2018 Mercedes X-Class pickup debuts

After numerous renditions, spy shots and speculations, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class has finally debuted in the international market. Being an outcome of the combined development between Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, the X-Class incorporates the same chassis that the Nissan Navara and upcoming Renault Alaskan is based on. 

To retain the brand’s traditional design cues, the front end of the X-Class can be seen with a grille that has a striking similarity to the one on the GLS-Class. But that’s just about it. The styling of the side and rear portion are more in-line with the conventional pick-up truck, and looks neat. 

Move on to the interiors and you’ll notice more of the Mercedes-Benz design elements such as the 5.4-inch infotainment screen, a three-spoke steering wheel and power seats with lumbar support. On a lighter note, the simplistic dashboard design and door pad layout highlight the vehicle's more utilitarian approach. And that is a good thing.

Mercedes-Benz claims the maximum payload is 1,042kg, ground clearance is 202mm, and these figures are supported by a competitive approach angle of 20.4 degrees. Just so that we are on the same page, rivals like the Chevy Colorado have an approach angle of 17.6 degrees.

Powering the X-Class will be three engine options that include a diesel engine that will be available in two outputs. The motor will either produce 163bhp in the X220d trim, or 190bhp in the X250d variant. A petrol motor with 165bhp will also be available and all engines will be mated to either a seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox.

These versions will also be equipped with 4MATIC (all-wheel-drive) and a locking rear differential. Mercedes has added that a more powerful X350d option will also make it to the range by mid-2018, with as much as 258bhp and 550Nm of torque.

Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class will hit the German market in November this year, before making its way to South Africa and Australia in early 2018. The Brazilian and Argentinian markets are also slated to get the X-Class by 2019.