| Mercedes-Benz X-Class | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daimler AG Nissan |
| Model code | W470 |
| Production | November 2017 – May 2020[1] |
| Assembly | Spain:Barcelona (Nissan Motor Ibérica) |
| Designer | Wini Camacho[2] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-sizepickup truck |
| Layout | |
| Platform | Nissan F-Alpha platform |
| Related | Nissan Navara Renault Alaskan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | (X350d) |
| Transmission | 6-speedmanual (X220d and X250d) 7-speedautomatic (X250d and X350d) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,150 mm (124.0 in) |
| Length | 5,340 mm (210.2 in) |
| Width | 1,920 mm (75.6 in) |
| Height | 1,819 mm (71.6 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz Musso Sports[3] |
TheMercedes-Benz X-Class (W470) is apickup truck sold by the German automakerMercedes-Benz from 2017 to 2020. Unveiled at a world premiere inCape Town, South Africa in July 2017, the pickup took its chassis from theNissan Navara and employed many Mercedes-specific features and technologies, including some engines not shared with the Navara. It first went on sale in late 2017.[4][5]
In 2015, Mercedes-Benz announced that development of a pickup truck was in the works.[6] The new vehicle, developed in conjunction with theRenault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, was to be assembled at Nissan and Renault plants in Europe and South America.
On 25 October 2016, Mercedes-Benz announced a concept class called the X-Class Concept.Dieter Zetsche, Daimler Chairman and head of Mercedes-Benz cars, said it would help a growing segment. It was slated to be only available in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The top-of-the-range engine is a turbocharged diesel V6 paired with a 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive system.
Production started in 2017 at the Nissan factory in Spain.[7] Plans to produce the pickup at the Renault plant inSanta Isabel, Argentina were cancelled due to alleged contractual disputes between executives from both marques.[8]
According to Mercedes, the X-Class would be the world's first true "premium" pick-up truck, although it followed the failedLincoln Blackwood andLincoln Mark LT, two upmarket versions of theFord F-150, along with the also-failedCadillac Escalade EXT, a pickup variant of thefull-size luxury SUV and an upmarket version of theChevrolet Avalanche. Of these, the X-Class only managed to last longer on the market than the Lincoln Blackwood.
Global sales of the X-Class in 2018, its first full year on the market, were just 16,700 in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, South America, and South Africa.[9] It further decreased to around 15,300 in 2019,[10] with 2,186 sold in Australia alone.[11] Production of the X-Class was halted in May 2020 due to slow sales.[12] The slow sales are primarily attributed to a negative perception of the vehicle's platform. It was argued that many customers expected an entirely new vehicle designed and built by Mercedes and were disappointed when it was instead presented as a joint-venture with Nissan/Renault. This issue was further compounded with the use of Nissan/Renault engines in lower end trim levels. Despite the X350 sharing the same V6 diesel engine platform as the G-Class and other Mercedes models, public perception was that the X-Class was an expensive rebrand of a Nissan Navara, an image it struggled to shake throughout its short production run. Following this, Mercedes-Benz wouldn't make anymore pickups with their badge.[13]
On 19 July 2017, the promotional video/advertising spot "Mercedes-Benz X-Class: Pickup Meets Lifestyle – Trailer" was released, with "We Are Young" song byBlues Saraceno assoundtrack.[citation needed]
The X-class launched with three trim levels: Pure, Progressive and Power.[14][15]
| Model | Years | Type/code | Power at rpm, Torque at rpm | Transmissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X220d | 2017–2020 | 2,298 cc (140.2 cu in) I4 turboOM699 DE23 LA R | 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) at 3,750, 403 N⋅m (297 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–2,500 | 6-speed manual |
| X250d | 2017–2020 | 2,298 cc (140.2 cu in) I4 turboOM699 DE23 LA | 140 kW (190 PS; 188 hp) at 3,750, 450 N⋅m (332 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500–2,500 | 6-speed manual 7-speed automatic |
| X350d | 2018–2020 | 2,998 cc (182.9 cu in) V6 turbo DieselOM642 | 190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp) at 3,600, 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600 | 7-speed automatic |
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: |  | |
| Adult occupant: | 34.4 | 99% |
| Child occupant: | 43 | 87% |
| Pedestrian: | 33.9 | 80% |
| Safety assist: | 8.7 | 72% |
