How does that price tag sit with you?
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has finally released proper details on the upcoming V6-powered version of its X-Class ute, the X350d. The V6 ‘luxury ute’ will be landing on our shores with a Teutonic thump come December, and will be looking to relieve you of at least $73,250 for the pleasure of bringing one home.
For a bit of context, the X350d’s starting price is a little higher than the sub-$70k that Volkswagen will charge you for a top-spec Amarok V6 Ultimate. But at least it’s cheaper than the similarly-powered Ford Ranger Raptor which, aside from being far more mass-market in cabin feel, is also short a couple of cylinders under the bonnet.
The steeply-priced X350d will be available in Progressive and Power trims, with the latter commanding a heady $79,415. What is standard across both variants are the powerplant: A Mercedes-developed 3.0-litre turbodiesel donk putting out a respectable 190kW and 550Nm. The smooth mill puts power to all four wheels via Merc’s proprietary 4Matic all-wheel drive system, through one of Merc’s excellent 7-speed automatic transmissions.
Standard kit is pretty generous on the X350d Progressive, as you’d expect for a car asking for over $70k. You get things like keyless entry and go, dual-zone climate control, unique-design 18-inch alloys, and active lane keeping aid (which steers the car back into lane if it senses you’re straying a bit). Further, you get AEB, a backup camera, and cruise control all as standard.
Pay more money for the X350d Power and you get even more kit. You’ll find aluminium dash trim trying to wow-up proceedings inside, as well as 19-inch alloys on the outside to mark it out as the mac-daddy variant of the Merc ute range. You also get anthracite headliner and a 360º camera system, the latter of the two surprisingly useful on this rather large car.
Of course like any luxury car, the X-Class can be specced up to the hilt in optional kit, from leather seats to cargo bars and load covers, allowing potential customers to tailor their X-Class experience just to their liking. Of course, the X350d Power is already nudging $80k before on-road costs. While there’s little doubt that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class adds a touch of premium-ness where there previously was very little, we can’t help but wonder: Would you pay $80k for a ute?
For more information on Mercedes-Benz, check out our Showroom.
