Mercedes has officially unveiled the new X-Class
pickup truck. The
X-Class features a prominent grille which is flanked by LED-infused headlights.
The truck has also been equipped with plastic body cladding, muscular wheel
arches, and vertical taillights.
Three different configurations will be offered
including a work-focused X-Class Pure, a consumer-grade X-Class Progressive,
and a lifestyle variant dubbed the X-Class Power.
Regardless of which model is selected, all will
feature a practical bed that comes standard with cargo area lighting and a
12-volt socket which can be used to power equipment such as air compressors and
saws. The truck also has a rear bumper with an integrated step but that can be
removed to allow the tailgate to open a full 180 degrees.
The interior doesn't live up to the luxurious
X-Class concepts but it comes equipped a three-spoke multifunction steering
wheel and circular air vents. Entry-level models have black fabric seats but
higher-end variants can be ordered with leather upholstery.
A variety of different options will be available
including a leather-wrapped dashboard, woodgrain trim, and a freestanding
infotainment system with an 8.4-inch display. At launch, the X-Class will be
offered with two different four-cylinder engines. The X 220 d will have a
2.3-liter turbo-diesel that produces 163 PS, while the X 250 d will
have a biturbo-diesel developing 190 PS. The company also has plans to
offer an X 200 with 165 PS and an X 350 d with a V6 engine producing
258 PS and 550 Nm of torque.
Depending on which engine is selected, it can be
paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive will come standard on most models but all-wheel drive will
also be available.
Mercedes says the
truck is fully-capable of handling work duty as it features a ladder-type frame
and a solid rear axle. The company also notes the truck has a payload capacity
of 1.1 tonnes which is enough to carry 17 barrels of beer. Customers
will also be happy to know the model can tow up to 3.5 tonnes which
is enough to haul a trailer carrying three horses.
Speaking of capability, the X-Class comes standard
with 202 mm of ground clearance but that can be increased to 222 mm with an optional off-road suspension. The model also has a
breakover angle of 20.4°, a fording depth of 600 mm, and
approach/departure angles of up to 30.1° and 25.9°.
The X-Class will go on sale in Europe this November
and German pricing starts at € 37,294. It will eventually be offered in a number
of other countries including Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa.
