The new Mercedes X-Class is lustful looking machine with an upscale vibe typical of the three-pointed start mixed with rugged capability thanks to its body-on-frame architecture and beefy solid rear axle. And despite the X-Class still being extremely new, aftermarket companies are already building interesting products for the pickup. Perhaps the most interesting is this – a slide in camper build specifically to the X-Class’ bed dimensions.

The camper is designed and built by the coachbuilder Tischer and features a main sleeping area over the cab, a three-person seating area that converts into a sleeping area, a kitchen with a three-burner stove, and a bathroom with a swivel toilet, fold-away sink, and a shower.

Continue reading for more information.

Exterior

Technically, there is nothing different or special about the Mercedes X-Class pickup in this build. But that’s what’s special. The truck doesn’t need heavy modifications to make the camper work. The lightweight camper package simply slides into the cargo bed and is securely strapped down.

There is also overly special about the Tischer camper, either. Tischer has been making a range of slide-in campers in Germany since the 1970s.

The camper itself looks like a typical slide-in camper, although this one is built for the X-Class’ short bed. The outside features an aerodynamic design, several windows, a folding awning, and the main door on the right wall just behind the truck’s taillight. Tischer can also outfit the camper top with solar panels for recharging the camper’s batteries and running the internal equipment without an external generator. Optional roof racks make room for things like bikes, kayaks, and other storage needs.

Interior

While there is only so much room inside the camper, Tischer makes the most of it. The main sleeping area is in the alcove above the truck’s cab and offers room for two adults. The main seating area is just behind the cab and has room for three adults and is easily converted into a bed.

The Tischer camper isn’t just for sleeping, either. It features kitchen with a three-burner gas stove, a full sink, and a refrigerator and freezer unit. Every square inch is used to the max with cabinets offering storage space for kitchenware. Even the skin and stove have lids that can be put in place to extend the counter tops.

The bathroom is an all-in-one unit with a swivel toilet, a fold-away sink, a standing shower, and wall cabinets for storage. The Tischer has tanks for fresh water, gray water, and black water storage.

Drivetrain

Of course, the Tischer camper can be install on any pickup truck, but this one happens to be on the Mercedes X-Class. The new pickup comes with four engine options: the X200, X220d, X250d, and X350d.

The X200 is the only gasoline engine in the range. It offers 165 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The X220d is a four-cylinder turbodiesel making 163 horsepower and 297 pound-feet of torque. Even better, the X250d makes 190 horses and 332 pound-feet of torque. Those wanting to haul a camper over mountainous terrain with plenty of power to spare will love the X350d. it kicks out an impressive 257 horsepower and a stump-pulling 406 pound-feet of torque.

All the engines are available with a part-time 4WD system and can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Another important part of hauling a camper is the suspension system. Unlike the Nissan Navara on which it’s based, the Mercedes X-Class is 2.4 inches wider for better on-road stability. That should directly improve the X-Class’ ability to handle a top-heavy camper. The rear suspension uses a live axle held in place with a five-link coil spring system. Up front, the X-Class features double wishbone control arms with coil springs.

Pricing

Of course, pricing won’t be cheap for a new truck and new camper. The 2018 Mercedes X-Class starts around 37,000 euros, or about $49,500 U.S. dollars. Adding options pushes the X-Class price further northward, of couse.

As for the 31,326 euros, getting one with a fully equipped cabin like the Trail 260s seen here, the cost starts at 31,326 euros. That converts to $38,900.

Pair the truck and camper together, and you’re looking at nearly $95,000. Of course, the camper can be removed from the truck when not in use, so the X-Class can still be daily driven. A traditional RV camper isn’t quite as practical.

Conclusion

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class is a great first stab into the pickup market for Mercedes. Sure, it leveraged its partnership with Renault-Nissan in developing the truck, but the end result is still pretty impressive. On the other hand, Tischer has been making campers for four decades, so it knows a thing or two about building a quality and efficiently packaged camper. Putting the two together makes for a really great combination.

Of course, it’s up to the customer to buy the X-Class and then buy the camper. It’s not a package deal, hints the “concept” name in the title. Nevertheless, it shows what’s possible with the pairing.

References

Mercedes X-Class

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news.