Matt Brogan•25 Jul 2017

NEWS

Mercedes-Benz X-Class: 10 things you need to know

We find out (almost) everything Aussie buyers need to know about the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute

After a seven-year development, and a two-year teaser campaign, the production-ready Mercedes-Benz X-Class has officially been revealed to the world’s motoring press.

But what sets the X-Class apart from the Nissan Navara on which it is based? And what exactly can Australian buyers expect from the “world’s first premium ute”?

Read on to find out.

When can I buy an X-Class?

Set to arrive in Australia in April 2018, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class range will compete in one of the most competitive dual-cab ute markets in the world.

The Australian market sees dual-cab utes sell in stronger numbers than all other vehicle types (14.1 per cent of the market overall). Do we need to remind you also that the Mercedes-Benz passenger car brand outsells its nearest prestige rival by almost two-to-one Down Under?

The combination means the X-Class is set for success. High-grade dual-cab utes sell in far greater numbers than their lower-spec derivatives, which means the X-Class’ elevated asking price (whatever that may end up being) should be no hurdle to sales success.

By 2026 it’s estimated the light commercial ute segment will grow 43 per cent, to 3.2 million annual global sales. Benz says Australia and New Zealand will account for 219,000 of those each year alone. Last year approximately 190,000 were sold in Australia – our tip is that the eventual segment volume has been under-called.

Mercedes-Benz Australia is already taking orders for the X-Class, and says it has already secured a significant number of deposits.

“The X-Class will close one of the last remaining gaps in our portfolio,” said Mercedes-Benz head, Dr Dieter Zetsche.

“Our target is to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs, and the X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment,” he said.

What’s engines does X-Class use?

Developed in conjunction with Renault-Nissan, the X-Class shares underpinnings and launch drivelines with the NP300 Navara.

Initially, the X-Class will feature the Navara’s existing Renault-developed 2.3-litre turbo-diesel in two states of tune. For X 220 d that’s a single-turbo unit making 120kW/403Nm, while X 250 d variants will offer a twin-turbo version developing 140kW/450Nm.

The common-rail, direct-injected unit develops identical power figures to the NP300 Navara and is therefore anticipated to return similar fuel economy and CO2 emissions numbers (7.0L/100km and 186g/km).

From mid-2018 Mercedes-Benz will also offer a Mercedes-sourced 190kW/620Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel. That model will be dubbed X 350 d 4MATIC.

Base diesel models will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission only. The high-output four-cylinder will available optionally with a seven-speed auto. Both are available in 4X2 or 4X4 configuration.

V6 variants will be auto only and feature permanent all-wheel drive with low-range.

No petrol-engined X-Class models will be offered Down Under.

“We will open up and change the medium ute segment,” said Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles head, Volker Mornhinweg.

“Our X-Class is a ute that knows no compromise. Ladder frame, high-torque six-cylinder engine and permanent all-wheel drive are compulsory for us,” he said.

Where is the X-Class built?

The X-Class will be manufactured at Nissan factories in Barcelona, Spain beginning 2017 and Cordoba, Argentina from 2018; albeit with a lot of input from Mercedes-Benz engineering teams based in Japan and Germany.

The X-Class is part of a broader range of platforms/powertrains shared between Mercedes-Benz and the Nissan-Renault Alliance which includes Mercedes-Benz’s A and GLA-Class models, which are sold as the Infiniti Q30 and QX30 respectively. Infiniti Q50/60 models also use Mercedes-sourced engines.

Key markets for the X-Class include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Europe, New Zealand and South Africa.

Australian spec X-Class variants will be sourced from Spain.

What are the X-Class’ load and towing capacities?

Mercedes-Benz says that besides the evident sheet-metal and in-cabin changes the X-Class presents, the majority of engineering development was to remediate the Navara’s maligned multi-link coil-spring rear-end.

The chassis is reinforced with cross-bracing and the suspension set-up features heavier coil springs, re-valved dampers and thicker anti-roll bars.

Mercedes-Benz says its trademark ride and handling characteristics will be maintained while at the same time delivering a payload capacity of up to 1100kg.

Thanks to the X-Class’ wider track, it’s also capable of accommodating a standard pallet between the wheel arches (1215mm). The tub measures 1587mm in length, is 1560mm wide, and 470mm deep. It also features a 12-volt power outlet, adjustable load rails and roof-mounted light.

Soft, hard and retractable tonneau covers are available, as is an accessory canopy and tub liner.

The X-Class is also rated to tow up to 3500kg (braked). Towball down weight is rated at up to 350kg (depending on variant) and GCM is listed at 6200kg.

The X-Class tips the scale at 2332kg (max kerb).

What is the X-Class’ cabin like?

Mercedes-Benz really pulled out all the stops in making the X-Class feel special. From the sculptured dash styling to the choice of materials and colours – and even the additional sound deadening materials throughout – there’s no part of the X-Class’ cabin that hasn’t received a little love.

The rough and tumble Pure base grade features black, hard surfaces predominately with a washable vinyl floor and durable fabric seats. Man-made ‘leather’ is optional. It’s also the only model in the range to feature a budget infotainment array and polyurethane steering wheel.

The Progressive mid-spec variant adds richer black cloth upholstery and the option of Artico man-made leather with Dinamica microfiber inserts. Aluminium-finish garnishes feature heavily, as do soft-touch materials on the doors and console lid. There’s also a leather wrapped steering wheel.

In the high-grade Power models Artico and Dinamica upholstery are standard with contrasting stitching featured. Genuine leather is available as an optional.

The Power’s dashboard and door cards are topped with Artico man-made leather, the inlays are wood-grain, and for the first time in a ute we find a choice of head lining colours – Macchiato Beige or Black.

On the downside, the X-Class does carry over Nissan’s tilt-adjust steering column meaning no reach adjustment is offered. Conversely, all grades receive console-mounted backseat air vents.

“The X-Class design interprets the hallmark brand design idiom of our SUVs in a most expressive form, and embodies the dichotomy of our design philosophy,” said Mercedes-Benz design head, Gorden Wagener.

“With its progressive design the powerful adventurer expresses cool modernity and thirst for adventure, while the stylish explorer on the other hand uses pure emotion to provide a tangible experience of modern beauty,” he said.

Is the X-Class safe enough for the family?

As dual-cab utes go, the X-Class looks like it might be the safest on the market.

From four-wheel disc brakes (320mm front/308mm rear) with autonomous emergency braking, to seven airbags (including full-length curtain airbags), lane-keeping assistant, tyre-pressure monitoring, reversing camera, and ISOFIX child-seat anchor points, it has most of the bases covered.

High-grade models add a 360-degree camera and PARKTRONIC front and rear parking sensor functionality.

The X-Class is expected to receive a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

“We’ve positioned ourselves deliberately to answer a range of different customer requirements, and will well and truly go head to head with what our competitors offer,” said Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia public relations and corporate communications manager, Blake Vincent.

“We’re really comfortable with the equipment levels on offer across the three grades, we think it’s really competitive, and will actually lead the way in some areas, particularly safety,” he said.

Does X-Class offer technologies other utes don’t?

On higher grade variants, the X-Class offers a number of technologies not found in other utes.

These include a COMAND ONLINE 8.4-inch infotainment screen offering Wi-Fi connectivity, sat nav, voice control, digital radio reception, Bluetooth connectivity and even traffic sign assist. There’s parking sensors, heated front seats, electric seat adjustment and auto lights and wipers.

Then there’s keyless entry and push-button start, hill-start and hill-descent control, cruise control, LED head and tail-lights, AEB, a sliding rear window, trailer-sway assist and even 360-degree camera for use when parking, hitching a trailer or navigating your way off-road.

Dual-zone climate control is available, as is App connectivity via your smartphone or smartwatch. The App can provide vehicle location when parked, remaining fuel quantity information, service timing and even tyre pressures.

All X-Class variants receive an instrument panel familiar to the C-Class which incorporates a 5.4-inch MMI display between two circular dials.

Can I take the X-Class off-road?

The short answer is yes. The X-Class will offer 4X4 variants across its three model line-up, the X 220 d and X 250 d using a Nissan-sourced dual-range arrangement with standard locking rear differential, while X 350 d 4MATIC variants utilise a permanent all-wheel-drive system with locking rear and centre differentials, and low-range.

Australian variants will offer 222mm of ground clearance and water fording of up to 600mm.

Off-road geometry sees a 30.1-degree approach angle, 22.0-degree break-over angle and 25.9-degree departure angle. Benz says the X-Class also has a 49.8-degree maximum tilt angle, and can tackle hills up to 45 degrees.

All variants feature hill-start and fixed-speed hill-descent control.

Those contemplating a cross-country trek will also appreciate the X-Class’ 80-litre fuel tank.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer an extensive range of off-road accessories, including a bull bar, snorkel, heavy-duty tow kit, side steps, roll-over bar and tub liner.

Will there be an AMG variant of X-Class?

The short answer is no… or is that, maybe? Speaking to trucksales.com.au at the unveiling of the X-Class in South Africa, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles head, and ex-AMG boss, Volker Mornhinweg said there are no plans… Just yet.

“Wait and see. The car is quite impressive already, and as I said previously it’s not right for a V8. But I think we haven’t decided in that direction,” he said, meaning an AMG-specific variant.

“As for a styling package, we will look carefully. We have a broad line-up [already] and we will go to market with it and see what the customer feedback is.”

What will X-Class compete against?

Mercedes-Benz has not competed in the dual-cab utility space before – and has yet to advise pricing. Finding a direct competitor at its price point, therefore, is rather tricky.

Our inkling is that buyers shopping high-grade variants of mainstream light commercial utes will likely step up to the X-Class.

These may include buyers previously tempted by the Ford Ranger Wildtrack ($61,790), Holden Colorado Z71 ($57,190), Isuzu D-MAX LS-Terrain ($54,200), Mitsubishi Triton GLS Sports Edition ($48,490), Nissan Navara ST-X ($54,490), Toyota HiLux SR5 TRD ($61,390), and Volkswagen Amarok TDI550 Highline ($67,990).

“We bring safety, comfort, agility, and expressive design [to the ute segment],” said Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles head, Volker Mornhinweg.

“In other words, everything that distinguishes vehicles bearing the Mercedes star – we will thus appeal to customers who have not considered owning a ute before,” he said.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class: 10 things you need to know

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