Mercedes-Benz X-Class

The X Files Update.

- Stuart Reichart

A range of three variants of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class double cab will make its way to South African showroom floors early in 2018. The partnership with Nissan and the use of the Nissan ladder frame chassis and engine choices is evidence that automakers give strong consideration to the expenses incurred when tooling up for a completely new vehicle. Especially in this instance, where Mercedes is expanding into a relatively untested premium pick-up niche. However, the Mercedes design department insists that although the new Navara chassis is the basis, the rest of the X-Class attributes are solely Mercedes in nature, with the typical flair, style, safety and comfort you’d expect from this German automaker.

Three options are available for the new X-Class, which will be built in Spain: the base model “Pure”, which is touted as a rugged workhorse-meets-lifestyle-vehicle; the “Progressive”, which includes added style and comfort features; and the “Power” flagship, which offers all the bells and whistles.

The South African market will receive three engine variants. The entry models − the single-turbo X 220 d (120kW/403Nm) and bi-turbo X 250 d (140kW/450Nm) − are both based on the Navara’s 2.3-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel, while the range-topper V6 turbodiesel (boasting 190kW and 550 Nm) is a well-proven Mercedes-derived mill that’s done duty in platforms from the G-Class to the E-Class. A 122kW 4-cyl petrol variant will not make it the SA market.