Driving Mercedes-Benz new X-Class ute – the current top-spec 2.0-litre twin turbo X250d Power dual cab – an on-demand 4WD with optional seven-speed automatic. In basic form $64,500 plus on-road costs however the test car had optional roof rails, side running boards, a power sliding rear window and 19-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels plus leather trim and metallic paint taking the drive-away price to $75,520.
Premium territory for dual-cab utes. I suspect the initial batch of X-Class utes are top end models whereas the 13-model range kicks off at a more comfortable $45,450. As a driver the Mercedes X-Class feels premium, certainly more premium to the Nissan Navara on which it’s based but has many updates – more sound deadening, you can barely hear the twin-turbo diesel, a wider more accommodating cabin, far better suspension and steering tune and the only ute to feature autonomous emergency braking means it comes with a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating. As a driver very satisfying though and you actually feel you’re driving a prestige SUV rather than a workhorse ute. Later in the year the rest of the Mercedes X-Class range arrives with a high-torque V6 diesel engine featuring 550Nm of torque, standard with permanent all-wheel-drive and seven-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles. Prices yet to be announced. Just how much strength is in top end ute sales is yet to be tested and while initial demand for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class has been strong some suggest that much smaller sales numbers will be achieved going forward. I’m David Berthon

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