“This is the first bakkie to convincingly combine the versatility of a double-cab with the luxury of a passenger car,” says Nadia Trimmel, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Southern Africa.

The exterior of the Mercedes Benz X-Class. All images SLM.

“The X-Class is robust with exceptional load capacity and off-road capability, but yet it’s also aesthetically pleasing, dynamic to drive, comfortable and safe,” she said at the launch early this year.

Aesthetically: we took a turn by test driving the manual derivative.

As expected it did not disappoint in all fronts.

This German bakkie’s ride comfort are coil springs which are used both at the front and rear. The front wheels are guided by double triangle wishbones, while at the back is a multi-link solid axle well-suited to transporting heavy loads.

We took a turn to North West province- or Bokone Bophirima- at my village for some family errands. Albeit it was not heavy loaded, one enjoyed its dynamic drive, positioning and uber ruggedness, particularly on hair-pin bends.

As for the gravel- a marvel to play with, as it boast a six-speed manual transmission. Yes, a vast difference from auto.

The X 220 d is available in rear-wheel drive, while the X 250 d is offered in rear-wheel or with engageable 4MATIC all-wheel drive, with low range.

The dusty and rugged X-factor.

All X Class versions are well suited to offroading with their elevated 222mm ground clearance and 600mm wading depth, along with useful approach (30.1 degrees) and departure (25.9 degrees) angles, considering that most of the mechanical underpinnings, including engine and gearbox, are straight from the Nissan Navara.

The Progressive is fitted with alloy wheels, a 21.3cm infotainment screen, cruise control, eight-speaker audio system, leather steering wheel and plenty of chrome trimmings.

We did not use the one aesthetically ‘endowed’ with man-made leather seats but it had dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, LED lights and Keyless Go.

X-celently it boast seven airbags. Active Brake Assist and Lane Keeping Assist are optionally available driver assistance systems to increase safety and comfort. To reinforce its above-par safety levels, the X-Class has already been awarded the highest possible score in the independent Euro NCAP Test.

Despite being dusty and mud-riddled, it still caused head-turns in Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana’s No1 Itumeleng Khune’s born area Ventersdorp.

But my special moment was when on –duty traffic officers (a female to be precise) stopped us along Sannieshof, minding her duties and just waltzed in the drivers-seat after ordering me to move over- to the amusement of some passengers.

“I’ve never been in this car neither drive it- so let me be,” she said unflinchingly, as her colleagues uncontrollably envied this Red beau, as one of my Nephew’s alluded ‘red for danger’.

Damn (oops), I said it officers…

How it has performed in terms of units sales thus far, we await the report?

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class comes standard with the manufacturer’s PremiumDrive, designed to give customers complete peace of mind.

It has one of the leading full maintenance plans in South Africa and ensures superior cover for 100 000 km/ six-years.

For a nominal cost, customers have the option of extending the maintenance plan.

Model Pricing

All X Class versions are well suited to offroading with their elevated 222mm ground clearance and 600mm wading depth.

• X-Class Progressive X 220 d 4×2 MT R642 103
• X-Class Progressive X 250 d 4×2 MT R694 025
• X-Class Progressive X 250 d 4×4 MT R668 726
• X-Class Progressive X 250 d 4×4 AT R668 726
• X-Class Power X 250 d 4×4 MT R763 256
• X-Class Power X 250 d 4×4 AT R791 315

Verdict

Performance 1-10 (8)

Fuel 1-10 (7)

SOURCED FROM THE SOWETOLIFEMAG WEBSITE.