The Mercedes-Benz X-Class was a mid-size luxury pickup truck produced between 2017 and 2020. It was Mercedes’ first attempt at entering the global pickup truck market, but it was discontinued due to poor sales.
Key Details:
- Platform: Based on the Nissan Navara (NP300) and also shared components with the Renault Alaskan.
- Engine Options:
- 2.3L twin-turbo diesel (X220d/X250d) – 161-188 hp
- 3.0L V6 turbo diesel (X350d) – 254 hp, 406 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (standard) or 4MATIC all-wheel drive
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 lbs (3,500 kg)
- Payload Capacity: Around 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg)
- Luxury Features: Leather upholstery, premium infotainment, advanced safety tech (lane assist, autonomous braking, etc.).
Comparison: Mercedes-Benz X-Class vs. Other Luxury Pickup Trucks
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz X-Class | Ford Ranger Raptor | Toyota Hilux Invincible X | Volkswagen Amarok V6 | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production | 2017-2020 (Discontinued) | 2018-Present | 2019-Present | 2016-Present | 2016-Present |
| Base Price | ~$50,000+ (Varies by market) | ~$44,000 | ~$45,000 | ~$48,000 | ~$40,000 |
| Platform | Nissan Navara-based | Ford T6 platform | Toyota Hilux-based | Ford Ranger-based | Honda Pilot-based |
| Engine Options | 2.3L I4 Diesel (161-188 hp) 3.0L V6 Diesel (254 hp) | 2.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel (210 hp) | 2.8L Turbo Diesel (201 hp) | 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel (268 hp) | 3.5L V6 Gas (280 hp) |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft (V6) | 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | RWD / 4MATIC AWD | 4WD | 4WD | 4MOTION AWD | AWD |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs | 5,500 lbs | 7,700 lbs | 7,700 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Luxury Features | Premium leather, infotainment, advanced safety tech | Off-road-focused, sports seats | Leather interior, rugged features | Digital cockpit, premium interior | Smooth ride, car-like interior |
How It Stacked Up
- Luxury: The X-Class had the most premium materials and technology.
- Performance: The V6-powered X350d was among the most powerful diesel pickups.
- Off-Roading: Ford Ranger Raptor excelled in off-road performance, while the X-Class was more road-focused.
- Towing & Payload: Matched by the Toyota Hilux and VW Amarok.
Verdict: Why It Didn’t Work
- Too Expensive for a Pickup – Buyers weren’t willing to pay premium prices for a truck based on a Nissan.
- Not Luxurious Enough – Unlike a Mercedes-Benz SUV, it still felt like a rebranded Navara.
- Struggled in Key Markets – Failed to gain traction in Australia, Europe, and South America, where Toyota and Ford dominate.
Do you think if Mercedes had built it on a dedicated luxury truck platform instead of using the Nissan Navara, it might have had more success?
Category: CarTalk