Mercedes X-Class Pickup: Complete Review And Used Prices

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class represents a bold entry into the pickup segment, combining the brand’s signature luxury with practical hauling power. Built on a platform shared with the Nissan Navara, it elevates the experience through superior refinement and advanced features. This midsize pickup targets buyers seeking more than basic utility, offering car-like comfort alongside off-road prowess.

Design and Exterior Appeal

Visually, the X-Class stands out with Mercedes’ iconic front grille dominated by the prominent three-pointed star emblem. Its styling echoes the brand’s SUVs, giving it a sophisticated presence on job sites or highways. The body is widened compared to its Nissan counterpart, enhancing stability and presence. Available in crew-cab configuration, it measures around 5.3 meters long, with a load bed suitable for everyday tasks.

• Key exterior highlights: Aggressive LED headlights, flared wheel arches, and 18- to 19-inch alloy wheels.
• Robust chassis reinforcements reduce vibrations, contributing to a planted feel.
• Colors range from classic blacks to vibrant reds, appealing to professional users.

While not a ground-up Mercedes design, the exterior successfully bridges premium aesthetics and pickup durability.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside, and the cabin feels like a Mercedes passenger car. A concave dashboard houses high-quality instruments and a central touchscreen borrowed from the brand’s lineup. Sound insulation is markedly better than rivals, minimizing road and wind noise for serene cruising.

Seating is a highlight: rear seats are raised for better legroom and comfort, accommodating adults without the cramped feel of some competitors. Materials vary by trim—entry-level Pure uses hard plastics, but higher Progressive and Power specs add soft-touch surfaces and leather.

Tech includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The traditional gear selector and handbrake maintain a truck-like layout, freeing console space for storage.

Engine Options and Performance

Powertrains balance efficiency and grunt. Entry models feature 2.3-liter four-cylinder diesels (X220d: 161hp; X250d: 188hp), paired with six-speed manuals or seven-speed automatics. Top-tier X350d packs a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 255hp and 406lb-ft torque, exclusive to 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

• X250d: 0-62mph in 11 seconds, top speed 117mph.
• X350d: Quicker acceleration to 7.9 seconds, ideal for towing up to 3.5 tons.

Reviewers praise the V6 for its smooth pull, though some note the auto gearbox can hesitate on upshifts, impacting urban economy around 25mpg. Manuals offer precise shifts with minimal vibration thanks to Mercedes-tuned cable linkages.

On-Road Dynamics and Ride Quality

The X-Class shines on tarmac, with independent rear suspension delivering SUV-like composure. It handles speed bumps and potholes with minimal jolts, even unladen. Body roll is present in corners but controlled, allowing confident spirited driving.

Steering provides decent feedback—not truck-overboosted—while stability systems intervene smoothly. Compared to VW Amarok, it’s more refined but slightly less punchy in boost mode. Fuel figures hover at 24-25mpg in mixed use, competitive for the class.

“Ride is excellent, undoubtedly helped by the independent rear suspension.”Tim Cattlin review

Off-Road Capabilities

Despite its luxury leanings, the X-Class tackles rough terrain effectively. High/low-range 4MATIC, locking rear differential, and up to 235mm ground clearance equip it for mud, sand, or rocks. Approach/departure angles support moderate obstacles.

Testers confirm it outshines base pickups in capability, with chassis tweaks enhancing adhesion limits. Hill descent control and off-road modes add confidence for adventurers.

Practicality and Load Specs

Payload reaches 1.1 tons, with a 1-cubic-meter bed lined and tiedown-equipped. Towing matches class leaders at 3.5 tons braked. Crew cab offers generous space: 1,400 liters behind seats with them folded.

It’s versatile for tradespeople or weekend warriors, though bed depth limits some oversized loads.

Safety and Reliability

Mercedes equips the X-Class with five-star crash ratings, featuring multiple airbags, AEB, and crosswind assist. Long-term tests report solid build quality, though diesel maintenance can be pricier.

Used models, now abundant, offer value—V6 variants undercutting rivals due to discontinued production in 2020.

Pricing and Value in the Used Market

New prices started at £30,000, premium over Nissan but justified by badge and features. Today, used X250ds fetch £15,000-£20,000; X350ds £25,000+. Low depreciation makes them bargains for luxury seekers.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Exceptional ride comfort, premium cabin, strong V6 option, off-road competence.
• Cons: Thirsty auto in traffic, higher running costs, discontinued new.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Mercedes X-Class still available new?

No, production ended in 2020, but used examples are plentiful and well-priced.

How does it compare to the VW Amarok?

X-Class prioritizes refinement over raw speed; Amarok edges in power but lacks luxury.

What’s the best engine choice?

X350d V6 for power and smoothness; X250d for efficiency.

Can it handle serious off-roading?

Yes, with 4MATIC and diff lock, it’s capable beyond most daily needs.

Are parts expensive?

Mercedes servicing costs more than Nissan, but reliability is strong.