This may be the last opportunity to purchase a Mercedes-Benz X-Class X350D V6; poor sales and new emission restrictions mean that Mercedes is pulling the plug on its short-lived pickup.
In that regard, it may be the perfect acquisition, given our country’s huge appetite for beefy engines.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class hit UK dealerships in December 2017 but, for the first nine months, was only available with Renault-Nissan’s 2.3-litre engine from the Nissan Navara. Available in power ratings of 163hp (X220D) and 190hp (X250D), the 2.3-litre outputs fail to produce hair-raising results, partly due to the colossal 2.2-tonne kerb weight.
However, in the summer of 2018, Daimler installed the hugely anticipated 3.0-litre V6 (2,987cc, codenamed OM642) from the G-Wagon and GLC. The company also fitted a permanent four-wheel-drive system (4Matic) to improve stability and control, and stiffened the suspension for better performance.
“We conducted comprehensive focus group testing in the early planning stages for the X-Class, and a V6 engine drew high interest and was clearly an attractive proposition,” explains Blake Vincent, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz. “The high-powered X350 V6 engine offers functional benefits to customers when towing or navigating steep terrain, but also provides emotional benefits due to the excellent driving experience and class-leading power.”
Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6: Specification
The X-Class has a luxurious interior that’s unrivalled in the pickup segment. Depending on the trim level – Pure, Progressive, or Power – these come in either high-gloss black or silver shadow, creating a premium, high-end feel.
Models with the V6 engine are available with just the higher-spec Progressive or Power trim levels, with the entry-level Pure trim reserved only for the 2.3-litre powered pickup. Progressive models feature keyless entry and start, twin-zone air conditioning, leather-covered steering wheel and parking brake, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a 7.0-inch infotainment system that includes a DAB radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and a CD player. It’s all wrapped up in a dark, black fabric interior.
Specify the Power model and there are some cosmetic accoutrements, such as front and rear chrome bumpers, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights. The interior gets a dashboard covered in a matt black ‘pixel’ trim, leather and man-made leather electrically adjustable and heated seats, and an upgraded 8.4-inch infotainment centre.
The main criticism of the cab relates to its practicality; there is a distinct lack of storage pockets for things like wallets and phones, and the steering column isn’t adjustable for reach.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6: Engine and Driveline
The new engine produces 258hp at 3,600rpm and 550Nm or torque at just 1,600rpm, although this has been toned down from 620Nm as its believed the live-rear axle and some other components would struggle to handle that much torque.
With the right foot down, there is an initial feeling of disappointment as it takes a brief moment for the V6 unit – as powerful as it is – to move the 2.3-tonne lump of metal. Once the momentum is behind you, the X-Class swiftly gathers pace and it reaches 62mph in just 7.5 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the Volkswagen Amarok V6 221bhp.
As with the 2.3-litre X-Class, the X350D is extremely quiet and refined, with only a faint growl under heavy acceleration thanks to the extensive sound dampening undertaken by the engineers. The X-Class has the widest track in its class providing better stability, while the suspension has been revised all-round for a more ‘dynamic drive’, which means there’s less body roll so corners can be taken at higher speeds.
There are five driver settings available on the ‘Dynamic Select’ control; Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual and Off-Road – each of which alters the engine and transmission characteristics. Comfort and Eco are similar in that they’re geared towards the low engine revs and get the best fuel economy, whereas the Sport increases the sensitivity of the throttle and holds the gears for longer.
Manual mode passes gear control over to the driver via the paddle shift, located behind the steering wheel, while the Off-Road setting sends more drive to the front wheels for more balance. Unlike the 2.3-litre models, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 has permanent four-wheel-drive like the Volkswagen Amarok, and available with just the 7-speed 7G Tronic automatic.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6: Off Road
The X-Class isn’t scared of getting its wheels dirty, either. Under normal driving conditions, the permanent four-wheel-drive system splits the torque 40:60 front/rear although, when driving off-road, optimum traction is ensured by a continuously adjustable interaxle differential in the transfer case. It adapts extremely quickly on uneven ground and wasn’t caught wrong-footed during our test.
There are three all-wheel-drive modes to choose from; 4MAT for on-road driving and increased vehicle dynamics, 4H for improved traction when in muddy fields or dirt tracks, and 4L for more serious off-road driving. The combination of a controlled interaxle differential lock (0–100%), the optional rear-axle locking differential, and low-range delivers a respectable performance whether you’re on or off the beaten track.
The all-wheel-drive system and the suspension with its long spring travel ensure impressive off-road capabilities. The X-Class effortlessly climbs gradients of up to 45 degrees, fords water courses with a depth of up to 600mm, and maintains its poise on inclines of almost 50 degrees, although the ground clearance is fairly poor at 202mm.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6: Weights and Payload
Weighing in at 2,285kg, the V6 X-Class is 50kg heavier than the 2.3 which is largely attributed to the heavier engine and the permanent four-wheel-drive system. Gross vehicle weights have increased to over 3.3 tonnes so it can still carry one tonne, and the towing capacity remains industry-leading at 3.5 tonnes.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6: Pricing and Availability
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 X350D is priced at £37,995 plus VAT – almost £4,000 more than the most expensive 2.3 X-Class and the most expensive Amarok. The X-Class is available from the 110-strong Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle dealer network and is backed by a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
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