Mercedes-Benz Vans has expanded its range with the addition of a new pickup - the Mercedes X-Class. Live images of the Mercedes X-Class' from South Africa come courtesy Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog.
The Mercedes X-Class is based on the same platform as the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan. However, the German offering is a notch above in design, quality and tech. The design is largely unchanged from Concept X-Class introduced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The production X-Class measures 5,340 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,819 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 3,150 mm and offers a ground clearance of 202 mm (220 mm optional). The load bed is 1,587 mm long, 1,560 mm wide and 474 mm tall. The maximum payload capacity is 1,042 kg, while the towing capacity varies from 1,650-3,500 kg depending on the configuration.
Mercedes-Benz Vans will sell the Mercedes X-Class in three model variants: Pure, Progressive and Power. The Mercedes X-Class Pure is the basic variant that aims to stick to the basics of a pickup. Halogen headlamps, electrically adjustable ORVMs, 17-inch steel wheels, black Tunja fabric seat upholstery, Audio 20 USB infotainment system and two-way speakers front and rear are standard.
The Mercedes X-Class Progressive aims for customers seeking a rugged pickup with better styling and more features, a pickup which is good for private use too. This model variant gets 17-inch alloy wheels, ORVM heating, windscreen made of heat insulating glass, rain sensor, leather steering wheel, leather shift lever knob, leather handbrake lever, black posadas fabric seat upholstery, illuminated front footwell, compass in rearview mirror and 8-speaker sound system.
The X-Class Power is aimed at people for whom styling, performance and comfort factors of the pickup heavily influence the buying decision. In other words, it's targeted at urban buyers. On the outside, the Power model variant features LED headlamps, electrically folding ORVMs, 18-inch alloy wheels and part-LED tail lamps. Other highlights include keyless entry, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre seat upholstery and automatically dimming inside mirror. In all model variants, features like 19-inch alloy wheels, heated washer nozzles, heated front seats, PARKTRONIC parking assistance system and 360-degree camera are optional.
Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer the Mercedes X-Class in X 220 d, X 220 d 4MATIC, X 250 d, X 250 d 4MATIC and X 350 d 4MATIC diesel models in most markets. The X 220 d and X 220 d MATIC are powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 163 hp and 403 Nm of torque, and is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. The X 250 d and X 250 d 4MATIC get a 2.3-litre biturbo four-cylinder 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Transmission choices include 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic.
The X 350 d 4MATIC has a turbocharged V6 engine good for 258 hp and 550 Nm of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission is standard in this engine model. For a few markets like Dubai and Morocco, there's an LHD-only petrol model too. Dubbed X 200, this model has 165 hp engine and rear-wheel drive drivetrain layout.
Also Read: IAB reader spots the next-gen 2018 Mercedes A Class in Dubai
The Mercedes X-Class will see its European launch in November 2017. South Africa, Australia and New Zealand will join the list of markets at the beginning of 2018. Argentina and Brazil will follow at the beginning of 2019.
The Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain will manufacture the X-Class for Europe, South Africa and Australia beginning this year. The Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina will produce the Latin American-spec version starting in 2019.
[Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog]
