Mercedes debuted its all-new X-Class pickup truck July 18, 2017 in South Africa in celebration of it being Mercedes’ first international market. The correlation with the X-Class being Mercedes’ first pickup wasn’t breezed over during the short presentation. Corporate self-appreciation aside, the X-Class resides in a completely new segment for the German automaker, and one that’s teaming with established competitors. Mercedes’ sales pitch centers on the X-Class offering three trim levels catering to distinct customer groups, with four available engines, two transmissions, and three RWD/4WD mechanicals.

Of course, Mercedes isn’t venturing into the mid-size, metric-tonne pickup market alone. Renault-Nissan co-developed the X-Class by contributing the Navara NP300, one of the X-Class’ rivals. The Mercedes uses Nissan’s chassis and body structure under the skin, along with a few familiar Nissan buttons and knobs. While the cost-cutting is apparent inside, the proven Navara chassis – including the fully boxed ladder frame – ensures the X-Class starts on the right foot. The X-Class will arrive in European showrooms beginning in November of 2017 with a price of 37,000 euros, roughly $49,500 at current exchange rates. Sales will expand to South Africa and Australia in early 2018, followed by Argentina and Brazil in the beginning of 2019. Sadly, Mercedes has no plans to launch the X-Class in the U.S. However, that could change once the X-Class has proven itself and Ford reestablishes the mid-size Ranger pickup in the U.S. for 2019.

Continue reading for the full preview

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 208
  • Torque: 258
  • Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Pros
Cons

Live Unveiling

Official video

Exterior

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class is a handsome truck that cleanly departs from its Nissan roots. Only the kink in the rear window, fuel door, rear bumper, and tie-down rails in the bed give any hints as to Mercedes’ partnership with Renault-Nissan. The X-Class’ front appearance is clearly inspired by Mercedes current lineup of SUVs, namely the GL-Class. The twin-bar grille and large three-pointed star offer an instantly recognizable face, while the upscale LED headlights of the Power trim add that high-tech look, especially at night.

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class

2017 Mercedes GL-Class


The X-Class comes in three trim levels: Pure, Progressive, and Power. Not only do these trims determine feature content and price, they also determine the X-Class’ exterior appearance. The Pure trim is the base model – the fleet workhorse. It comes with 17-inch steel wheels, a black plastic front bumper with a metal rear bumper painted in black. Halogen headlights, power-adjustable side mirrors, and four tie-down rings in the bed finish off the look.

The mid-range Progressive trim gets painted bumpers front and rear, though the area around the fog lights remain black. The wheels are upgraded to six-spoke, 17-inch alloys. The Pure’s halogen headlights remain, but rain-sensing windshield wipers and tie-down rails with movable cleats are bolted to the bed walls. This tie-down system is straight from the Nissan parts bin, but truck buyers will appreciate the added utility. The range-topping Power trim is the one most appropriate for American buyers, though we won’t have the chance (at least for a few years). Its body-color front bumper gets a swanky chrome accent surrounding the lower grille, while the rear bumper is completely chrome. The wheels are upgraded to 18-inch “six-twin-spoke” alloys. The headlights are upgraded to LED units with distinctive LED daytime running lights. LEDs are also used in part of the taillights, too.

While the X-Class is handsome, I do find the black cladding on the front bumper a bit miss-placed. It’s fine on the Pure trim, but on the Progressive and Power trims, it somewhat cheapens the X-Class’ otherwise regal appearance.

Exterior Specs

Length

210.23 Inches

Width

75.59 Inches

Height

71.61 Inches

Wheelbase

124.01 Inches

Bed Length

73.11 Inches

Bed Width

61.41 Inches

Bed Height

18.66 Inches

Fording Depth

23.62 Inches

Front Ground Clearance

7.95 Inches

Rear Ground Clearance

8.70 Inches

Angle of Approach F/R

28.8/23.8 degrees


Interior

The cabin is very close to that previewed in the 2016 X-Class concept – even down to the HVAC vents and controls, gearshifter, infotainment screen and controls, and steering wheel. The cabin is different than anything currently offered in the segment and it certainly departs from the Navara NP300’s Altima-like interior. Still, there are plenty of clues pointing to Nissan’s existence. The HVAC controls, 4WD dial, gearshifter, and orange backlit glow are the most glaring offences.

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class

2016 Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class


2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class

2015 Nissan NP300 Navara


Mercedes has plenty of familiar parts scattered about, too. The driver gets a 5.4-inch information screen between the analog gauges, while the central infotainment system floats above the dash. In the Power trim, this screen measures 8.4 inches, while a smaller screen is standard on the lesser trims. The same is true for Mercedes’ Keyless Go system, which is only offered on the Power trim and includes push-button starting. The Pure and Progressive trims use a standard switchblade key. Six choices of seating material are present, though they’re constricted to certain trim levels. Two options are leather, while the other four are cloth.

While I’m impressed with the overall interior, the lingering Nissan parts are a kill-joy for the high-end theme Mercedes is trying to achieve. What’s more, the center stack has tons of wasted space between the CD player (what year is it?) and HVAC controls. The dead space not only looks bad, but hides important controls behind the gearshifts, making access more difficult, especially when in Park. It also eliminates potential storage space. Last but certainly not least, that gearshifter looks horribly cheap. That’s not good for such an important user interface. We can only hope Mercedes gives the X-Class some updates should it move forward with U.S. sales.

Drivetrain

The X-Class has four engine options – two four-cylinder turbodiesels, a single gasoline four-cylinder, and a V-6 turbodiesel. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic transmission with each engine, save for the V-6 turbodiesel, which comes standard with the automatic and full-time 4WD. RWD is standard elsewhere, with a part-time 4WD system offered as optional.

The base X-Class is the gasoline-powered X 200 whose naturally aspirated four-cylinder makes 165 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. A 2.3-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder make up the middle ground. The X 220 d version uses a single turbocharger to generate 163 horsepower and 297 pound-feet of torque, while the X 250 d uses a biturbo system with a smaller and larger turbos to make 190 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Lastly, the V-6 turbodiesel will kick out 257 horsepower and a respectable 406 pound-feet of torque.

The V-6, seven-speed, and full-time 4WD combination is the most technologically advanced of the available powertrains. It includes an ECO start/stop system and comes with five drive modes. These are Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual, and Off-Road. Selecting the Manual mode allows the automatic transmission to be operated via paddle shifters, just as on other Mercedes models.

The part-time 4WD system offered with the other engines has a typical two-speed transfer case with high and low range gears. A locking rear differential is also available.

Drivetrain Specs

X200

X220d

X250d

X350d

Horsepower

165

163

190

257

Torque

176 lb-ft

297 lb-ft

332 lb-ft

406 lb-ft

Driveline

part-time 4WD

part-time 4WD

part-time 4WD

full-time 4WD

Transmission

6MT\7AT

6MT\7AT

6MT\7AT

6MT\7AT


Suspension & Brakes

The X-Class rides on a fully boxed ladder frame shared with the Nissan Navara NP300. However, Mercedes reworked the front suspension to have a 2.4-inch wider track than the Navara’s 61.8-inch wide track for better on-road handling. The rear track remains unchanged at 64.2 inches wide, as does the wheelbase at 124 inches.

The front suspension features double wishbone control arms with coil springs. Out back is a five-link coil spring suspension holding a solid live axle. While this configuration isn’t as well suited for heavy payloads as traditional leaf springs, it does a good job balancing payload needs with on-road comfort. The Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups use a similar rear suspension configuration, too. Interestingly, Mercedes offers two suspension ride heights. European market X-Class trucks will have 7.9 inches of ground clearance while every other X-Class will have 8.7 inches of clearance. As with any lift kit, Mercedes says the increased ride height not only beefs up the X-Class’ off-road appearance, but helps increase its capability.

Hauling everything to a stop are vented disc brakes at all four corners. The front rotors measure 12.5-inches in diameter, while 11.8-inch rotors are used in back. While common on U.S. pickups (save for the Toyota Tacoma), the X-Class stands alone in the global pickup market by offering rear disc brakes. In addition, the X-Class comes with all the modern braking aids like ABS, electronic brake for distribution, electronic stability control, and Brake Assist System which activity increases braking force during emergency braking situations.

Pricing

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class starts at 37,000 euros, or roughly $49,500 at current exchange rates. Of course, that’s for the base Pure trim level with RWD the gasoline four-cylinder, and no options. Mercedes has not released pricing on the Progressive or Power trims, or with the optional engines. Expect that information to become available closer to its on-sale date in November 2017.

References

Read our full review on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept.

Read our full review on the 2015 Nissan NP300 Navara.

Competition

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux has led the metric-tonne pickup segment for years, and the current Hilux is continuing that trend. Debuted for 2016, the Hilux is still fresh with a handsome exterior and a Toyota Corolla-like interior full of welcoming creature comforts. Toyota offers various cab and bed configurations, along with three trim levels. They are the WorkMate, the SR, and SR5. Differences range from steel wheels and black bumpers to alloy wheels and chrome accents on the grille door handles, and sports bar.

Power comes from four engine options. There are two turbodiesels and two naturally aspirated gasoline engines. The base mill is a 2.4-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder making 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Optionally, the larger 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder makes 174 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. On the gasoline front, there’s a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 164 horsepower and the 4.0-liter V-6 making 278 horsepower.

Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. Interestingly, the manual gearbox is features active rev matching for smoother downshifts – a first in the pickup segment. Of course, RWD comes standard and a part-time 4WD system is optional. The Hilux rides on a fully boxed ladder frame and uses an independent front suspension paired with a traditional leaf-spring/live axle combo in the rear. And like the X-Class, the Hilux offers two suspension heights: the standard and the Hi-Rider

Prices for the Toyota Hilux start around £23,000, which converts to roughly $30,000 U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. A notable option includes the Toyota Safety Sense system available higher-end models.

Learn more about the Toyota Hilux.

Ford Ranger

The current Ford Ranger debuted for the 2015 model year and remains a strong performer in the segment. Three cab configurations, four engine options, and four trim levels offer a wide range of choices for Ford’s global customers. The trims include the familiar XL, XLT, and Limited, with the range-topping Wildtrack offering a more aggressive off-road theme. Ford didn’t forego technology, either. The Ranger has driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, forward alert with collision mitigation, lane keep alert and lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and a rear-view camera.

Power comes from four engine options, each coming standard with an Auto Start/Stop system. The base is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel making 128 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. A higher-output version makes 158 horsepower and 284 pound-feet. A 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder makes 164 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping engine is a 3.2-liter inline-five cylinder turbodiesel with 197 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. RWD comes standard, but a part-time 4WD is available, as is an electronic locking rear differential.

Prices start at £21,354 for the base Ranger pickup, which converts to roughly $27,800 U.S. dollars. Decked out in the Wildtrack trim with all the fancy options, the Ranger’s price hovers around £36,336, or $47,350.

Find out more about the Ford Ranger.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is certainly a welcomed addition to the mid-size pickup truck segment. It not only heightens the competition, but also carves out a niche in the segment for premium trucks. These luxury trucks are hugely popular in America, but elsewhere trucks mostly retain their utilitarian nature with no over-the-top frills. Mercedes is likely to change that, though it might take time for Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, and others to catch up.

While I’m impressed with the overall execution of the X-Class, I am a bit sad to see Nissan’s influence within the cabin. The interior is where Mercedes needs to be different – set apart with completely premium parts and user interfaces. The mixture of ho-hum switchgear mixed with more premium-looking parts is a downer. Should Mercedes green-light the X-Class for the U.S. (and they need to), the interior will have to be addressed. Still, the X-Class is a fantastic first stab for Mercedes into a highly competitive market. It will be fun watching the future unfold for this new pickup.

What do you think about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class? Let us know in the comments below.

Spy Shots

June 27, 2016 - Mercedes GLT Pickup caught testing again

January 20, 2016 - First testing session

Mercedes has previously confirmed its new pickup truck will share its platform with the next-generation Nissan NP300 Navara thanks to a partnership with Renault-Nissan. Both Mercedes and Nissan agreed to collaborate on the truck’s development, making it a truly joint venture.

Well, our spy photographer has snagged several photos of the Nissan-badged truck running around, but with odd fender extension at each corner to cover a widened track. This suggests Mercedes is truly working on a separate version of the truck with a widen track and a Mercedes-Benz styling. The German automaker has already said its truck will be specifically designed for customers in Europe, Australia, South Africa, and Latin America. To our knowledge, Mercedes is still conduction research on the U.S. market before it announces whether the truck would be sold here.

There’s no hard evidence or conformation on which automaker – if either at all – will develop the powertrain for the truck. Each version could carry brand-specific engines and transmissions. In that case, expect the truck to offer Mercedes-developed four- and six-cylinder engines in both gas and turbodiesel variants. A V-8 version wouldn’t be unlikely as a range-topping engine should Mercedes bring the truck stateside. Expect a seven-speed automatic transmission with the optional 4MATIC AWD system. Additionally, we’ve heard rumors Mercedes will name the truck the GLT.

Again, there is no conformation, but we expect Mercedes to debut the GLT sometime in late 2017 as a 2018 model.

Update History

Update 10/20/2016: We’ve added a link to a live webcast of the Mercedes-Benz Pickup concept debut. It’s scheduled for October 25 at 4:30 GMT, 12:30 pm Easter Time and will take place in Sweden.

Update 06/27/2016: New spy shots show a heavily camouflaged test mule, adding fuel to the fires of suspicions and rumors.

Update 01/20/2016: Spy shots of a Nissan-branded Navara pickup shows the truck riding on a widened platform, perhaps being readied for the upscale Mercedes version supposedly called the GLT. Keep reading for more.

Updated 09/17/2015: During Daimler's annual media at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show, the company offered a series of new details on its future pickup truck. It will be developed on Nissan NP300's architecture and will be built by by Nissan in the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina. Production is set to begin by the end of the decade.