Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute feels more like a premium SUV

Driving Mercedes-Benz new X-Class ute – pent-up demand saw it achieve 329 sales in its first month in April – of which 322 were 4 x 4 models. Built in Spain and based on Nissan’s Navara with significant changes the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is skewed at the premium end of the market – . It’s no secret that Australian’s have fallen in love with highly-equipped dual cab utes – no longer purely a working set of wheels but a highly equipped dual purpose vehicle. Launched initially in 13 variants in three grades, with a choice of two turbo four-cylinder diesel engines I drove the current top grade X250d Power dual-cab – with 2-litre twin-turbo engine, seven-speed automatic – in basic form $64,500 but with extras all up – $75,520 drive-away. One suspects most of the early X-Class deliveries will be this high grade model. An on-demand 4WD the X250d feels premium from the driver’s seat and a class above its Nissan Navara design origins. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute benefits from extra sound deadening, a classy dash and centre screen from the C-Class sedan and high level suspension and steering tune but it comes at substantial cost. Whilst the only dual-cab ute with autonomous emergency braking there are some glaring omissions – nowhere to comfortably put your phone, no Apple Car Play and Android Auto and the lack of reach adjustment on the steering column. Nevertheless, a very comfortable driver, well built with a five-star crash safety rating – certainly premium but very much at a premium price. I’m David Berthon

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