Even though Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class has yet to reach South African shores, it is still one of the most anticipated arrivals of 2018. In a pick-up made country like South Africa, it really is no surprise that the luxury pickup will be well received.
Mercedes-Benz has upped the ante though, with the addition of their range-topping X350d model. Whereas the other X-Class derivative features a retuned version of the 2.3-litre turbo-diesel in the Nissan Navara, the X350d gets an exclusive Mercedes built motor.
Its 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel motor produces 190kw and 550nm (available from 1,400 and 3,200rpm), and sends power to all four wheels via a 7G-TRONIC Plus automatic transmission. The X350d also features Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as standard.
Five different driving modes will be offered in the X350d, the first, dubbed Comfort, is the default setting but Eco, Sport, Manual, and Offroad models can also be selected. A start/stop function is active in all driving modes except Offroad. Three all-wheel drive modes are also available: 4H, 4L and 4MAT.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa will launch the X-Class shortly, but the X350d will only arrive towards the end of 2018/ early 2019.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Celebrates 140 Years with an Epic Glob and the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Benz X350d cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-Benz X350d was priced from around R850,000 when it launched in South Africa in late 2018, making it the most expensive bakkie on the market at the time and significantly pricier than rivals like the Amarok V6 or Ranger Raptor.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz X350d worth buying?
The X350d is worth buying if you need the prestige of a three-pointed star and don't mind paying premium money for what's essentially a very fancy Nissan Navara underneath, but most buyers would be better served by a Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger that costs half the price.
Q: What's the difference between the X350d and other X-Class models?
The X350d gets Mercedes' own 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel producing 190kW and 550Nm, whilst the cheaper X-Class models use a retuned version of Nissan's 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, making the X350d the only one with proper Mercedes DNA under the bonnet.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-Benz X350d?
The X350d accelerates from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 205kph, making it one of the fastest production bakkies ever sold in South Africa and quick enough to embarrass some hot hatches at the traffic lights.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-Benz X350d is a proper premium bakkie that delivers on luxury and performance, but at R850,000 it's simply too expensive for what you get. Yes, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel is smooth and powerful, and the interior feels genuinely premium, but you're paying nearly double what a top-spec Toyota Hilux costs for bragging rights. The best premium bakkie under R700,000 in SA is the Volkswagen Amarok V6, which offers similar performance and build quality without the silly price tag. Buy the X350d only if you absolutely must have that three-pointed star on your bakkie, otherwise your money goes much further elsewhere.
