The Mercedes-Benz X-Class bakkie was officially revealed at the global launch in Cape Town earlier this evening.
The market launch in Europe is scheduled for November 2017. At the beginning of 2018 South Africa, Australia and New Zealand will follow and Argentina and Brazil will have to wait until the beginning of 2019. The X-Class is available in Germany for €37 294 (about R556 000), which includes 19 percent VAT.
The first pic of the new @MercedesBenz #XClass on stage! #XtraClass pic.twitter.com/3CuP3xk5JN
— Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) July 18, 2017
Mercedes revealed that there are three design and equipment variants to choose from as well as four or six-cylinder engines, rear-wheel drive and engageable or permanent all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed automatic transmission. There are also customisable options such as six different seat covers (including two leather variations), three sets of cockpit trim parts and a diverse range of accessories developed by Mercedes-Benz.
These allow the X-Class to be modified ‘like no other pickup, both visually and in terms of functionality’.
Built on this ladder-frame chassis a the X-Class has a multi-link solid axle at the rear, front independent wheel suspension and coil springs on both axles.
The wheelbase is 3 150mm and the distinctive design of the X-Class is available in three model variants. The first more basic varient is the X-Class Pure, ‘ideal for rugged, functional use’ as a workhorse but not lacking in comfort or design.
This is followed by the X-Class Progressive variant, aimed at people seeking ‘a rugged pickup with extra styling and comfort functions’.
Finally the X-Class Power will no doubt feature a six-cylinder engine and be tuned for a powerful performance along with high-end design and range-topping equipment line. This bakkie is aimed at customers ‘for whom styling, performance and comfort are paramount.’
The three variants will have distinct front aprons and rear bumpers.
As for function, the X-Class can haul a payload of up to 1.1 tonnes and is able to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, or as Mercedes so vividly put it, the pick up can ‘pull a trailer containing three horses or an eight-metre yacht’ (because we all have one of those).