Agent X Reporting For Duty

Although the Mercedes X-Class is a capable off-roader, our initial impression led us to believe that nobody would buy it for serious bundu-bashing duties. As it turns out, we were wrong.

We like aftermarket modifications a lot, as do thousands of other enthusiasts out there. It’s a nice way to elevate your car’s abilities, in addition to adding your own personal touch.

Some cars are just better suited to it, though. The Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu KB, Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender are infinitely customisable, thanks to an entire market segment dedicated to offering new and unique toys that you can add to them.

The X-Class just didn’t seem like that kind of car. It’s supposed to be the classy bakkie, after all. While the other bakkies play in the mud, it supposedly sat in the corner sipping on a 20-year-old whisky and puffing away on a Cuban cigar. Modifying the classiest bakkie just seemed... crude.

Well, we’re happy to report that we were proved completely wrong. The company behind this X-Class is called Maniac 4×4. It was founded over a decade ago by Mark Esterhuizen, who set out to build specialised 4×4 products. And it just doesn’t get more specialised than this: a tactical X-Class built for security purposes.