In the first six months of this year alone, the pick-up truck market grew by 19% in Europe. A number that, according to some forecasts, will tend to increase significantly until 2026, which is why there are new brands betting on this type of proposal – all the details here.
Mercedes-Benz is no exception. With a long tradition in the light commercial and goods vehicle segment, it is therefore not so surprising to launch a pick-up truck such as the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
And no, the X-Class is not the first Mercedes-Benz pickup truck, as mentioned here. It is also no secret that the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class is the result of a partnership with the Renault-Nissan alliance, leaving the factory where the one that lends to it is produced. platform, engines and box.
Solid base
We remind you that Nissan is the world's second largest manufacturer of medium pick-up trucks and has more than 80 years of experience in this segment, which leads the star brand to place maximum confidence in the X-Class design.
Furthermore, as we know, over the years joint ventures between the Renault-Nissan alliance and Daimler have multiplied.
The base, engines and transmission are shared, but the end result is different. Navara's comfort levels are already quite satisfactory, but Mercedes-Benz has done it. deep changes to ensure that the X-Class managed to reconcile the robustness that a pick-up requires, with the sophistication and premium appearance that the German brand has accustomed us to.
One of the elements that deserved the most attention was the suspension – which deserves a separate chapter. The interior also uses better quality materials and soundproofing was another aspect that was worked on intensively.
Factor X – the suspension!
The work done by the engineers of the German brand is notorious right after the first km’s. The front axle is completely new, assuming an architecture with a double-beam front suspension, allowing a 70 mm increase in track width.
The rear axle, with multi-link technology, also underwent several adjustments. All of this, together with the independent springs on each of the axles, allows, for the first time, to drive a pick-up with practically the same confidence and safety as an SUV.
Faithful to the star that stands out on the front grille, the X-Class maintains some of the safety systems present in other models of the brand, such as the Lane keeping assist, Active break assist, Traffic sign assist, Emergency call system in case accident, seven airbags, among others.
Rear differential lock systems, DSR system for speed control downhill, 21 mm taller suspension, among others, such as the 360° camera included in the Parking pack or the Mercedes Me, which allows communication with the vehicle via the vehicle, are also available. of smartphone.
on the road
From the driving experience we had behind the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class, we made a good impression.
Inside, the quality of materials and construction is naturally Mercedes-Benz, only missing a few spaces to store objects. Even the space under the armrest is minimal.
From the available equipment to the intrinsic quality, and the power of the 190 hp engine, everything results in a pick-up that is not afraid of the tarmac. The automatic seven-relationship is not at the level of the rest of the group. It could be faster in cash transfers.
Off road
We had the opportunity to make some off-road tracks by firebreaks in Serra do Socorro. These courses made it possible to immediately see whether the concern with road comfort had compromised performance off-road.
On an all-terrain track set up for the purpose, we verified that there is no cause for alarm. From the maximum lateral inclination of 49.8º, to the reference attack and exit angles (30.1º and 49.8º), through the optional ground height of 221 mm and ventral angle of 22º, even the control system of downhill speed could be experienced and is standard on all versions with 4 Matic technology.
The predictable ease with which the Mercedes-Benz X-Class overcame all obstacles over the course of a week leads us to highlight its more adventurous side.
Prices
Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class range from 38,087 euros from version X 220d with manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, up to 47 677 euros version X250d with 4Matic technology. The equipment lines progressive and power add 2,000 and 7,000 euros respectively, and the automatic teller machine is available for an additional 1700 euros.
Additionally, there are several packs such as Pack Plus, Pack Comfort, Pack Style and Pack Winter.
Various accessories are also available, such as chrome style bars, side stirrups, rigid cover, hardtop, among others, which provide more functionality and an even more robust and attractive appearance.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is only available in a double cabin with a capacity for five people, but it has three lines of equipment, Mashed potato, progressive and power , where you can choose the variants of 163 hp or 190 hp from the 2.3 liter block , as well as whether or not to include the 4Matic all-wheel drive and the seven-speed automatic transmission.
News soon
During the second half of 2018, the X 350d version will arrive, featuring a Mercedes-Benz original V6 block with 258 hp and that will make the X-Class in this version the most powerful pick-up on the market. The 3.0 liter engine with 500 Nm of torque will feature permanent all-wheel drive and the 7G-Tronic gearbox with steering wheel paddles, also original Mercedes-Benz.
