Mercedes-Benz’s new ‘premium ute,’ the X-Class, aims to take the brands’ buyers where they have never been before, which is sort of fitting when you think that the German luxury marque has never ventured into this territory before. Ahead of its debut on our shores early next year, the company has released a second ad to whet our appetites, and show us what we can expect to do with our new tri-star utes.
The video essentially shows off three minutes worth of marketing drivel, showing off the broad range of capabilities that the X-Class will feature as standard. It drives on dirt, it drives on tarmac, it looks good and can service wine wholesalers and videographers alike. What is shown off with the ad is some of the X’s features, like a connected-app (which works with a smartwatch), keyless entry and go, a reversing camera, and a lock-box in the bed (likely a cost-option, knowing Mercedes).
What we know thus far is that the X-Class will be available at launch with a range of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with the X220d and X250d putting out 120kW and 140kW respectively, along with a 122kW petrol motor that’ll feature only in select markets. There will be a V6 diesel joining the range later in 2018 that’ll put out something around 190kW, which will put its power to the ground via a seven-speed automatic transmission mated to their proprietary 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Built on the bones of the Nissan NP300 Navara, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class will come packed to the brim with the very latest safety tech from the German manufacturer, with things like active brake assistance, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping aid, traffic-sign recognition, and blind spot warning. These will likely only feature in higher-end models and miss the entry-level ‘Pure’ trim altogether, as Mercedes-Benz will likely do everything in its power to chase a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating (the Navara only gets 4).
While the styling continues to divide opinion (even in the our office), the X-Class’ appeal is undeniable. Local dealers have reported amazing levels of interest in the premium ute, with competition only coming in the form of the Volkswagen Amarok V6. With European pricing to kick off just under $55,000, the only question we have is: Why not buy a Nissan Navara?
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