Mercedes-Benz has launched its eagerly awaited X-Class pickup on to the Irish market with a seven-strong main dealer network. These dealerships include Sligo based Connolly Motor Group; Cork Truck Services; Gilmores of Kingscourt; Kinahan Commercials, Moate and three Dublin city outlets – MSL Grange at Pottery Road, Deansgrange; MSL Park Motors on North Circular Road and MUTEC on Long Mile Road.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is available across three variants, Pure, Progressive and Power. We drove both the Pure and Power models at launch today. Prices commence at €39,950 for the entry-level X220 4×2 Pure, inclusive of vat and vrt. All variants are powered by a 2.3-litre common-rail diesel engine, available with two power outputs, 163hp in the single turbocharged X220d and 190hp in the biturbo X250d. These come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, a seven-speed automatic transmission is available for the X250d 4MATIC models. There will be a 3.0-litre turbodiesel variant available from mid-2018.
The X-Class is a workhouse and can lug a payload of over one tonne and tow up to 3.5 tonnes. The load bed has been designed to fit a Euro-pallet between the wheel arches. One clever touch is lighting in the cargo area, which is standard fitment.
We drove the Power model on road earlier today, mated to the seven-speed automatic transmission. The ride is comfortable with an elevated driving position offering excellent all-round visibility. The biturbo diesel engine offers sufficient power for all manners of motoring. The interior is, as you would expect constructed from high-quality materials throughout. The Comand online multimedia system has an 8.4” screen with functions familiar to anyone who drives a current Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle. For those who will venture off-road the X-Class is reassuringly sure-footed. We ventured through forest tracks and waded through a river with ease, it’s a surprisingly capable vehicle off-road, especially when you consider we were driving on standard road tyres. We will bring you a full review after our full test drive.
