X MARKS THE SPOT
AMERICAN motoring is very distinctive from the rest of the world. They take pride in making vehicles suited for their country and continent. Unlike the Asian and European counterparts who endeavour to produce cars for the world. A common segment in their industry is the truck/pick up market.
It is a huge part of the American heritage. There are ultra-luxurious four-wheel drives with amazing towing capability (which is a huge thing in the states). Safe to say the Americans are the kings of luxury pick-ups.
However, arises a Teutonic response. The X. Mercedes is set to fill a gap in the global industry with its new X class. Two things. One: it is not necessarily filling a gap but rather extending an already existing segment. Two: the X is not entirely new. The pick-up has traditionally been used as a work companion till recently when design features have made it a white collar affair.
More and more pick-ups have SUV/car like interiors and road manners. Like the VW Amarok for instance. There has however not been a premium offering from any brand. Benz seeks to have a stake in the lucrative pick-up market albeit creating a niche.
Mercedes partnered with Nissan to base the X on the popular and proven Navara. This is not a bad thing, the new Navara has done away with the almost obvious choice of leaf springs at the rear and replaced this with coil springs. This greatly improves handling and ride quality.
The X class will utilise the toughness of the Navara to qualify its workhorse-ness then luxury attributes of MercedesBenz to make it a comfortable cruiser and qualify its premiumness.
The comfort and driver assistance of Mercedes-Benz makes tackling long distances an easy matter and driving pleasurable.
The X shares its ladder frame with the Navara plus several other parts. The resemblance of the two can be seen when viewed from behind. Despite the striking similarity, the two do not share replacement body parts mainly because the X is larger than the Nissan Navara. This is despite rolling off the same assembly line too.
The two are not the same though. The front has typical Merc features (head lights and grill). The similarity continues inside with the infotainment screen above the large air-con vents atop the centre console. The usual instrument dials, steering wheel and controls appear. It is unmistakably Mercedes, even without seeing the large star on the grill.
There is an emphasis on turbo-diesels in this line up. It shall thus be available in 2.2 litre and 2.3 litre guises. The engines will be similar units found in the Navara. There are auto and manual transmissions choices too. A reviewer notes that the manual which was adapted for use in this series has a smooth action and is very similar to that of passenger cars. They have four wheel drive or 4matic in Benz terms. The entry level will be a petrol powered 2.0 litre unit with manual trans.
If these feel underpowered for you, an X350 oil burner will be available. This will be from Mercedes stables together with the seven-speed auto box.
The engines have sufficient propulsion to take on an offroad challenge thrown its way. But honestly, no one will take this out 4X4ing. It will be more of a head turning city sleeker. Recently, pick-ups have been the choice for the managerial class and this choice will definitely be considered for that purpose. At last a high end premium pick up to serve an up-coming segment and probably set a benchmark.
It has received Polarising views. Some argue that it a lazy effort with a combination of already existing systems.
Others further argue that it is merely Brand badging and is neither a true Nissan nor Merc. It is set to do well and might kick other manufacturers like BMW and Lexus to consider including such in their line-up. It will no doubt be an expensive offering and that really won’t deter buyers, I mean it’s a Merc!!! Whatever the judgement of the vehicle is, Merc has ample time and resources to improve it. And to think they have AMG at their disposal, one can only wonder what is coming ahead.