Mercedes Benz X-Class

[Sioso]

https://www.carsales.com.au/editoria...-class-108051/


Full range for Mercedes-Benz X-Class
Three-variant, three-engine dual-cab range to include two and four-wheel-drive variants with pick-up and cab-chassis body styles; pricing still under wraps

Look out Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen. Mercedes-Benz Australia will launch its X-Class utility in early 2018 with a far broader model mix than originally anticipated.

Heralded by its maker as the “world’s first premium pick-up”, the X-Class will offer both trade and recreational-focussed variants. That should give it the scope to compete with a diverse mix of competitors, including the dual-cab Volkswagen Amarok (from $38,490-$67,990) and top-spec variants of Australia’s top-selling HiLux and Ranger utes.

It’s the first time a luxury brand has offered a dual-cab ute in Australia, and is one Mercedes-Benz says will change perceptions of what’s possible in the segment.

“With the world’s first premium pick-up we will not only enter the segment but extend it,” explained head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volker Mornhinweg.

“The time is right because the pick-up segment is changing… With the X-Class we will close the gap in our product portfolio.”

Although Mercedes-Benz Australia has yet to confirm pricing or timing of its X-Class locally, motoring.com.au understands the four-cylinder range will arrive in early 2018 with V6 4MATIC versions to follow later in the year.

“We’ll be launching two, four-cylinder variants early next year, and we’ll follow that in the middle of the year with the V6 variants,” detailed Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia public relations and corporate communications manager, Blake Vincent.

The 2.3-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine familiar to Nissan Navara drivers will be offered in two states of tune locally, and are grade dependant. The 120kW/403Nm X 220 d single-turbo entry engine will be offered in base-grade Pure and mid-spec Progressive variants, in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission. The twin-turbo 140kW/450Nm tune of the X 250 d will be offered on these grades and the high-spec Power variant, with the option of a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Both four-cylinder variants will be available with the choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines, the later with Nissan’s switchable electronic low-range transfer case.

The 190kW/550Nm V6 turbo-diesel dubbed X 350 d – which is mated exclusively to a Mercedes-Benz 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive – will follow mid-year.

No petrol-engined X-Class varaiants will come Down Under. The 122kW/238Nm petrol engine offered in left-hand drive markets is off limits for Oz. Nor will there be any move beyond the dual-cab body-style.

“The X-Class will be dual-cab only,” confirmed Vincent.

“However, we will offer both tub and cab-chassis variants, [the latter of which] which will be offered on Pure and Progressive lines. The target market we’re going after, and where we see the most opportunity, is the dual-cab segment.”

Mercedes-Benz Australia says simply its three-model line-up will fulfil different roles depending on buyer demand. The X-Class Pure is aimed for rugged use on building sites, farms and the like as the workhorse model made with business buyers at front of mind.

The mid-grade Progressive will serve as a “calling card” for those with their own business, adding more in the way of creature comforts than the entry model.

Finally, the top-spec Power variant adds more performance, comfort and equipment, reflecting owners Mercedes-Benz says have “an independent or individualistic lifestyle”.

Equipment levels for each grade are yet to be finalised for the Australian market, however, motoring.com.au understands an optional Style Package will add a sliding rear window, privacy glass, LED headlights and partial LED tail-lights, side steps and 18-inch wheels to Progressive variants. The package will add the same equipment and 19-inch wheels to Power variants.

In keeping with the the various models’ roles it’s expected lower-grade trim levels will include cloth upholstery, vinyl flooring and a “no frills” interior treatment without chrome garnish. Heated leather upholstery, climate control, high-end infotainment systems and carpeted floors will feature on higher grade models.

“It’s Mercedes-Benz’s first [mid-sized] ute, and it has to meet all the standards that our customers expect of it,” Vincent continued.

“We’ve positioned ourselves deliberately to answer a range of different customer requirements, and will well and truly go head to head with what our competitors offer.

“We’re really comfortable with the equipment levels on offer across the three grades. We think it’s really competitive, and will actually lead the way in some areas, particularly safety,” Vincent claimed.

The X-Class will include autonomous emergency braking (operational from 5-200km/h), seven airbags (including full-length curtain airbags) lane-keeping assistant, reversing camera and four-wheel disc brakes across the range. High-grade models add a 360-degree camera and PARKTRONIC functionality.

All variants offer an 1100kg payload and 3500kg braked towing capacity with 10 per cent tow ball down-weight allowance (350kg).

As with the X-Class’ rivals, Mercedes-Benz will also offer a wide range of accessory items, including side steps, airbag-compatible bull bar, tow bar, snorkel, roll-over bar, tub liner, canopy, and hard and roller tonneaus.

“We’ve got a suite of genuine accessories which will be offered from launch,” Vincent reiterated.

“There’s also a number of accessories we’ll develop locally.”

Mercedes-Benz Australia says it already has thousands of expressions of interest in the new X-Class with some buyers already paying a deposit.

The X-Class will be sold at almost all of the brand’s dealerships nationwide, and in some regional areas is expected to account for almost half of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold.

“Our network already existing is predominantly our passenger car and van network, so 95 per cent of the van and light commercial network also sells passenger cars, so we will of course maintain that,” said Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia managing director, Diane Tarr.

“We understand that the distribution of the X-Class also becomes a lot more dominant in the rural space, so the light commercial [van network] is probably a small proportion of the rural dealers, and we see that almost becoming a 50:50 volume against cars.

“That really provides an opportunity to expand that network in rural representation we’ll see some expansion of the network that is only passenger car dealers becoming light commercial dealers,” she concluded.

The world’s media will have its first drive of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class in October this year.

[csv8]

If MB price it right..it will sell...look out opposition..

[marty351]

Giving new meaning to the toorak tractor...

[Fordman1]

So it's a Nissan Navara with Merc badges, and it's made alongside Navara's in the Nissan plant.

Should be great value at $20 k more than a Nissan

[DJR-351]

Wonder if AMG will bring out version? I think black with about 500 ponies should do it

[Pepscobra]

Going to be interesting to see if buyers will look past the Nissan underpinnings and pay a huge premium for a Merc badge.

[sr71]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

Wonder if AMG will bring out version? I think black with about 500 ponies should do it

Never say never. But there have been a couple of articles stating no AMG Navara.

It looks alright. I think Ranger looks better.
It'll be the new Horsey Set official tow vehicle.
Mercedes people can be pretty loyal. And very biased. And have had the better vehicle, compared to almost everything in their class. But pull up to the lights in a Ranger, and you'll be able to look down at them , cause they'll be in an inferior dual cab. Ouch.

[marty351]

Originally Posted by Pepscobra

Going to be interesting to see if buyers will look past the Nissan underpinnings and pay a huge premium for a Merc badge.

.....

[Vesper Martini]

Are they Nissan or Merc Engines?

This is a merc engine isn't it?

The 190kW/550Nm V6 turbo-diesel dubbed X 350 d – which is mated exclusively to a Mercedes-Benz 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive – will follow mid-year.

[Pepscobra]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Are they Nissan or Merc Engines?

This is a merc engine isn't it?

The 190kW/550Nm V6 turbo-diesel dubbed X 350 d – which is mated exclusively to a Mercedes-Benz 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive – will follow mid-year.

From what I read, the V6 is a merc engine, but the two base 4-cylinder engines (and complete driveline) which will come first are all Nissan.

[Gambit]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Are they Nissan or Merc Engines?

This is a merc engine isn't it?

The 190kW/550Nm V6 turbo-diesel dubbed X 350 d – which is mated exclusively to a Mercedes-Benz 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive – will follow mid-year.

That is. The 2x 4cyl turbo diesels are the same as in the navara. I was reading the merc has a wider track than the navara & a wider tray (at least between the wheel tubs). I'm interested to see how much difference it makes when it gets here.

I'd take the v6 if I had the cash but I'll just be watching from the sidelines

[Bossxr8]

There's a sucker born every minute. Basically all Nissan in the 4 cylinder models and built by Nissan. Except the huge price increase.

Originally Posted by DJR-351

Wonder if AMG will bring out version? I think black with about 500 ponies should do it

They have already said no AMG version.

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Are they Nissan or Merc Engines?

This is a merc engine isn't it?

The 190kW/550Nm V6 turbo-diesel dubbed X 350 d – which is mated exclusively to a Mercedes-Benz 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive – will follow mid-year.

V6 is MB, 4 cylinders are Nissan. Identical to Navara's.

[FTE217]

Don't think its a MB donk at all.
Nissan has partnership with Renault from memory, wasn't the STX 550 a Renault donk ?

Here is some info I recall having just checked....
Stuttgart’s new ute rides on a modified version of the Nissan Navara NP300 platform as part of co-operative deal with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and there’s similarities in the windows and roofline.
http://www.motoring.com.au/mercedes-...vealed-104351/

IF this is the case - I would have seriously considered.

[Bossxr8]

V6 is Mercedes.

[sr71]

When this was first announced, the V6 Merc was only going to make it in the Mk1 (first year), then removed due to next Emmision's Targets. So talk of, get in early if you want the V6.
Regarding Nissan/Renault alliance. I think the STX550 (V9X Composite block?)and 7 speed were Renault's work.

[Brazen]

Will also be a popular purchase for many wineries/vinyards

[Adamz Ghia]

It will all come down to price, except for those that simply must have a Merc badge. We're looking at family cars (read dual cab Utes) within the next 12 months and if this isn't stupidly expensive it will be considered.

An ST-X 550 still looks pretty good though...

[marty351]

Are Nissan badges optional?

[FTE217]

Bossxr8 where have you got the sauce from ?

[Raptor]

There's a Renault version of the Nissan pickup coming too. Will be called the Renault ALASKAN.

https://www.renault.co.uk/vehicles/c...n-concept.html

[FTE217]

Alaskan looks better than X Class.

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Bossxr8 where have you got the sauce from ?

The pantry ?

[GASWAGON]

Gees first we had Nissan powered Holdens with the VL.

Now for some strange reason they're powering Mercs and Reno's.

Wtf?

[RANGEREST]

Originally Posted by CoolBFWagon

Gees first we had Nissan powered Holdens with the VL.

Now for some strange reason they're powering Mercs and Reno's.

Wtf?

The opposite from what I understand, nissan body, Benz powered and interior.

[FTE217]

No doubt the interior is MB - thats expected. One engine maybe MB the top spec.
The rest I'm still to be convinced re the power plants for there is much out there on the subject.
Even this link, at the bottom quoted back in Oct 2016.
http://www.motoring.com.au/mercedes-...firmed-104416/
The petrol engine that will power the X-Class ute is not yet clear. It could be the 122kW/238Nm 2.5-litre engine used in entry-level Navara or a Mercedes-Benz petrol engine.

Whatever the case, Mornhinweg confirmed the company is unlikely to replace the Nissan four-cylinder diesel with a Benz powerplant.

“Currently we have a good relationship with Nissan Renault partners. So far we take that engine. It’s a great engine, the four-cylinder. Why should we change it?”

[NX74205]

I think the interior is somewhat disappointing. I was expecting something akin to a V-class rather than a Vito.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Bossxr8 where have you got the sauce from ?

https://www.goauto.com.au/future-mod...-19/63599.html

[FTE217]

Cheers Boss.
The 4cyc is a given Nissan motors.

"From launch in Australia, X-Class will be offered with the same 2.3-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine from its Navara donor, but in two states of tune.

The X220d matches the Navara’s output of 120kW/403Nm and has a single turbocharger, while the X250d punches out 140kW/450Nm and is a biturbo unit."

Just as many of the articles since 2016 its still not clearly saying its a MB V6 as per below from your link

"By mid-2018, Mercedes will launch the flagship X350d in Australia, powered by a V6 diesel engine delivering 190kW and 550Nm – enough to make it the most powerful one-tonne pick-up on offer Down Under, beating VW’s punchy 165kW Amarok V6 for power, while matching its torque output."

[Dave R]

"World's first premium pick-up". Wonder if it will come with the Mercedes tax on spare parts etc? Might have to get it serviced at Nissan...

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Don't think its a MB donk at all.
Nissan has partnership with Renault from memory, wasn't the STX 550 a Renault donk ?

Here is some info I recall having just checked....
Stuttgart’s new ute rides on a modified version of the Nissan Navara NP300 platform as part of co-operative deal with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and there’s similarities in the windows and roofline.
http://www.motoring.com.au/mercedes-...vealed-104351/

IF this is the case - I would have seriously considered.

From your quoted article :

Although much of the final vehicle’s specifics are still shrouded in secrecy, several new details from the X-Class’s global launch in Sweden have been confirmed, such as top-shelf models packing turbo-diesel V6 engines and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, both developed in-house at Mercedes.