Test drive Mercedes X 250 d 4Matic: big boy
Test X-Class in a version with a dual drive and a 190 hp diesel
To unequivocally articulate our first impressions of the Mercedes X-Class, it would be best to start a little further. Because in such cars, the expectations with which a person approaches are of paramount importance. What do you think a Mercedes pickup truck should be like? Does it have to be a real Mercedes (however stretchy the concept is), only with a pickup truck body? If yes, what exactly should be the Mercedes - a luxury car or a lightweight model with outstanding professional skills? Or is it logical to expect it to be just a good pickup, but with some of the distinguishing features from the competition, which are considered an indispensable part of the repertoire of every Mercedes? Three possible main answers, each of which, in turn, gives a wide field for additional nuances.
Time to reply
On the outside, the car exudes strength and power - this is undoubtedly largely due to the size of the body itself, huge by European standards, but also to the muscular design that makes the X-Class a real star on the road, judging by the reaction of passers-by and other road users . A large signature grille with an impressive three-pointed star clearly speaks of the model's ambitions for excellence, the side line is also very different from what we see in Navara. But questions remain - what lies behind the confident stance of this massive pickup truck?
The truth is that most of the questions can be answered fairly quickly after getting into the X-class cockpit and driving a few kilometers behind the wheel of an impressive giant with a body length of over 5,30 meters. The fact is that the car uses the technique of Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan and comes from the factories of the Franco-Japanese union in Barcelona, it is found, although only at first glance. It seems that we are dealing with a classic tough machine that can be used for both work and pleasure. To get to the cockpit, we need to climb quite high, and inside we expect a very elegantly designed dashboard with many typical Mercedes details such as the steering wheel, controls behind it, ventilation nozzles, screen and infotainment controls. can be found in other models of the brand and demonstrate the expected high quality. Elements such as the gear lever console, some of the buttons, and the lower part of the dashboard easily show the Navara resemblance. The seating position is more like a lightweight than a luxury passenger model, and this objectively has its very positive sides, such as excellent visibility from the driver's seat in all directions.
We'll have to wait a bit longer for the top-of-the-line X 350 d with a V6 six-cylinder engine, automatic transmission and permanent twin transmission from Mercedes - for now, the model is available with engines and transmissions that we already know well from Navara. The 2,3-liter four-cylinder diesel is available in two versions - with a single turbocharger and an output of 163 hp. or with two turbochargers and a power of 190 hp. the transmission can be a six-speed manual or a seven-speed torque converter automatic. The basic version has a drive only to the rear axle, other modifications are equipped with additional four-wheel drive and the ability to lock the rear differential. Our model had a more powerful version with biturbo filling, all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
Biturbo diesel with powerful traction
Even with the ignition, the drive is found to be more professional than sophisticated. The diesel tone remains clear at all speeds, and powerful traction leaves no doubt that the car will not face serious difficulties even with a fully loaded body. By the way, the carrying capacity of a little more than a ton is another proof that this is a serious car, and not some kind of designer crossover with a pickup truck body. The smooth-running gearbox matches the nature of the transmission, and fuel consumption is within reasonable limits.
Mercedes worked hard on the chassis to achieve a different chassis than the Navara. The promised improvement in terms of comfort is there - and yet the design of the car's suspension is such that we cannot expect miracles in this indicator. However, the fact is that especially when passing short bumps, the X-Class is unusually calm for a representative of a full-size pickup truck.
The question cannot be ignored, how much does it really cost to own this interesting hybrid between a tough pickup truck with serious professional capabilities and a pleasure car with Mercedes feel? The answer is somewhat unexpected - the price is very reasonable. The base model starts at BGN 63, while the top version is available for BGN 780. This is more than a worthy offer for a car with similar capabilities and a very good price for a big Mercedes.
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Miroslav Nikolov
