After just less than three months of its much-anticipated launch, it is clear that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class combines an unmatched on-road drive with undeniable off-road capabilities. Those who have driven it are completely convinced that it is a vehicle in a league of its own.
Through the regional X-Class X-Perience Days, Mercedes-Benz Vans is offering the general public an opportunity to experience the X-Class’ tangible benefits of thrilling performance, high levels of safety and generous amounts of loading space.
The details of the X-Class X-Perience Days are as follows:
4 and 5 August: Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Cape Town, Western Cape
11 and 12 August: Tala Private Game Reserve, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu - Natal
11 and 12 August - Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria, Gauteng
All attendees of the X-Class X-Perience Days will also stand a chance to drive the X-Class for a weekend of their choice.
“The X-Class X-Perience Days were designed with a sole purpose: to let the bakkie do all the talking. We want our customers who have not yet had the chance to get behind the wheel of what is billed as the Mercedes of bakkies, to do exactly that. The public will make up their own minds on just how stable the vehicle is on dirt roads, or how passengers forget they are in a bakkie – thanks to the luxurious interior – and how incredibly powerful the four-cylinder engine variants are,” says Nadia Trimmel, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Southern Africa.
During the X-Class X-Perience Days, the public will get to know the vehicle on all levels, courtesy of a comprehensive programme that includes a dynamic product overview, information on the bakkie’s features and benefits, all culminating in a test drive of the X-Class.
After the X-perience, customers would have been intimately acquainted with the X-Class’ two design and equipment lines. The PROGRESSIVE is aimed at consumers who are seeking a rugged vehicle with extra styling and comfort functions, while also being a comfortable yet prestigious for private or dual use.
This is complemented by the high-end POWER, which is aimed at customers for whom styling, performance and comfort are essential.
Enthusiasts will be impressed by the X-Class’ two powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines that deliver a punchy performance. The high-torque common-rail diesel drive system with a displacement of 2.3 litres is available with a choice of two power outputs. Those in attendance will be taken aback by the X220d, offering 120kw, while the X250d generates no less than 140kw.
The X-Class X-Perience will convincingly demonstrate a number of the vehicle’s advantages, such as a 1000kg payload capacity, the effortless ability to tow up to 3 500kg, a ground clearance of 222mm and inclinations of up to 49 degrees.
In addition, the X-Class comes standard with the manufacturer’s PremiumDrive, designed to give customers complete peace of mind. It is one of the leading full maintenance plans in South Africa and ensures superior cover for 100 000 km/6 years, whichever occurs first. For a nominal cost, customers have the option of extending the maintenance plan up to a maximum of 180 000km/8 years, whichever occurs first.
“It is far more convincing for the X-Class do the talking, than for us to simply tell the public about it. I urge those who are unaware that the X-Class has disrupted the bakkie scene to come and experience it for themselves,” added Trimmel.
To register for the X-Class X-Perience, as well as to stand a chance to drive the X-Class for a weekend of your choice, log on to www.x-class.co.za.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is priced as follows:
Mercedes-Benz X220d double cab Progressive R 646 071
Mercedes-Benz X250d double cab Progressive auto R 699 200
Mercedes-Benz X250d double cab 4Matic Progressive R 701 615
Mercedes-Benz X250d double cab 4Matic Progressive auto R 729 675
Mercedes-Benz X250d double cab 4Matic Power R 796 145
Mercedes-Benz X250d double cab 4Matic Power auto R 824 205
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Celebrates 140 Years with an Epic Glob and the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Benz X-Class cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class starts from around R679,900 for the X220d Progressive manual, going up to R899,900 for the top-spec X350d Power automatic with all the bells and whistles.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz X-Class worth buying?
The X-Class is worth buying if you want the most luxurious bakkie money can buy in SA, with proper Mercedes interior quality and impressive off-road capability, but expect to pay premium prices for that three-pointed star.
Q: How powerful is the Mercedes-Benz X-Class engine?
The X-Class offers three engine options: the X220d with 120kW, the X250d with 140kW, and the range-topping X350d V6 with 190kW and 550Nm of torque for serious towing power.
Q: What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class?
The X-Class achieves between 8.6L/100km for the four-cylinder X220d and X250d models, while the V6 X350d drinks around 9.0L/100km, which is decent for a premium bakkie of this size.
Q: How much can the Mercedes-Benz X-Class tow?
The X-Class can tow up to 3,500kg when properly equipped, making it perfect for hauling boats, trailers, or caravans for those weekend getaways to the coast.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is worth buying if you have R680,000 to R900,000 and want the most sophisticated bakkie in South Africa. The best X-Class under R750,000 in SA is the X250d Progressive automatic at R739,900, offering the sweet spot of 140kW power, luxury interior, and proper off-road capability. While it costs significantly more than rivals like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux, you're paying for genuine Mercedes quality, refinement that makes passengers forget they're in a bakkie, and the prestige of owning the only premium German double-cab on our roads. However, if budget is tight or you need a workhorse rather than a lifestyle vehicle, stick with the proven Japanese or American alternatives that cost R200,000 less.
