The German manufacturer’s short-lived foray into the dual private and business use mid-size pick-up truck segment, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class arrived in late 2017 as a response to the rising popularity of this Japanese-dominated segment in the wider context, and perhaps more specifically to the success Ford was enjoying with the Ranger in Europe. 

A disappointing sales venture for Mercedes-Benz, the X-Class was discontinued as of only 2020. Nevertheless, it is an impressive premium-brand interpretation of a more utilitarian segment that has struck a chord with some motorists. 

Never introduced officially to the Jordanian market, the X-Class is however available locally through independent importers and is becoming a not too uncommon sight. Popular with a certain brand conscious strata of Jordanian motorists, the X-Class’ press pack underlines the sort of clientele being targeted in countries where such pick-ups are similarly popular, including examples such as Argentine "land owners and farmers”, Australian "business owners and building contractors”, Brazilians with "an affinity for premium products”, "trend-conscious” South Africans and Britons, and "sporty adventurers in New Zealand”.

West looks East

Despite a rich truck, van and off-roader making history, including the all-conquering Unimog, Mercedes-Benz however looked to occasional collaborator Nissan, for developing the X-Class. Largely based on the highly regarded Nissan Navara, the X-Class avoided the development costs of adapting something like the Mercedes’ G-Class platform, and instead relies on the Navara’s thoroughly proven and long-running pick-up experience. In fact, the X-Class wasn’t the only recent Japanese-based European pick-up, with both the Renault Alaskan and Fiat Fullback borrowing platforms from the Navara and the Mitsubishi L200, respectively.

Recognisable to keen observers as a Navara relation from profile views, with its short front overhang, small rear window kink and general proportions, the X-Class’s fascia however clearly identifies it as a Mercedes-Benz. Seamlessly integrated with the German manufacturer’s corporate look, the X-Class’s features a snouty slotted two-slat grille with tri-star emblem and muscular lower "chin”. While its slim headlights and twin crease clamshell bonnet are typically handsome Mercedes fare, its elegantly slim vertical rear lights are meanwhile more unique to the segment and brand.

Sophisticated set-up

More than just a simple badge-engineered Navara, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class features premium noise, vibration and harshness refinement. But more importantly, it is built on the more sophisticated European market version of the Navara, which pairs multi-link coil spring rear suspension with a rigid rear axle, instead of the Middle East market Navaras’ more traditional and work-oriented leaf springs. Using the same body-on-frame F-Alpha platform, the X-Class rides on independent double wishbone suspension at the front, and features hydraulic-assisted power steering inherited from the Navara.

Available with four engines including Mercedes-sourced entry-level and range-topping options and two Nissan-sourced mid-range units, the penultimate X250d 4Matic variant is however the best pick for its combination of performance, efficiency and compactness. With sophisticated twin-turbo common-rail diesel 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine, the X250d 4Matic develops 187BHP at 3,750rpm and a massive 332lb/ft torque throughout 1,500-2,500rpm. Coupled with optional 7-speed automatic gearbox and a weight of 2,234kg to propel, this output translates into confident 11.8-second 0-100km/h acceleration, a 175km/h top speed and 7.9l/100km combined cycle fuel efficiency.