The highly anticipated production version of the X-Class was revealed to the world in Cape Town last month. FERDI DE VOS used the opportunity for a world-exclusive first-drive of the eagerly awaited bakkie from the stable of the Three-Pointed Star.
Seventeen full 50-litre barrels of Schwaben Brau beer. That’s what the new X-Class from Mercedes-Benz can carry.
Trust the good ole’ boys from Stuttgart to use this analogy to demonstrate the payload capacity of the first modern pickup from a premium manufacturer; one proudly wearing the Three-Pointed Star. And yes, no other Mercedes model, besides a truck or van, can do this.
For this reason, the fact stuck in my mind as I reached for the ignition key of the white, progressively specced X250d auto 4Matic right-hand drive model with a styling bar, powered by a Nissan-derived 2.3-litre, four-cylinder bi-turbo engine delivering 140 kW and 450 Nm.
The irony didn’t escape me.
Here I was, sitting in essentially a Japanese developed vehicle, fine-tuned by some of the brightest designers and engineers in Europe over a period of six years to become a German premium product – the Mercedes-Benz of bakkies.
Less than half a century ago the inverse was true; with Japanese companies reverse-engineering German and European cars to become globally competitive. Now some of the biggest car brands are owned by Chinese and Indian companies. The words of Bob Dylan’s prophetic song come to mind…
A LONG TIME COMING
When Daimler in 2015 first announced its plans to build a one-ton pickup, the world went crazy.
I was fortunate enough to attend the unveiling of the concept models in Stockholm in October last year, and X-Class again trended for days. The same happened less than three weeks ago when the production models were unveiled locally.
Besides more information on the model range – three trim lines: Pure, Progressive and Power, and three diesel engines, including a V6 available from next year, mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, and two-wheel or 4Matic four-wheel drive will be offered – we were also treated to a short co-drive in the long-awaited newcomer.
Chauffeured by a young X-Class project suspension engineer on a purpose-built off-road track, my first notion was that much had been done to hone the multi-link with a solid axle, but coil-sprung rear suspension.
Exploring the limits around the private race track, the engineer enthusiastically explained how the heavier German ride quality was made more pliable. But while impressed, my co-drive experience was just too short and limited to reach definite conclusions.
THE DIFFERENCES
Let’s highlight some differences between the X-Class and its Nissan counterpart. In terms of styling, the two are least alike seen from the front three-quarter view.
While the Nissan’s stretched grille is flanked by swept back headlights, the frontal design of the X-Class is shared with Merc’s SUV range. However, the lower front valance, with low driving lights, is unique to the bakkie.
The X-Class also has squarer wheel-arches, as well as slimmer taillights, and lacks the Navara’s character line on the tailgate.
In my view, Stuttgart has done a sterling job with the styling of its pickup, and as alluded to earlier, the same applies to the interior styling treatment. Yes, the gear-lever and some door panel components are dead giveaways regarding its origin, but Merc has cleverly included brand-specific equipment such as the floating infotainment screen, the round air-vents and multi-function touchpad in the cabin.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
So, after clambering in and out of concept models and show cars, and occupying the passenger seat for a short, sharp ride, I at last found myself behind the multi-function steering wheel.
It was a moment to savour, as up until now the question on everyone’s lips has been: How does the X-Class drive?
But first, a couple of disclaimers.
The X250d 4Matic I was about to drive was a final pre-production unit, thus not completely production ready.
However, prior encounters with the newcomer already gave me some insights on what to expect.
At start up the 2.3-litre mill’s distinctive engine note sounded more subdued than in the Navara, and this was true at all engine speeds – probably due to more sound-absorbing material being used in the Benz, making it nearly 290 kg heavier than its Japanese contender.
Even so, it felt sprightly when prompted, and the shift of the seven-speed auto transmission, with well-spaced ratios, was seamless (on par, if not better than that of the Amarok).
Its steering felt beefier than what I experienced in the Navara, and feel and feedback was exceptional for a vehicle in this class. On (wet) tar the X-Class felt stable, even while pushing on in the sweeps, in part due to its wide track, and its ride was for sure softer and more pliant than that of other double-cabs.
A short off-road stint confirmed its softer ride (although buyers swopping a premium sedan for an X-Class may still find the swing and sway natural to off-road driving uncomfortable) and its four-wheel drive system engaged flawlessly with the turn of a knob.
It also has descent approach, departure and breakover angles, a ride height of 221 mm and a fording depth of 600 mm – and thanks to sensibly specced tyres and rims it should be quite capable in the veld.
Another eye-opener was its braking performance. With ventilated discs all round, the brake feel was excellent – reminiscent of that on a sports sedan, with sharp reaction, and easy to modulate.
LAST WORD
The X-Class will be a strong contender in the one-ton pickup market since many prospective bakkie buyers (who don’t want to drive a lesser brand) are specifically waiting for the Merc-badged contender to reach our shores.
It could also entice some G-Class customers, and on strength of what I’ve experienced it may also lure people out of executive sedans and SUVs. Yes, price will be a factor, but for those who always wanted the practicality of a double-cab, but with the “right badge” on the bonnet, it will be a no-brainer.
And will there be an AMG version? Well, Stuttgart and Affalterbach denies it, but customer pressure will be relentless – and even an AMG-Line option will not be acceptable. Why, if a G-Class can be an AMG, why not the X-Class? And with a new 3-litre V6 bi-turbo petrol engine delivering 270 kW already available and compatible with four-wheel drive, it would make sense, wouldn’t it?
But back to the beer. I can’t wait to take an X-Class to Namibia, just to bring seventeen full 50-litre barrels of Windhoek back to South Africa…
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images (c) RYAN ABBOTT (TCB MEDIA)
