What's the news?
Having shown two concepts in 2016 and opened a reservation service back in February, Mercedes-Benz has finally announced details and specifications for its upcoming X-Class pickup. The vehicle is aimed at a variety of markets, and the European launch is planned for November of this year.
Exterior
Happily, the imposing appearance of the concept vehicles has been carried over largely unchanged. Standing proud out front is the current Mercedes-Benz corporate face, while three trim variants will be available (Pure, Progressive and Power), with changes in terms of bumper colour and chrome trim marking each individual line.
The load bed can take a Euro-pallet between the wheel arches, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,042kg. A 180-degree opening tailgate is an option over the standard 90-degree version, while maximum towing weight is 3.5 tonnes. Usefully, the LEDs of the third brake light can be switched to illuminate the whole load bed, and a range of options including tonneau covers, canopy and load dividers can be specified.
Interior
Trim levels dictate the amount of equipment in a big way, with Pure being the most basic, though all feature the centre console-mounted multifunction touchpad as seen in the brand's passenger car offerings. The mid-range Progressive adds leather on the steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob, with some silver shadow trim framing the centre console and adorning the door handles.
The top Power specification brings a bundle of bells and whistles. Electrically-adjustable front seats, a choice of three themes for the appearance of the centre console and 'Artico' leather for the seats, armrest, dash top and parts of the doors might sound ordinary enough these days, but are rather unusual for this vehicle segment.
Mechanicals
A brace of 2.3-litre, four-cylinder diesel engines will be available from launch, in single-turbo 163hp and biturbo 190hp guises. Rear-wheel-drive or engageable all-wheel-drive transmissions can be picked, with a six-speed manual gearbox standard with the 163hp engine. A seven-speed auto is optional for the 190hp version, and a V6 turbodiesel with 268hp and 550Nm of torque is set to come on the market from the middle of 2018.
Traction on- and off-road is aided by the fitment of coil spring suspension all round, which utilises double wishbones on the front axle and a multi-link setup for the rear. Ground clearance is 202mm, although an extra 20mm can be specified. Permanent all-wheel drive will be offered as an option (in conjunction with the V6 engine only) from mid-2018 onwards.
Anything else?
Mercedes-Benz promises a high level of safety, with seven airbags and active driver assist systems fitted as standard, including a trailer stability aid. Connectivity is also exemplary for the class, with the Comand online infotainment system allowing control of the various multimedia and smartphone functions.
Developed in partnership with Renault and Nissan, the European market X-Class will be built in Barcelona.