According to the German luxury automaker, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class will become one of the most expensive vehicles in the pickup segment. It is the car maker’s first ever luxury pickup truck with a rugged powerhouse. Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to provide a local price tag for the cab-chassis and dual-cab model, but it already carries a significant price premium over its rivals in Europe.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class’s chief of product marketing, Christian Pohl, was quoted as saying that the company was not being arrogant regarding the pricing. Christian, who was speaking in Chile during the vehicle’s international drive launch, clarified that the 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class is a brand-specific premium against competitors like the Amarok.
“We’re humble but self-confident about our product. But, never expect us to price this product out of the market even if it is one of the competitive models in the segment”, he asserted. “The X-Class is our luxury brand offering extra little things. It deserves a premium”, he continued.
2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class – Comes with a borrowed Nissan Navara NP300’s platform
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class will borrow Nissan Navara NP300’s platform. It can haul over 2400 pounds and tow up to 7700 pounds. This ability makes it a little more rugged and capable than the Honda Ridgeline, which is identical to X-Class in size. The automaker will unveil two variants of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class—the Stylish X-Class Explorer and the Powerful X-Class Explorer.
The Powerful Explorer is tough and rugged while the Stylish Explorer is more refined and luxurious. This 5-seater pickup will sit on substantial 22-inch alloy wheels and will also include full LED headlamps. The front-end styling borrows some cues from the GLA SUV range, but the X-Class conveys a more muscular stance.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche describes it as a robust pick-up that is ready for the most severe challenges. It is a rugged, rough and practical workhorse that is suited to everyday fun and adventurous undertakings. The new X-Class also brings incredible intelligence to the market class, including onboard technology and connectivity. Mercedes has confirmed that both variants will offer premium driving dynamics and comfort.
2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class – Few Engine Variants
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class will use a number of engines. The first one should be a V6 motor with the capacity of between 160 and 190 horsepower. We also are likely to find a gas-powered version in some select markets. All engines will get hooked to the brand’s 4MATIC AWD system. The inbound X-Class is availed in 3 distinct trims—Pure, Power and Progressive.
The smaller 4-cylinder gas unit powers the X 200 model. It yields 164hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Another most likely engine is diesel, such as an X 220D that records about 161hp and 297 lb-ft of torque. The other one is an X250D which is rated at 188hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
The range-topper is a 6-cylinder diesel, which is commonly referred to as X 350D. It punches out 255hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. This engine is designed exclusively for the highest-capacity X-Class version, which Mercedes says can tow up to 3.5 tons on a hitch.
Rivals, MSRP and Debut Date of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class is a new product brand that demands a premium and also attracts the target buyer. It is benchmarked against some key rivals, such as Amarok, Ranger and Hilux. In the auto maker’s home city, the entry-level X-Class starts at $43,000 (€37,294). It is likely to hit the dealerships at the start of next year.
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