It may seem strange to think of Mercedes Benz and a double cab bakkie in the same thought, but like all motor manufacturers it's all about competing in every sector of the market and trying to provide for brand loyalty. So.....if a loyal Mercedes customer wants a luxury double cab leisure vehicle........here it is.
There has been much written and said about the shared platform that Mercedes decided to utilise instead of developing from the ground up. Luckily, my test vehicle was the range topping X350d. This version boasts the most pure Mercedes input, so lets leave that discussion behind.
Firstly, the X-class is a large and handsome vehicle with a large 3 pointed star dominating the front grille to make sure that you know it is a Mercedes.
The 350d is powered by a 3L V6 diesel engine with 190kW and 550Nm, obviously power is abundant making for superb cruising ability.
Inside, as has become the norm, upmarket double cabs have replaced luxury cars in the market. Absolutely nothing is lacking in the spec and the 7 speed automatic transmission is smooth under all conditions. The transmission offers multi modes if you want, personally I found the default comfort mode to be suitable for general usage.
The X offers 2 wheel drive for on road and the usual 4 high and 4 low selections. I tried 4 high on a stretch of dirt road and it handles this was confidence and aplomb. Both this stretch and on road driving highlighted the excellent rear suspension making it hard to believe that this is a bakkie and not a luxury car.
I have to mention the elephant in the room, with the X Class being SA's first millon rand bakkie! The base price of the test vehicle is R983 711 and this easily exceeds the R 1 mill mark with any extras. BUT.......if you want a Mercedes, if you want the 3 pointed star on the grille and if you are loyal to the brand..........there was a very special feeling while I was driving this vehicle.
The price does include the standard Mercedes 5 year/ 100 000km full maintenance plan.
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