Geneva show: Mercedes-Benz details V6 X-Class

AHEAD of next week’s Geneva motor show debut, Mercedes-Benz Vans has further specified its turbocharged V6-powered X-Class one-tonne pick-up that will land in Australian showrooms before year’s end as the local market’s most-powerful ute.

Speaking to GoAuto, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia PR and corporate communications manager Blake Vincent said the top-spec X-Class is still on course for an Australian on-sale date in 2018, but specific timing is still to be confirmed.

“The V6 is definitely on track for a mid-year launch in Europe and then, basically, the normal process will kick-in for new-vehicle introductions for us where production starts to ramp up from there,” he said.

“So it means we’ll be in a position to launch in Australia before the end of 2018, and we’re still just waiting on the exact timing on that.”

However, Mr Vincent said it was still too early to confirm a price for the V6 models, which will sit above the four-cylinder X-Class that ranges from $45,450 before on-roads to $64,500.

In Germany, the V6 X-Class will kick off from €53,360 ($A83,793) and, with two model grades on offer – Progressive and Power – the Mercedes-Benz X-Class could easily become the most expensive ute on the Australian market, even outclassing the Ford Ranger Raptor and its expected circa-$80,000 pricetag.

As previously reported, the 3.0-litre force-fed V6 diesel engine produces 190kW of power at 3400rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1400-3200rpm, which feeds through a seven-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the transmission “operates with no interruption in tractive power during gear changes” for “better handling characteristics on uphill gradients, when driving off-road and when towing a trailer”.

All V6 X-Class vehicles will also come with five Dynamic Select drive mode choices – Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual and Offroad – which modify the engine and transmission characteristics to suit.

In addition to Dynamic Select, the all-wheel-drive system splits torque 40:60 front and rear, and features three drive modes – 4MAT, 4H and low-range 4L.

The result is a zero to 100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds and top speed of 205km/h, while fuel consumption is clocked at 9.0 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions rated at 237g/km thanks to an Eco start/stop system.

For off-road enthusiasts, the V6 X-class sports a wading depth up to 600mm, can climb gradients up to 45 degrees, and has an approach/departure angle of up to 30 and 25 degrees respectively.

As standard on overseas models, the base Progressive variant is equipped with 17-inch wheels, leather-lined steering wheel and parking brake, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, black fabric seats and eight-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the Power nets chrome-plated rear bumper and faux-front bash plate, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, Artico-leather interior and electronically adjustable seats.