Is the Mercedes-Benz X-Class worth its premium?

Over the years the bakkie has become more of a status symbol than ever before with many boasting SUV-like performance as well as a focus on comfort and refinement. Mercedes-Benz recently joined the segment and I got behind the wheel of its flagship offering, the X350d. The X-Class has come under fire since its launch with many calling it a Nissan Navara that went to private school. This was down to the first models launched featured the same power plants used in the Navara. It wasn’t long however until the German automaker decided to drop its impressive 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine under the hood and the result is quite impressive.

The powertrain develops around 190 kW and a healthy 550 N.m of torque, making it one of the most powerful offerings in its segment. Codenamed the OM642, the engine has been used in both commercial and passenger car applications since its inception in 2005. The X350d sends its power to all four wheels via the brand’s permanent 4-wheel-drive system known as 4Matic. The vehicle also features a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz claims that the big brute will hit 100km/h in around 7.9 seconds and will top out at about 205km/h.

So the car has the go but does it have the show? Well, yes and in some cases no. Here is why.

I appreciate the styling of the X-Class; I find it to be good looking, with a big and imposing design, what one expects from a large bakkie. The model that I tested was finished in the ‘Power’ trim level which on the exterior, sees items such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights. On the inside, you will find the addition of electrically adjustable leather seats as well as an uprated audio system with integrated satellite navigation.

Step inside the X350d and you are greeted by familiar Mercedes trim which has been taken from the C-Class parts bin. Items such as the dashboard-mounted infotainment screen, steering wheel, instrument cluster and centre console palm-pad dial control unit have all been lifted from the C-Class which if I’m honest is not a bad thing because they all integrate rather well. What doesn’t integrate well are the plastics which can be found throughout the cabin.

When looking at the cabin it looks like what a Mercedes-Benz should look but when you touch the dashboard plastics, the door plastics and just about all the others, you are greeted with hard and somewhat cheap surfaces which in a way, takes quite a bit of the premium feel away. Sure, they are robust and will hold up well in a utilitarian situation but on a Mercedes; this isn’t the status quo.

The X350d rides very well and the overall experience is noteworthy, it handles bumpy roads with ease and the engine, although on initial pull-away can suffer from turbo-lag is really potent once it gets into second gear. The addition of various driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, Sport and Off-road did provide benefits, as I managed to get the big bakkie down to around 10l/100km over my week-long stint thanks to its Eco mode. I was also able to explore its responsiveness in Sport mode on some backcountry roads where it handles much better than other offerings within the segment.

Can you get its feet dirty? The answer is yes you can, the X350d has a transfer case so you can expect low range at the turn of a dial. It also comes fitted with a centre differential and a differential lock on the rear axle which can be activated at the push of a button. It also offers a ground clearance height of 222mm, accompanying a wading depth of around 600mm. The approach angle is 29 degrees and has a departure angle of 24 degrees.

Verdict

I do like the X350d but I think it is mostly down to a fantastic engine and the compliant ride. The car lacks some practical items such as cup holders of which it has one. The rear bench is a bit too upright and could become uncomfortable on long trips. The other issue is the price tag, it’s R973 188 which is hefty over the likes of the Toyota Hilux Raider and Ford Ranger Wildtrak which are both bursting at the seams with standard features. In our current market one really need to ask the question whether or not the badge is worth the premium.

Likes:

– The Diesel engine

– The looks

– The ride is comfortable, the safety features are great and it’s easy to drive and park despite its size.

Dislikes:

– Cheap plastics let the otherwise good looking interior down.

– Interior ergonomics are not as good as on other alternatives. Lack of storage space is a practical oversight.

– You could possibly get much more for far less if you look beyond the badge.