6 Jul 2018
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Mercedes-Benz staged one of the most anticipated launches of 2018 in April that year with its first-ever one-tonne utility – the X-Class.
It was criticised by some traditionalists as somehow tarnishing the hallowed Germany luxury brand – notwithstanding the fact that Mercedes has long offered light and heavy commercial vehicles – and courted controversy by borrowing the platform of a mainstream vehicle, the Nissan Navara.
It also shared various mechanical components with the Navara, most notably the 2.3-litre four-cylinder diesel available in two variations: 120kW/403Nm single-turbo (220d) and 140kW/450Nm twin-turbo (250d).
There were 13 variants at launch spanning the two powertrains, six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions, 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines and three model grades (Pure, Progressive and Power). There was also a choice between cab-chassis and load bed configurations at the rear end.
Despite the Nissan connections, the X-Class cut its own path with substantial styling modifications inside and out, extensive engineering changes that made it arguably the most refined utility in its class, and, not least of all, a high level of standard equipment befitting its premium status and three-pointed-star badge.
