GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 outlined

Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced it will unveil a flagship version of its X-Class at the Geneva motor show next week, and it will be available in Australia later this year.

Until now, European buyers of the X-Class, which arrives in Australia in April, have had the choice of just a 120kW/403Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, but that changes from June when the German brand introduces a 190kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel version.

Outpunching the Volkswagen Amarok's 3.0-litre V6's 165kW (180kW on overboost) and matching its 550Nm torque peak, the flagship X-Class will be the most powerful dual-cab ute this side of full-size US pick-ups like the RAM.

Combining the powerful Mercedes-Benz 3.0-litre diesel V6 with a seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent '4MATIC' four-wheel, the top-shelf version of the Nissan Navara-based X-Class can hit 100km/h in just 7.9 seconds and top out at 205km/h.

Efficiency, meanwhile, is claimed to match the Volkswagen Amarok V6 with the X 350d capable of averaging 9.0L/100km while emitting 237g/km of CO2.

In Europe, the X350d engine option is only offered in the range-topping Progressive and Power trims.

In Germany, the new engine doesn't come cheap with the X 350d pricing starting from €53,360 ($A84,000), which is what it's expected to start at in Australia.

As well as the X 350d, Mercedes-Benz Vans has confirmed it will also launch a number of new X-Class accessories that include three new alloy wheel designs, a new roll-cover and soft-cover for the load bay. The German truck maker says X-Class buyers will also soon have the option of a rear rollover 'sports bar'.