Mercedes Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 engine: the brand's most powerful pick-up arrives

Brands aim to considerably increase their sales figures and, to achieve that goal, they turn to introducing new models or segments. On many occasions, certain types of vehicle that were considered obsolete have been revived, yet firms such as Mercedes have managed to adapt them to perfection. We are referring to the new X-Class, a pick-up that aims to enter today’s market both as a personal and an industrial vehicle, something the star brand is doing remarkably well.

When we think of a pick-up we tend to associate it with work related to the countryside or with carrying various heavy items, yet Mercedes has wanted to turn this concept 360º. To do so, it has added a new engine to the X-Class range, one that stands out for its far wilder and sportier side of the German pick-up.

In this way, the Mercedes X-Class not only offers clear off-road capability, but also unprecedented on-road dynamism. To achieve this combination, the brand had to fit a permanent all-wheel-drive system and pair it with the powerful engine that will accompany you on every adventure.

Specifically, we have the X-Class 350d 4Matic, which means a V6 diesel engine capable of producing 258 CV and an impressive 550 Nm of engine torque, a figure delivered between 1,400 and 3,200 rpm. This means our pick-up has sufficient power from a very low rev range, ideal for getting out of tricky situations. At the same time, this tuning gives the more powerful X-Class an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds, an impressive figure considering the type of vehicle it is.

However, power alone makes no sense, so the engineers at Mercedes have fitted a seven-speed automatic gearbox with dual clutch but, to complement the X-Class package, a permanent all-wheel-drive system has also been included. To do this, a centre differential has been installed to distribute the V6’s power between the front and rear axles, so that the final result is a split of 40% and 60% respectively.

The driver can choose between three different all-wheel-drive modes: 4Mat, designed for more dynamic driving; 4H, the ideal system for terrain demanding off-road capability; and finally 4L, which engages a reduction gear with a 1:2.9 ratio. These three modes will make the experience on board the X-Class highly satisfying in any kind of circumstance.

Without a doubt, this variant of the German pick-up is presented as a vehicle very suitable for more adventurous customers who, at the same time, require a car capable of meeting any kind of demand, whether personal or industrial. We do not yet know the prices, but we will soon learn more about the X-Class 350d 4Matic at the Geneva Motor Show, which starts next Monday.