The X-Class, based on a Nissan Navara platform, has 13 variants with a choice of two turbocharged, four-cylinder engines.
The high-torque common-rail diesel drive system with a displacement of 2.3 litres is available with a choice of two power outputs. In the X 220 d with single turbocharger it generates 120kW and in the biturbo X 250 d, power is lifted to 140kW.
The X 220 d is available only with rear-wheel drive or with engageable all-wheel drive. The X 250 d is offered with engageable all-wheel drive only. As standard, the X 220 d and X 250 d come with a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed automatic is optionally available for the X 250 d only.
The X-Class will be offered in three grades to suit different lifestyles and work environments. The Pure grade is the standard specification, while the Progressive grade offers a higher class in terms of quality feel and comfort. The top level specification is the Power class.
Mercedes-benz has also announced a high-torque, V6 diesel engine will be released by the end of the year.
The V6 will generate a class-leading 190kW and 550Nm of torque and it has already proven its credentials in numerous Mercedes-Benz passenger car models – from the G-Class to the latest E-Class.
The top X-Class ute will come as standard with permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS and steering-wheel shift paddles.
The X-Class also has a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating which covers standard equipment such as seven airbags and the i-Size attachment system for two child seats.
The airbags in the front for driver and front passenger come with a two-stage, deferred triggering mechanism.
Payload capacity is up to 1.1 tonnes and towing capacity is 3.5 tonnes.
The Kondinin Group research team will be testing an X-Class in June when it conducts another round of ute testing.
The Power grade X 250 d with seven-speed automatic has a price of $64,500 which does not include dealer charges or registration. More details www.mercedes-benz.com.au