Mercedes 350d ticks all the boxes

The range-topping 350d 4Matic V6 which was launched last week, though, presents a different proposition. Yes, the shape is basically the same as the 4-cylinder model, and this is not necessarily a bad thing taking into consideration the striking design cues of the front. But it is under the bonnet and the assertiveness of handling where the Germans have hit the nail on the head. Slicing our way through the scenic, challenging and at times frightening Franschhoek Pass in the Western Cape, the 350d managed to showcase its credentials to the max. It’s an engine that serves other vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz stable well — vehicles like the S-Class, E-Class and GLC For a bakkie it’s undeniably impressive. Perhaps it is not so much the power on offer courtesy of the 3-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel engine, 190 kW and a peak torque of 550Nm. Nor the fact that the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission is linear in its delivery. But what is perhaps most impressive is how planted and assured it feels when tackling even the most treacherous hairpin bends at speeds normally reserved for performance vehicles. It hugs the line you choose with the closeness of a warm embrace. There is an assuredness that is synonymous with a well-engineered vehicle and the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive and ladder-frame chassis deliver when needed. Various driving modes are on offer which adjust engine response and vehicle dynamics — Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual and Offroad. A start/stop function is also available in all driving modes except Off-road. One can select 4H for improved traction when venturing off the bitumen and 4L for those extra-tough conditions. Couple this with a ground clearance of 202mm (front axle); a differential lock on the rear axle; the ability to climb gradients of up to 45 degrees and a wading depth of 600mm; and it’s no surprise that its off-road capabilities have earned it a level 5 rating in this particular aspect. We did manage to squeeze in a brief offroad excursion and the little that we did, the X-Class handled with ease. Engaging 4L with the simple twist of a dial and quickly we were getting to the summit of a rocky outreach with the agility of a mountain goat. Among the passive safety features are seven airbags. Optional is Active Brake Assist, Traffic Sign Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. There are two equipment lines for the 350d — Progressive and Power. The former includes standard items like 17-inch wheels, air vents in electroplated silver chrome, a leather-lined steering wheel and an infotainment system hooked up to eight speakers. The Power model features a chromeplated underride guard on the front bumper, a chrome-plated rear bumper, electrically adjustable seats, 18-inch wheels, paddle shifts and LED headlamps. Is this particular vehicle without its faults? Of course not. Features such as leather seats (Progressive has black fabric) and adaptive cruise control (both models) are missing and one would expect to see these included when you are paying a shade under R1m for a vehicle, as is the case here. There is also the matter of having to fork out for optional accessories such as a canopy with roof rails (R65,147), load bed liner (R6,333) or perhaps the aluminium roll cover (R31,195). During the business presentation last week, Mercedes-Benz’s vice-president of Vans Southern Africa, Nadia Trimmel, spoke no truer words than when she observed: “It is the market that will dictate how well a vehicle will do.” I guess we will just have to wait and see consumer response to the new threepointed star. But at least this time they are better prepared. Pricing: Mercedes-Benx X350 d Progressive – R904,188

X350 d Power – R973,188