It has become really popular and even more so when manufactures began offering it with four doors. Since then, it has become the choice of the masses regardless of how many hectares they might own. Mercedes-Benz has recently joined this popular segment, again. So what is the new X-class like to live with?

Benz bakkie not new

Well, for starters Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to the bakkie market with models such as the South American only W115 La Pick-up from the late ‘70s, commercial and military versions of the G-class and open-deck iterations of the Sprinter. A proper bakkie with all the mod-cons was therefore only a matter of time, but the obvious elephant in the room is whether the three-pointed star can shake off its relations with the Nissan Navara and live up to the hype ever since it debuted earlier this year.

Does it look the part?

Yes and, unfortunately, no. I was handed the keys to the X250d in top-spec Power trim, which sees the addition of a few chrome bits for a more premium look on the bold front-end with its LED headlights. The styling of the X-class falls in-line with other Mercedes-Benz models and won’t look out of place parked up in Melrose Arch. The addition of those large 19-inch wheels and chrome side steps also added a further touch of class. 

The rear of the X-class is however a love-hate affair and an area where the Navara genes are really prominent. It is nonetheless neat in execution with the three-pointed star located in the middle and vertical light cluster giving the impression of a wider appearance.

A rather costly option fitted was the colour coded white hard loadbay cover, which despite adding a premium touch, was by no means practical when you tried loading bigger items into the back. You see, the X-class, and specifically, the Power model, is not intended for hard labour. Sure it can and probably will be able to handle all that is thrown at it, but it definitely feels more lifestyle than workhorse focused.

In-car

This can be felt from behind the wheel. When you get into the X-class, just about everything you see is Mercedes-Benz. From the tablet-like infotainment screen to the steering wheel, dials and the infotainment control dial with a touch-sensitive palm pad, it feels very plush and more like sitting in a C-class than a Navara.

It is, however, the other bits of the interior that come across as somewhat lacking tangible quality, for example, the manual climate control and the dashboard, lower dashboard and door panels are made from hard, cheap although durable plastics. As for the tech offered, the X-class really excels because most of it is Mercedes-Benz. For example, the infotainment display features the best graphics, interface and ease of use currently on offer within the segment.

The vehicle also features Lane Departure Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking. One can also engage the 4H function on the 4x4 model while on the move. There is also a clever Down-Hill Assist function. The low range ‘box, together with a rear diff-lock and 222mm of ground clearance, means that the X-class can traverse the rough-stuff without hassle.

The Nissan factor

In X250d guise, for now the most powerful until the arrival of the V6 X350d next year, the X-class comes powered by the same 2.3-litre twin-turbodiesel as the top-spec Navara, that develops 140kW/450Nm. An oddity, for a Mercedes-Benz that is, was the six-speed manual gearbox fitted to my test unit.

As with the Navara, the twin-blower did sport some turbo-lag low down, meaning you have to be conscious of the gear you are in. The X-class, however, does return a fairly compliant ride thanks to a reworked version of the Navara’s controversial coil-spring rear suspension, while on the move the engine is more adequate and better suited to cruising.

Verdict

After a week driving the Mercedes-Benz X-class, I can report that it is an impressive machine. It is comfortable thanks to that Navara suspension and has enough go, but some will still question it for being a Nissan masquerading as a Benz.

While it largely does not disappoint, it does not blow your mind either and has not re-written the bakkie rulebook completely, especially given the proven prowess of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, which can be had for a lot less.

Then again, this is South Africa and the badge on the front does mean a lot. With a price tag of R796 145 for the Power manual, it is by far the most expensive bakkie currently in South Africa, add-in the optional seven-speed automatic and you will be looking at R824 205, and soon to be eclipsed by the X350d.

It won’t top the sales charts anytime soon, but there fact of it wearing the three-pointed star would be enough for most to pay the extra over the competition.