Mercedes makes its mark
South Africans will be getting a belated Christmas present from MercedesBenz, but judging by the reaction to the new X-Class double cab bakkie, the wait until early next year will be worth it. (The first models are due to hit the European roads in November.) Double cab bakkies are popular in South Africa, and the manufacturers in this segment regularly refresh their existing models. These days you often also see Eastern names investing in this market. Even Fiat’s first double cab recently arrived on our shores. The market, therefore, is not stagnant. Diesel vehicles currently dominate the sales charts, and with its X-Class, Mercedes – known more for its luxury vehicles – is widening selection with a 2,3 ℓ diesel engine. The X-Class’s 220d model has a single turbocharger that provides 403 Nm torque, but an extra turbo in the 250d pushes
that figure up to 450 Nm. Another diesel engine is on its way, but we’ll only see the V6 with its 550 Nm by the middle of next year. The two models are available in rearwheel drive and 4x4 (Mercedes calls it 4Matic). The 220d only has a six-speed manual gearbox, while with the 250d you can choose between that manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Families also use double cab bakkies as family vehicles, and for this reason Mercedes has included extra comfort. For example, the X-Class comes standard with a 1,5 ℓ water bottle holder in each door. The ride also promises to be very comfortable, because the chassis has front and rear coil springs.
We’ll only receive the 550 Nm V6 turbodiesel in the middle of next year.
In terms of towing ability, Mercedes doesn’t hold back, because depending on the model it’s either 1 650 kg or 3,5 t. Although, the 1 650 kg is only for the X200, the petrol model not destined for South Africa. The diesel models’ tare weight ranges between 2 158 kg and 2 259 kg, so it’s heavy enough with its 403–450 Nm to tow the largest caravans on our roads without issues. The braking system ensures further peace of mind, because all the models come standard with disc brakes on all the wheels. The X-Class’s trailer sway control is also standard. The system kicks in at 60 km/h and you can’t switch it off. The X-Class has one of the biggest reverse camera screens in the double cab bakkie market (8,4”). The camera lenses are installed in the bodywork around the car, and you can see 360º around the car on the screen. The rear lens can also focus closer on the ball on the tow bar when you install Mercedes’s tow bar. The models are each available in three variants that range in luxury: There’s the basic X-Class Pure, followed by the Progressive, and if you’re the big cheese you own the Power, where things like electrically adjustable seats, rain sensor, 18” tyres, and custom-made leather upholstery are standard. Mercedes even has a bonnet for its X-Class with its own LED lights underneath. The price is still unavailable. In Germany you have to cough up €37 294, which amounts to about R570 000. >