Mercedes unveils plush pick-up
Mercedes-benz has revealed its much-anticipated new premium pick-up.
The X-class is a five-seat, four-door crew cab pick-up with a separate chassis, up to four engine options, a choice of selectable or permanent four-wheel drive and six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission options. It goes on sale at the end of this year with an expected price from £28,000 plus VAT.
The company claims that the X-class can be used as both a rugged, off-road pickup and a vehicle for urban families. Besides its robust construction, the X-class’s sophisticated suspension, premium cabin, connectivity, extensive safety aids and scope for personalisation are all intended to extend the vehicle’s appeal beyond the typical pick-up buyer.
Engines include a 161bhp diesel X220d and 187bhp X250d, as well as a 163bhp petrol option in some markets. A 255bhp V6 diesel will be released in mid-2018. The X220d and X250d 4Matic provide selectable fourwheel drive, the six-cylinder permanent engagement. All versions have low-range gearing; a locking rear axle differential is optional.
Mercedes claims excellent off- and on-road performance – the X-class’s suspension consisting of coil sprung double wishbones at the front and a coil sprung, five-link live axle at the rear. Long spring travel, good articulation and precise wheel control are features, along with “a high level of driving dynamics and ride comfort on the road”.
Load securing points are standard; they become loadsecuring rails on higher trim levels. Typical pick-up options include a styled body-colour rear canopy, a plastic load-bed liner, a bed-divider system, soft and hard tonneau covers, an aluminium roll-top cover and a 156-litre storage box.