DRIVEN: Not enough class to this Mercedes-Benz bakkie

It is no secret that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class bakkie is largely based on the current Nissan Navara. The X-Class shares its ladder frame and a few unnoticeable parts with the Navara.

However, it is actually a different animal.

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It looks larger than the Nissan, thanks to a widened track and bodywork, and though they are built on the same assembly lines, no exterior sheet metal or glass is similar.

The door geometry, the hinges, latches, and their locations are the same, but the panels are all brand specific.

The X-Class looks good, with a front end dominated by that large three-pointed star and an overall design similar to Benz’s SUV models.

The rear end, with its slim vertical tail-lights, reminded me of a concept car, especially when fitted with the LED front and rear lighting on our test unit.

Less convincing is the interior quality. Of course, a bakkie can never really match the luxurious interior of an ordinary car, but considering the X-Class’s relatively high price tag and badge, I could help feeling short-changed.

For instance, the steering wheel only adjusts for angle but not for reach, and there are Nissan vestiges such as the dial to select between rear-drive and all-wheel drive, high or low.

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Space is not an issue, as you get plenty of knee and head room in the raised rear seats.

Now about the X-Class’ engine identity. The current powerplant, with 140kW, and gearbox come straight from the Nissan Navara.

When the X350d arrives next year, it will boast a Mercedes-Benz 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine, married to a seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus auto box.

In terms of driving, the current four-cylinder diesel delivers enough oomph – but only just.

Exciting weekend ahead as I will be spending sometime with the new @MercedesBenz_SA X250d 4MATIC bakkie.

Story to follow soon on @ThecitizenM pic.twitter.com/ESIbLKnBhr

— Ntsako Mthethwa (@NtsakoMthethwa) June 29, 2018

It remains composed on the road, even at high speeds, and body roll is minimal although the tail tends to jitter with no load.

Although Mercedes-Benz tried to tweak the X-Class suspension, you can still feel vibrations in the cabin when driving over poorly-maintained roads.

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I managed to average a fuel usage figure of 9.2l/100km which is not bad for a vehicle of this size.

Impressively, the X-Class can tow 3 500kg, which is enough to cover the majority of tasks likely to be assigned to it.

In terms of passive safety, you get seven airbags, along with Active Brake Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

To reinforce its above-par safety levels, the X-Class has already been awarded the highest possible score in the independent “Euro NCAP Test”.

While being impressive and a head-turner, we think this bakkie is priced way too high at R763 256.

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The Mercedes-Benz X-Class comes standard with the manufacturer’s PremiumDrive, one of the leading full maintenance plans in South Africa, that ensures superior cover for 100 000 km/six years.

What we like

• Robust styling cues.
• Spacious.
• Impressive towing capability of 3 500 kg.

What we do not like 

• Unconvincing interior.
• Expensive.
• Four-cylinder diesel engine not convincing.

Verdict 

It is an impressive vehicle and should fi nd favour among those seeking a premium bakkie.

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