Mercedes X-Class 350d

WHAT IS IT? By now, I think we all know that the X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara (it shares a modified chassis, the same Renault engine and gearbox, albeit modified). The 350d is more Mercedes than the 250, because, with a 3.0ltr turbodiesel V6 and permanent 4wd, it’s now transformed into the X-Class it always should have been.

ON THE ROAD Going back a couple years to the UK launch of the X-Class, the most prominent thing I can remember to this day was its on-road ride, and how comfy and accomplished it felt. The 350d simply adds to that feeling giving it the extra poke and smoothness it deserves.

The first thing you notice as you drive off is just how weighty its steering is. I’m not going to say heavy, I think weighty is a better description, it gives the impression of strength and purpose, and it has a chunky steering wheel to match.

The V6 power, with those 255 horses, get you there quicker than you think. As you sink your foot the floor there’s a slight delay which can be annoying if you’re about to dive into traffic, but once it gets going it does so in a quiet and comfortable manner.

Reaching licence losing speeds is easily achieved, and planting your foot certainly puts a smile on your face. 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. The 350d produces 255bhp and 550Nm, which is enough to propel the near 2.3-tonne truck from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph.

After covering 350 miles driving to Yorkshire for the Jeepey Jamboree and then to the NEC the following day, both of which were 70mph motorway drives, fuel wise, the X-Class told me via the on-board computer it had guzzled 31.5mpg. On a cool July morning on a 5 mile commute it achieved just over 18mpg.

OFF ROAD Earlier on in the year a friend, and motoring writing colleague, drove quite a few green-lanes in Yorkshire, (check out issue 4). I was in Deux Smurf with large mud terrain tyres, Andy was in a standard 350d, and he managed to follow me everywhere on standard tyres. I was incredibly impressed at just how capable it was.

I took the 350d along some fairly decent green-lanes, and in low box with its £612 rear difflock option engaged it wasn’t perturbed in the least.

Hidden under the heater controls is a manual dial that switches from permanent all-wheel drive to 4 high and low range. Next to it are a rear difflock and Hill Descent Control buttons.

INTERIOR It’s a nice and classy interior. It looks and feels great, but you’ll find plastic odds and ends, because at the end of the day it’s still a working pickup. If I was on the TV or radio, I’d be saying something like, ‘and a shout-out has to go the seats as they’re wonderfully comfortable, almost armchair-like.

Another joy is that the sat-nav and infotainment 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 at giving you a bird's eye view of your surroundings.

It isn’t without its faults unfortunately, although the seats are bloomin’ comfortable, they sit slightly squashed against the centre console, making the handbrake difficult to engage as you scrape your knuckles on the hard plastic cutout. Then there’s the distinct lack of storage pockets for phones and other gubbins, oh, and the lack of height and reach adjustment on the steering column. That said, the X-Class still has a premium, high-end feel to it.

On the subject of bells and whistles, amongst a host of other safety features, the 350d comes with Active Brake Assist (radar-based autonomous emergency braking), Lane Keeping Assist as well as 5* Euro NCAP safety rating.

PICK UP STUFF Weighing in at 2,285kg, the V6 X-Class is 50kg heavier than its 2.3ltr sibling. Gross vehicle weights have increased to over 3.3 tonnes so it can still carry one tonne, and the towing capacity remains at 3.5 tonnes.

The X-Class’ load bed measures 1,718mm long, 1,920mm width between its wheel arches and 2,113mm maximum width.

CONCLUSION A few months ago I drove the Navara for the first time, and I actually quite liked it. The X-Class embodies the same sense of solidity and ease, and adds more luxury to the experience.

When it comes to pick ups we have a good choice here in the UK, from the SsangYong Musso which starts at £25,194 (incl VAT) up to the 350d which is £47,412. You could easily argue that they do the same job so why bother with a 350d. Of course there’s the brand snobbery value, but it’s slightly difficult to justify the extra cash. Heck, that £22k can buy a house in some places! That said, how many people will go into a dealership and buy an X-Class with cash, not many I suspect, so that leaves PCP and leasing, which makes it a more viable purchase I guess.

Overall, the 350d, with its double wishbone front suspension, multilink rear, a 255bhp V6 and 7-speed 4MATIC gearbox with permanent 4wd, is a pick up to be reckoned with. It’s comfortable, classy and in my opinion, what the X-Class should have been from day one.

more at » mercedes-benz.co.uk