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NEWS: X-CLASS
XARRIVES
CLASS
Mercedes-Benz launched
its dual-cab X-Class ute range
in Australia this month, with its
sights – as you’d expect – firmly
set on creating a prestige niche
in the red-hot dual-cab 4X4 ute
segment. Priced from $45,540,
the X-Class is available in 13
model variants, which include
three model grades, two fourcylinder
diesel engines, styleside
or cab-chassis tray options and
a choice of manual or automatic
transmissions. We all know
that the X-Class is based on
the current Navara and uses
the Navara’s drivetrain, which
means a choice of a singleturbo
2.3-litre diesel in the X
220d or a twin-turbo version
of the same engine in the X
250d, with 120kW/403Nm and
140kW/450Nm respectively.
For those wanting a more
complete Mercedes-Benz
experience, the X 350d Mercedes-
Benz powered V6 version of the
X-Class with 190kW/550Nm, is
due later this year and it will be
the only V6 powered dual-cab ute
available in Australia with a lowrange
transfer case.
All X-Class variants include
seven airbags as standard, plus
autonomous emergency braking
(AEB), lane-keep assist, active
brake assist and tyre-pressure
monitoring. The X-Class is the
first of the dual-cab utes to
achieve a five-star ANCAP rating
under the new testing procedures,
which make autonomous
emergency braking mandatory for
a five-star rating.
There are three model grades
in the X-Class line-up; the entrylevel
Pure, mid-level Progressive
and the top-spec Power. The