ROAD TEST: The Tradies’ Mercedes dual cab ute tested
Value
The new Mercedes X-Class range starts from $45,450 for a rear-wheel-drive manual cab-chassis - but the cheapest ticket into an automatic with a tub starts here, the X250d Pure, from $55,300 plus on-road costs.
That's Toyota HiLux SR5 and Ford Ranger XLT money for a base model Benz with grey bumpers, a vinyl floor and steel wheels.
The X250d badge means it comes with the twin turbo 2.3-litre four-cylinder diesel and seven-speed auto - identical to what's under the bonnet of dearer versions of the Nissan Navara.
Cheaper X-Class models are badged X220d and come with the single turbo 2.3-litre diesel from the entry level Navara.
Contrary to the "4Matic" logo on the tailgate, this four-wheel-drive system is for off-road use only - as per the Navara. Only the upcoming TDV6 X Class will be full-time all-wheel-drive.
Options include a bed liner ($899), while Nissan's clever cargo hooks and load rail system (standard on Navara) are bundled in a pack with front and rear sensors for $1300.
Our test vehicle also had rear window protection (a thin frame with four vertical bars at the front of the ute bed) for $490.
The small centre console was replaced with a single DIN slot for a two-way radio that also increased the number of USB ports from one to two. And an alarm was added ($590).
Our "as tested" price ended up being $57,830 plus on-road costs. Metallic paint adds $950, almost double what Nissan charges.
The warranty is three years/200,000km (100,000km more than Nissan); service intervals are the same as the Navara at 12 months/20,000km.
The cost of routine maintenance for the first three services is $1850 if you pay up front, or $2350 if you pay as you go ($585, $930, $835). Or you could take it to a Nissan dealer and pay $1864 as you go.
Comfort
The X-Class interior is a step above anything else in the category, even if this is the base model with a vinyl floor.
The instrument cluster is the same as the Mercedes C-Class sedan, with a large vertical hi-res screen that displays a digital speedometer and other vital signs. It's crystal clear and lifts the cabin more than you might expect.
The tablet-style display in the middle of the dash is not a touch screen; the controls are on the centre console and operated by a dial and some buttons at your fingertips. A classy touch.
Annoyingly, however, Apple Car Play and Android Auto are not yet available.
The air-conditioning works well (there are also vents in the back, a rarity in the class) but the controls are down low and not easy to locate when on the move.
The thick and sculpted steering wheel feels good in your hands, although our car had some burrs where the front and back halves of the rubber rim were glued together.
Being slightly wider than the Navara on which it's based means there's a touch more shoulder room, although you still wouldn't want to accommodate three big blokes across the back bench.
The biggest benefit from the extra width is the larger door pockets; they're huge and noticeably bigger than most rivals.
Safety
The X-Class is the first vehicle in the category to come with automatic emergency braking as standard. For those not familiar with the concept, the X-Class will slam on the brakes and come to a halt in slow moving traffic if the driver isn't paying attention.
None of these systems are 100 per cent foolproof but it's better to have than not. Seven airbags and a rear camera (with a clearer image than Nissan's camera) are also standard.
Four wheel disc brakes and road-biased Michelin tyres make braking better than most peers that have front discs, rear drums and off-road tyres.
Driving
The X-Class Pure drives better than the Navara thanks to the extra chassis strengthening, a wider footprint, unique suspension tuning and a better choice of tyres.
It steers more intuitively, is more composed over bumps and is much quieter thanks to extra sound deadening.
The Pure drives better than the top of the range X-Class because it's on more cushioned tyres and is the sweet spot in the range.
That said, it's still not class best - despite the price premium - but it feels close to, say, a Ranger XLT or a VW Amarok when driven without a load.
The twin turbo 2.3 diesel feels OK once on the move but the 150kg to 200kg of extra weight over the Navara blunts acceleration and hurts real world fuel economy in stop-start driving.
Alternatives
Toyota HiLux SR5, from $54,440
The Toyota HiLux SR5 has more gear than the X-Class, lower running costs, better real world fuel economy and more go-anywhere ability. But it doesn't have a Benz badge.
Ford Ranger XLT, from $55,490
The Ford Ranger XLT can be optioned with forward crash alert, radar cruise control and lane keeping assistance to get close to the Benz's safety package. But it doesn't have a Benz badge.
VW Amarok Sportline TDV6, from $55,990
The VW Amarok has the shortest list of standard safety equipment among its peers and is one of the oldest in the category, but it's still a standout to drive in TDV6 form.
Verdict: 3 stars out of 5
It might have grey bumpers, steel wheels and a vinyl floor but this is the pick of the X-Class range to drive - if you can fathom spending $55K on a base model.
At a glance: Mercedes X Class Pure X250d
PRICE $55,300 plus on-road costs
SAFETY 5 stars, 7 airbags, autonomous emergency braking, rear camera
TRANSMISSION 7-speed auto, 4WD
THIRST 7.9L/100km (claimed)
