neither faltered.

Oddly, where the X-Class has the usual high and low ratios, along with an optional rear locking differential, the Amarok only has a Hill-Descent Control switch, which didn’t seem to hamper it in any way.

Interior

VW Amarok

Although slightly less classier than the Merc, the interior of the Amarok is more spacious and better thought out. There’s space for a lot of gubbins and no switch appears like an afterthought.

The dash layout is easy to read and looks quite classy, with a carlike quality about it, albeit make from tough plastic.

The seats are seriously comfortable and supportive, some of the best that my backside has had the privilege of sitting on, though legroom for rear passengers is fairly non-existent.

With a huge amount of glass and large door mirrors there’s excellent all-round visibility which negates the need for parking sensors, which it has anyway. The turning circle is spot on too.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

I love what they’ve done to the interior in terms of making it feel a bit more special, but there are a few things I don’t like. For one there’s hardly anywhere to put your gubbins, apart from in the centre cubby box, which is quite small. The heated seat switches are on the seats, better placed than the XTR D-Max I’ll give it that, and the start button is on a slight angle by your right knee. Probably the most annoying thing is that for a 6 foot something bloke, the steering wheel doesn’t adjust high enough for me to get my left leg under when I’m getting in and out.

That said, it’s still a lovely place to be, even for rear passengers who have a good amount of leg, shoulder and head space, where the Amarok fails.

Another joy is that the sat-nav and infotainment system which are easy to navigate, and visibility all ‘round is good enough. Looking ahead you see the huge tall bonnet and behind there are three small windows, which aren’t as big in other pick ups. However, the 360º view camera system is very good giving you a birds eye of your surroundings.

You do get a better quality switchgear in the X-Class, shame it’s just a bit cramped.

Pick Up Stuff

The Amarok is able to carry in excess of 1 tonne and can tow a 3,000kg braked trailer. The X-Class however, as well as carrying one tonne, its towing capacity is 3.5 tonnes.

Conclusion

If it was my money...

I’d take the Amarok. There, I’ve said it.

Yes the X-Class has a high and low 4wd along with a rear locking diff, but as I said, the Amarok performed really well with its electronics. The main reason I chose the Amarok is purely down to its interior, it’s much more user friendly and spacious, for a tall fat bloke, at least. I also saw marginally better fuel figures from the Amarok.

If you want to read my full reviews on both vehicles you'll find the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Black Edition V6 in issue 15, and the Mercedes -Benz X 350 d in issue 17.