MBSA’s X350d not your average workhorse
Bakkie is a spitfire that can explode from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds
It’s not your typical workhorse, or the first thing you imagine on a construction site or using off-road.
Nor is it the kind of bakkie you’d want to give a mud bath – it’s a million bucks for heaven’s sake.
But the truth is the new Mercedes-Benz X350d 4Matic bakkie was not just designed to look good, prim and proper – it has the guts of a champion.
It launched in the African market this month, a few months after Mercedes-Benz Vans SA made their debut in the bakkie segment with the X220d and X250d.
But the long wait for that vehicle, billed as a game-changer, was a bit of a damp squib.
After this disappointment I had my heart set on seeing some noticeable changes when it came to the V6.
But the body and interior look just the same.
However there are now a few more accessories, at an additional price of course.
But while the pricing of the long-awaited new bakkie has raised eyebrows, so has its turbocharged six-cylinder engine.
The new X350d 4Matic flagship model’s V6 turbocharged diesel engine comes with a sting of 190 kW and a torque peak of 550Nm under the hood, which puts this X-class at the top of its class.
It is claimed that it is the most powerful bakkie in the country.
The spitfire can explode from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The turbocharged V6 is available in the equipment lines Progressive and Power, both of which set new standards for comfort and perceived value in the midsize double cab segment.
The Progressive line has as standard: 17inch 6-spoke light-alloy wheels, air vents in electroplated silver chrome, leather-lined steering wheel and parking brake, the infotainment system Audio 20, and an eightspeaker system.
Standard features in the high-end Power version include a simulated, chrome-plated underride guard in the front bumper, a chrome-plated rear bumper, 18-inch 6-spoke light-alloy wheels, LED high performance headlamps, electrically adjustable seats, and the Audio 20with a multifunctional touch pad.
At its asking price you’d expect the bakkie to come standard with leather seats, have a glamorous interior like that of the A250 – or at least its Mbux infotainment system or voice command – but no.
You’re paying for the turbocharged engine. Having said that, there’s no doubt that the premium bakkie is already at the top of the Christmas list for those who want to flex their financial muscle and blast into the new year with a statement about style, because ultimately that’s what it means to own a million-rand bakkie when there are cheaper options out there.
However, the Mercedes-Benz X350 certainly proved its abilities at the Cape Town launch when the machine was put to the test along some jaw-dropping obstacle courses, both on- and off-road, including some hectic cornering along steep mountain passes.
The powerful six-cylinder engine, 7G-tronicplus automatic transmission and 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive ensured high levels of driving stability and handling dynamics, both on- and off-road, with a choice of engine and transmission response levels at the driver’s fingertips.
The sport mode sees the engine respond immediately to throttle input as the automatic transmission makes use of the entire engine speed range to change gears, and shifts at higher engine speeds.
Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags and the i-Size attachment system for two child seats.
With optional Active Brake Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, two driver assistance systems are at the ready to simultaneously increase active safety and comfort, but with the V6, it also features Active Lane Keeping Assist as an option.
MERCEDES-BENZ X350d PRICES IN SA: ● X350d Progressive - R914,711 ● X350d Power - R983,711