Mercedes-Benz X Class
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a pickup truck that doesn’t compromise on luxury? The Mercedes-benz X Class might be exactly what you need. This premium pickup truck brought genuine Mercedes refinement to the commercial vehicle sector, offering something truly unique in the market. It’s designed for people who need the practicality of a pickup but refuse to sacrifice comfort and prestige.

From the outside, the X Class commands attention with its distinctive grille and muscular stance. Unlike traditional pickups that prioritise function over form, this Mercedes manages to look both rugged and sophisticated. The interior is where it truly differentiates itself from rivals like the Nissan Navara or Ford Ranger. You’re greeted by a cabin that feels genuinely premium, with high quality materials and the latest Mercedes infotainment technology.

Driving the X Class reveals its dual personality perfectly. Around town, it rides more like a luxury SUV than a commercial vehicle, with excellent refinement and surprisingly composed handling. The powerful diesel engines provide plenty of pulling power for towing, while the sophisticated suspension setup ensures your cargo and passengers stay comfortable. While it commanded a premium price when new, you’re paying for that unmistakable Mercedes quality and engineering excellence that sets it apart from more utilitarian alternatives.

What's the Mercedes-benz X Class Like to Drive?

The Mercedes-Benz X Class was available with a range of efficient diesel engines designed for both power and economy. The entry level X 220d produces 163 horsepower and provides adequate performance for most users. For those wanting more capability, the X 250d with 190 horsepower offers stronger acceleration and better towing capacity. The range topping X 350d V6 delivers 258 horsepower and impressive torque, making light work of heavy loads and steep gradients.

Where the X Class truly excels is in its on road manners. The steering is precise and well weighted, feeling more like a premium SUV than a commercial pickup truck. The suspension expertly balances load carrying ability with passenger comfort. Even when unladen, it doesn’t bounce or feel unsettled like many rivals. The advanced four wheel drive system provides excellent traction in challenging conditions, while the high ground clearance and approach angles make it genuinely capable off road. It’s a vehicle that inspires confidence whether you’re navigating city streets or countryside tracks.

How Comfortable Is the Mercedes-benz X Class?

Step inside and the X Class immediately demonstrates why it commanded a premium over conventional pickups. The dashboard layout is familiar from other Mercedes models, featuring high quality soft touch plastics and intuitive controls. The central infotainment screen provides access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings with typical Mercedes clarity. Materials throughout feel robust and well finished, from the supportive seats to the precisely engineered switchgear.

Front seat passengers enjoy excellent comfort levels with plenty of adjustment range and good visibility. The rear seats are surprisingly spacious for occasional passengers, though they’re primarily designed for tools and equipment storage. Road and wind noise are exceptionally well controlled for a pickup truck, creating a refined cabin environment that rivals many luxury cars. Standard equipment includes smartphone connectivity, climate control, and a comprehensive safety package. Higher specification models add leather upholstery, upgraded audio systems, and additional comfort features that enhance the premium experience.

The Mercedes X Class succeeded in creating something genuinely unique in the pickup truck market. It delivered authentic Mercedes luxury and refinement in a practical commercial vehicle format. The interior quality, driving dynamics, and overall polish exceeded anything else available in the sector. Performance from the diesel engines, particularly the V6, provided both strong pulling power and reasonable economy.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Mercedes-benz X Class Expensive to Run?

As a premium pickup truck, the X Class comes with correspondingly higher running costs than mainstream alternatives. Fuel economy ranges from 28 to 34 MPG depending on the engine and specification, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability. Insurance costs reflect the Mercedes badge and higher vehicle values, placing it in elevated groups compared to basic commercial pickups.

The main consideration is depreciation and parts costs. As a discontinued model with limited production numbers, finding replacement parts can be more expensive than for volume sellers. However, the robust Mercedes engineering means reliability is generally good when properly maintained. Service intervals are reasonable, and the diesel engines are known for longevity. While running a X Class won’t be the cheapest option, the combination of capability, comfort, and prestige helps justify the additional expense, especially with flexible car finance options available to spread the costs.

Mercedes-benz X Class Practicality & Boot Space

For a premium pickup, the X Class delivers impressive practicality credentials. The load bed measures over 1.5 meters in length and can accommodate a full size Euro pallet. Maximum payload of 1,037 kilograms means it can handle serious commercial work, while the 3,500 kilogram towing capacity makes it suitable for large trailers or caravans. The tailgate is well engineered and easy to operate, with optional bed liner and load securing points enhancing usability.

Inside, storage solutions are well thought out with door pockets, cupholders, and a useful centre console. The high driving position provides excellent visibility for manoeuvring in tight spaces. While dimensions make it challenging in narrow city streets, the advanced parking sensors and optional reversing camera help with placement. For businesses requiring a vehicle that can handle commercial duties during the week and family transport at weekends, the X Class offered a compelling proposition among used Mercedes-benz cars. Its unique combination of luxury and utility remains unmatched in the pickup segment.

The Mercedes X Class carved out a unique position by bringing genuine luxury to the pickup truck segment. It successfully combined Mercedes build quality, advanced technology, and refined driving characteristics with genuine commercial vehicle capability. The powerful diesel engines, sophisticated four wheel drive system, and premium interior made it stand out from utilitarian competitors.

While it may not offer the best value proposition or highest payload capacity, the X Class excels where it matters most for many buyers: comfort, refinement, and prestige. Its distinctive styling and Mercedes badge create a strong presence that few rivals can match. For those seeking a pickup that doesn’t compromise on luxury, the X Class remains the benchmark. With cars under £30,000 now available on the used market, it represents an opportunity to own something truly special in the pickup world.