Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 2018 Review

Prestige pick-up pricing

The price of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz X 350d 4MATIC in Europe ranges from the equivalent of about $75,000 for the PROGRESSIVE trim level up to around $84,000 for the POWER flagship. That includes 19 per cent VAT in Europe, which is nearly double the GST payable in Australia.

Locally, Mercedes-Benz hints that the price of the V6-powered X-Class will fall somewhere $75,000 and $80,000, based on its own Aussie specification.

That potentially places the X 350d at a disadvantage against the Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate, which also enjoys a performance lead over the Mercedes. On that point, the VW's power and torque only outguns that of the X 350d by dint of overboost.

Mercedes-Benz won't discuss the overboost situation and how it might affect the perception and sales of the X 350d, but I'm not so discreet. Just 0.2sec separates the two vehicles in respect of their factory-claimed 0-100km/h times; and the overboost function of the Amarok is only available for 10sec, in third gear or higher, with 70 per cent 'throttle'.

In other words, Amarok's overboost will be rarely used in daily driving. And it won't be available for pulling stumps out of the ground, either. How the Amarok Ultimate will fare against the Mercedes will be a task for a comparison, once both vehicles are on sale in Australia.

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/mercedes-x-350d-v6_012.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-248002" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/mercedes-x-350d-v6_012.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>

Refined power and torque

Despite the output deficit against the Amarok Ultimate, the Mercedes-Benz X 350d tested for the new variant's global launch in Slovenia showed no shortage of performance, although the engine naturally felt livelier in Sport mode.

It seemed somewhat laggy when set to Comfort, but once under way the V6 delivered solid performance, and returned a respectable fuel consumption figure of 10.1L/100km on the drive program (mostly a mix of slower touring on narrow country roads, some off-road work and a lengthy freeway run).

Generally quiet inside, the X 350d did transmit some powertrain vibration through the steering wheel. It was difficult to assess the X 350d's tyre noise on Slovenia's very well kept bitumen. That will have to wait for the local launch in December of this year.

But the Continentals fitted certainly seemed to ride quietly over unsealed surfaces, and there was little sound of gravel sprayed up under the body – possibly a consequence of Benz going with the proven D23-series Navara architecture.

The X 350d is a very relaxed touring machine. At up to 130km/h on Slovenian freeways the V6 diesel Benz loped along, with just some rustle of wind detracting from the experience. It felt so planted and settled at that speed that the sensation was akin to driving downhill constantly. The engine of the X 350d barely needed to work at that sort of speed.

Ride quality is reasonably composed over secondary-level lumps and bumps. The X 350d doesn't feel unbalanced without a load in the rear, and while its handling is hardly in the sports car league, its chassis feels safer and more communicative than many dual-cab rivals. It won't skip or hop over mid-corner bumps, not unless pushed beyond reasonable limits.

While it's not as responsive turning in as conventional passenger cars and SUVs, the X 350d's steering provides a level of feedback that lesser rivals in the segment can't match, although a full determination will have to await another Amarok/Ranger/X-Class rematch.

Altogether though, the X 350d delivers civilised dynamics that frankly make a laughing stock of Australia's best-selling one-tonne pick-up – as worthy as that vehicle is in other ways.

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/mercedes-x-350d-v6_016.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-248004" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/mercedes-x-350d-v6_016.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>

Away from the bitumen

In an off-road capacity, the X 350d can negotiate moguls that had one or more of the wheels lifting and the torque to power on up steeper grades. There's a hill-descent control system that operates effectively at two different speeds – 4km/h in low range or 8km/h in high range.

Using a double-synchro system in the transfer case, the X 350d can shift from high to low range or vice versa on the fly. Simply select the 4L or 4H option, shift the transmission into neutral – while the vehicle is still rolling – and wait for the message that the transfer has changed to the lower/higher range to be displayed.

Then drop the transmission back into Drive and continue on your way. It's a system that's easy to use and works in conjunction with the hill-descent control system if you find you're heading downhill at a higher rate of knots than preferable.

There are 360-degree cameras that can be actuated from a button on the dash to the lower left of the steering column. These display in the infotainment screen and are useful for navigating difficult sections of terrain – a steep drop, for instance – when the field of vision through the windows and windscreen just isn't enough.

<a href="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/mercedes-x-350d-v6_038.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-csn-inline-image wp-image-248011" src="https://motoring.pxcrush.net/motoring/general/editorial/mercedes-x-350d-v6_038.jpg?height=427&width=640&aspect=fitWithin" alt="" width="640" height="427"></a>

Packaging

In terms of cabin comfort and interior design, the X 350d is a mixed bag. There's no reach adjustment for the steering, and inadequate rake to see the top of the major instruments. Anyone right on about 180cm tall is bound to find the view of the instruments less than satisfactory. I would have preferred to have the wheel closer to me as well.

Switchgear at the base of the centre fascia – particularly the dual-range transfer knob – look and feel like they've been plundered from the Nissan parts bin, which is unfortunate, because the rest of the cabin is stylish and functional. Similarly, the key is plainly a Nissan-sourced unit.

Rear-seat accommodation is fit for adults and kids alike, with adjustable vents in the rear of the centre console, easy access courtesy of wide rear doors and a suitable hip point, plus a really high-set seat providing a stadium view comparable with the Coliseum's.

The seats are comfortably cushioned as well. In fact, the only drawback with the rear seating is that the squab is upright and naturally can't recline. That's a compromise that holds true for most dual-cab pick-ups, of course.

But the packaging constraints do compel one to ponder whether the next generation of X-Class might be a clean-sheet design – with fewer of the Navara's flaws. All that said, however, there's more than enough Benz engineering in the X 350d to ensure its popularity for those buying in the upper echelon of the market segment.

How much does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz X 350d cost?
Priced from: $75,000 (approximately, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 190kW/550Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.0L/100km (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 237g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety rating: TBC