Mercedes-Benz has been testing the long wheelbase version of the X-Class for a while now – at least for the past two years, but it seems to be entering the final phase of development. The latest batch of spy shots show the prototype without any camouflage, except for the fuel filler cap and logo on the front fenders, which is there to hide the designation of the powertrain. The badges on the tailgate are also concealed, so it’s impossible to tell what powers it.
Another prototype of the stretched X-Class spied early last year had contradicting badges: ‘V6 Turbo’ on the fenders and ‘X250d’ on the tailgate. The latter is used for the four-pot 2.3-liter turbodiesel that makes 190 PS and the former signals the usage of the 258 PS 3.0-liter V6 diesel. The top-of-the-line version of the pickup truck has 550 Nm of torque and comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
As for the elephant in the room – the long bed, it will make the X-Class more practical over the outgoing model by increasing the load area. It’s very likely that, aside from adding several inches between the two axles, they have re-tuned the suspension as well.
Mercedes has yet to announce when and where it will debut the vehicle, but the Geneva Motor Show in March seems like a good bet.
