The automotive world watched with bated breath when Mercedes-Benz announced the X-Class. It was a bold move: a premium manufacturer stepping into a segment dominated by workhorses. While the initial four-cylinder models faced criticism for feeling too similar to the Nissan Navara they were based on, the arrival of the X350d changed the conversation entirely. This wasn’t just a rebadged truck; it was a statement that a pickup could be sophisticated, powerful, and genuinely luxurious.
When reviewing the Mercedes X350d, it makes sense to compare it with other pickup trucks to understand how it performs in real-world use. Factors like reliability, performance, and long-term ownership costs all play a role in the decision. Regan Auto helps clarify these points before choosing any SUV, car, or pickup truck, including the Mercedes X350d. The X350d finally brought the muscle to match the badge, offering a driving experience that bridged the gap between a rugged utility vehicle and a high-end SUV.
The Heart of the Beast: V6 Power and Performance
The biggest complaint about the early X-Class models was the engine. That problem vanished with the X350d. Under the hood sits the OM642, a genuine Mercedes-Benz 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. This isn’t a borrowed component; it is the same powerhouse found in many of the brand’s celebrated passenger cars and SUVs.
It delivers 255 horsepower (190 kW) and a massive 550 Nm of torque. What makes this engine special is how that power is delivered. You get peak torque from as low as 1,400 rpm, meaning you don’t have to rev the engine hard to get moving. Whether you are towing a heavy trailer or merging onto a fast-moving highway, the power is instant and effortless.
Mated to this engine is the 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the jerky gearboxes found in many commercial vehicles, this transmission shifts imperceptibly. It offers a level of refinement that completely separates the X350d from the competition. In real-world testing, this truck sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.5 seconds, a figure that puts it neck-and-neck with the Volkswagen Amarok V6.
Driving Dynamics: SUV Comfort in a Pickup Body
Driving a pickup usually comes with compromises. They can be bouncy when empty, noisy at speed, and vague in the corners. The X350d tackles these issues head-on. Mercedes engineers widened the track and retuned the suspension—featuring double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear—to create a ride that feels planted and secure.
On the highway, the difference is night and day compared to standard utes. The cabin is remarkably quiet, with wind and road noise kept to a minimum. You could easily conduct a business call via Bluetooth at 70 mph without raising your voice. The steering is precise, offering good feedback that gives you confidence on winding country roads.
The Dynamic Select system allows you to tailor the truck’s behavior to your mood. You can switch between Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual, and Off-road modes. In Sport mode, the throttle response sharpens, and the gearbox holds gears longer, making the heavy truck feel surprisingly agile. Conversely, Comfort mode smooths everything out for long-distance cruising.
Off-Road Capabilities and Adventure Readiness
Don’t let the luxury badge fool you; this truck is built to get dirty. The X350d features a permanent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Unlike part-time systems that require you to stop and engage 4WD, this system is always active. It splits torque 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear, giving the truck a sporty, rear-wheel-drive feel while maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
For serious off-roading, the X350d is equipped with a low-range reduction gear and an optional locking rear differential. These tools allow you to crawl up steep, rocky inclines with precision. The technical numbers back up its capability: it has a wading depth of 600mm and a ground clearance of up to 222mm depending on the suspension setup.
We tested the X350d on steep gravel tracks and muddy ruts, and it never faltered. The Hill-Descent Control system works flawlessly, managing your speed down steep slopes so you can focus on steering. It strikes a rare balance, offering enough capability for 99% of users while ensuring you arrive at your destination in absolute comfort.
Towing, Payload, and Practicality
A luxury pickup is useless if it cannot work, and the X350d earns its keep. It boasts a towing capacity of 3,500kg, matching the best in the segment. Whether you are hauling a horse float, a large caravan, or a boat, the V6 engine provides ample muscle. Crucially, the Trailer Stability Assist system is integrated into the vehicle’s stability control, helping to prevent the dreaded trailer sway before it becomes dangerous.
The load bed is designed with practicality in mind. It is wide enough to accommodate a Euro pallet between the wheel arches, a specific requirement for commercial users in Europe. With a payload capacity exceeding one tonne, you can load it up with heavy gear without the rear suspension sagging excessively. The bed also features lighting and a 12-volt socket, making it easier to work at night or power small tools.
Exterior Design: Rough Yet Sophisticated
The X350d demands attention. Mercedes successfully grafted its SUV design language onto a pickup silhouette. The massive twin-louvre grille and the oversized three-pointed star dominate the front end, flanked by high-performance LED headlights. The flared wheel arches and wider track give it a muscular stance that looks significantly more aggressive than the donor Nissan chassis.
Owning a vehicle with this level of finish requires care. The chrome accents on the bumper and the deep, lustrous paintwork set it apart from standard work trucks. For owners looking to keep that showroom shine after a weekend in the bush, adhering to professional bodywork and maintenance standards is essential. Proper care ensures the X-Class retains its premium appeal and resale value, even if you use it as intended.
Interior: A Premium Cabin Experience
Stepping inside the X350d feels more like entering a C-Class than a utility vehicle. The dashboard features the signature Mercedes round air vents and a floating infotainment screen controlled by a touchpad. The use of Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfiber on the seats and dash adds a layer of plushness you simply don’t find in rivals like the Ford Ranger.
Technology is a strong point, with a 360-degree camera system that makes parking this large vehicle surprisingly easy. However, there are a few reminders of its humble roots. Storage space is limited, with small door pockets and a lack of convenient cubbies for your phone or wallet. Despite these minor gripes, the cabin remains the quietest and most comfortable in the pickup segment.
Comparison and Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The X-Class had a short life, ending production in 2020 due to high pricing and slow sales. It struggled to convince buyers to pay a premium over the Volkswagen Amarok V6 or the Ford Ranger Raptor. However, on the used market, the X350d makes a lot more sense.
If you compare it to the Amarok, the Mercedes offers a better interior and a smoother transmission. Against the Raptor, the Mercedes is more refined on the road and better suited for towing. It occupies a unique niche for the driver who needs a workhorse but refuses to sacrifice the comfort of a luxury SUV.
Conclusion
The Mercedes X350d entered the market with a different approach to the pickup segment. It combined premium features with traditional truck capability, which made it stand out, but also limited its appeal to a narrower audience. Its strengths and compromises become clearer when compared with other pickups in real-world use.
