Mercedes-Benz has confirmed they will
offer a cab-chassis tray-back/table-top version of the all-new X-Class in
Australia from launch, giving Mercedes-Benz’s local Vans division a line-up of
18 different versions by the time the vehicle hits showrooms in April next
year.
The company is yet to reveal this work-oriented
version of its new ute, but we’ve taken the liberty to attempt to show you what
the cab-chassis version will look like when it arrives. The
work-focused cab-chassis versions will be offered on two of the three trim
levels – the entry-level Pure and mid-grade Progressive – but the high-end
Power version won’t have the option of a drop-side tray.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the
cab-chassis variants will carry over the same five-link coil-spring rear
suspension as the pick-up models. That separates the Benz version even further
from its sibling model, the Nissan Navara RX dual-cab-chassis model, which runs
a leaf-spring rear axle.
That Navara model has a claimed maximum payload
about 100 kilograms higher than its respective coil-sprung companions, so it
remains to be seen as to what rating the cab-chassis X-Class has. The regular
ute range is said to be able to manage up to 1092 kg.
The Pure and Progressive models that will have the
option of the cab-chassis body-style will also have a choice of multiple
drivetrains. The entry-level Pure version can be had with one of two
four-cylinder turbo diesel drivetrains, manual or automatic transmissions, and
2WD or 4WD, while the Progressive will be available with a four-cylinder with
manual/auto and 2WD/4WD options, or a V6 diesel with permanent four-wheel-drive
and an automatic gearbox.
