Big, beefy and packing a punch

Test Drive by Graham Breeze

Big, beefy and packing one heck of a punch the Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 POWER is the most powerful pick-up in class.

Of course the X-Class is no stranger to the UK. Built on the Nissan Navara chassis it originally hit our roads in four-cylinder diesel format but has since surged ahead of the opposition with a V6 diesel engine under its considerable bonnet.

Mercedes bosses took the 3.0 litre single-turbo diesel engine usually associated with the E-Class and dropped it in the X-350d along with a seven speed automatic gearbox and four wheel drive.

All that adds up to more than enough power and with a selection of driving modes you get 0-60mph in a whisker over seven seconds and a top speed of 127mph.

All UK vehicles are doublecab and benefit from a wide track, long wheelbase and comfort suspension, coupled with a double wishbone front axle, multi-link rear axle with a rigid section, and coil springs at both axles, all as standard.

The introduction of the new V6 engines sees a change to the X-Class line-up; the PURE and PROGRESSIVE models are only available with the 220d and 250d engines. The POWER model is exclusively available for the 350d.

The test model featured painted bumpers with simulated under guard in chrome; a rear bumper in chrome with integrated step; fog lights with chrome surround; shoulder line trim strips in chrome; LED high-performance headlights with cleaning system; LED tail lights; electrically folding exterior mirrors; and Keyless Go, all as standard.

Inside, the X 350d 4MATIC comes with eight-way electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats, which are heated, as standard, along with a leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and cruise control, leather and microfiber upholstery, and a leather dashboard with topstitching, complimented by an aluminium interior trim.

With all that on offer it’s disappointing that Mercedes have messed up the cabin a little by forgetting to provide anywhere near enough storage space. There’s a lack of pockets, cup holders and even anywhere to store your mobile phone.

It’s a real shame because the rest of the cabin is class leading in typical Mercedes style with easy-to find controls and all the other comforts any driver and four passengers could need.

Safety is high on the agenda. Alongside driver and passenger airbags and thorax bags, as well as window bags on the A-D pillar and a driver knee bag, the X 350d 4MATIC also includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist (radar-based autonomous emergency braking), Traffic Sign Assist, Hill-Start Assist, Downhill Speed Regulation, a Thatcham anti-theft security package and a load securing rail system.

An Audio 20 CD infotainment system is offered as standard, with seven-inch high definition screen, rotary controller with touchpad, Bluetooth audio and media interface, with DAB digital radio and pre-installation for Garmin MAP PILOT included.

Also included is Mercedes me Connect standard services, featuring call automatic emergency response, breakdown, and maintenance management.

COMAND Online was included on the test car at £2,225, though Garmin MAP PILOT is an alternative option, which can be included for around £500.

You can’t help but be impressed by the power under that huge bonnet, though it’s well to remember that you’re at the wheel of a big pick-up when it comes to cornering with soft suspension meaning rolling and pitching can be a real threat.

Big power means big bills though and while Mercedes claim 31.4mpg we averaged around 25mpg over a week’s motoring and with C02 emissions at 236g/km you won’t be popular at the school gate with the Greens.

And while we’re mentioning money it’s important to note a base model price of £38,350. Optional extras on the test car included the COMAND Online, black metallic paint, a style package, parking package with impressive camera, leather, differential local rear axle, heightened suspension, black roof liner and stunning 19inch multi-spoke alloys adding over £6,500.

It seems there’s a pick-up around every corner these days as the sector explodes so there’s likely to be only a limited market for such a massive and expensive option.