Mercedes-benz X-class
There’s an expectation when a vehicle has a Mercedes-benz star on the grille. Particularly in the case of the new X-class, in a market (ours) where the ute sector is so strong.
Yes, the Mercedes-benz X-class is based around Nissan’s current coil-sprung NP300 platform and currently powered (until the December arrival of the V6) by Nissan’s 2.4 litre turbo diesel engines. But seriously, is that really going to stop someone who is interested, from buying one? Having driven an X-class for a week on as well as off the road, I doubt it. As it is, you don’t even have to drive to drive a new X-class (just sitting in one will suffice) to understand that it is very much a Mercedes-benz – ignorant and ill-informed opinion to the contrary. The X-class version I drove was a current range-topping X250d Power auto (a $2,348 option), equipped with a style package (an extra $2304) and finishing in shimmering ‘Bering White Metallic paint job (a $913 option). With GST of $8657 the total cost was $74,037 (over a list of $63,130). The Power is only available with the 140kw engine and the choice of either a manual or automatic transmission. It comes complete with chrome/brushed alloy exterior trim highlights front and rear, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated mirrors, upholstered dash with contrasting stitching, electrically adjustable front seats, Mercedes’ COMAND multimedia and navigation system, dual zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, a parking assist system and keyless entry and start. While the obvious giveaway is the large Mercedes-benz three-pointed star which takes pride of place in the middle of the grille, it is in the cabin where the company has gone all out to distinguish the X-class from every other TD DC ute on the market. The dashboard has a concave inset with six circular air vents; and incorporates an ipod-like app/infotainment screen, operated by a combined touch pad/rotary dial between the seats. The seats themselves are a cut above the usual TD DC ute offering. The trim at Power level mixes a leather-like Artico/ Dinama material with a flexible microfibre, which provides an impressive mix of comfort and support. Heated seats are optional, as part of a special ‘Winter option package which also includes a heater for the windscreen washer fluid! The rear bench lacked support, though leg room is fine for all but the lankiest teen in the family. Rural buyers who spend a lot of time on gravel roads will no doubt also learn to appreciate the superior ride over corrugations, courtesy of a well set-up trailing arm/coil spring rear axle. So good is the mix of four-wheel-drive, and a lockable rear diff, I struggled to find some terrain steep and/or slippery enough to test the 4Low setting. 4High was fine even in Muriwai’s thickest and most rutted sand tracks sections and – even though I flinched (and waited for the graunch) – at one gnarly little drop-off. When I got out to check, I found I had at least another 15cms of clearance. You don’t need to fret about an auto version ‘getting away from you’ on a slippery downhill either because Mercedes’ version of Hill Descent Control (Downhill Speed Regulation) works as well as any similar system. So there you go. The new X-class looks like a Mercedes-benz, is engineered like a Mercedes-benz and is spec’d and trimmed like a Mercedes-benz. That makes it a Mercedes-benz in my book.