Mercedes-Benz X-Class 2017 first drive

This is the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, the pickup truck that everyone is going to want. Luxury pickup trucks have taken Europe by storm and nowhere more so than in the UK, where sales this year will likely top 55,000 - a 15% increase on 2016.

The Ford Ranger is the market leader, but the Volkswagen Amarok is the real rival to the X-Class at the highest end of the market.

Jointly developed with Renault-Nissan, the X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara and next year’s Renault Alaskan, but it’s a loose connection and a partnership that Mercedes has taken great lengths to make its mark on.

While the form may appear familiar, exterior body panels actually share just a few common elements with the Navara. And the inside is almost unrecognisable. Power does come from a shared Renault-built 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with two outputs – the single-turbo 161bhp X220d and the twin-turbo 187bhp X250d.

A 163bhp petrol engine will be launched in some markets, but the powertrain that should propel the X-Class to the top of the pack is a 255bhp, 542lb ft V6 diesel that will be released in mid-2018.

For now, the X220d gets a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the X250d receives a seven-speed auto. Both get selectable four-wheel drive, but next year’s V6 will have permanent four-wheel drive and a revised seven-speed automatic gearbox. All models get a low-range gearbox with the option of a locking differential.

The X-Class can tow a 3.5-tonne trailer and transport a maximum load of 1,067kg in a load bed measuring 1587mm by 1560mm.

The lifestyle pickup segment is closing the gap on the SUV market and the X-Class is the vehicle setting the standard.

The entry-level X-Class Pure trim is a stripped-down, minimalist work model – it will therefore be an uncommon sight in the UK. More popular will be the Progressive trim, which adds colour-matched bumpers and alloy wheels, as well as chrome-look surrounds to parts of the dash. The top Power trim sets the X-Class out as a premium pickup, with leather steering wheel and seats, as well as smart leather-covered dash. LED high-performance headlights and rear lights also feature, along with keyless go, 18in alloys and eight-way electrically adjustable front seats.

The X-Class's interior is smarter than the more utilitarian Volkswagen Amarok, but could nevertheless still do with higher-grade plastics on the lower parts of the dash to make the pickup a truly premium commercial vehicle.