Mercedes-Benz X-Class Review - Is it worth it?

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class bakkie (or pick-up, if you live outside South Africa) has just hit our showrooms. It's a headline-grabbing car and the first vehicle of its kind from the luxury German manufacturer. What's more, it has claimed the dubious crown as South Africa's most expensive bakkie... by some margin.
In this video review we take a detailed look at the newcomer and compare it with its obvious competitors: the Volkswagen Amarok and Nissan Navara (the Japanese bakkie upon which it is based).
0:00 Intro
1:09 Exterior Design
1:14 Pricing
1:28 Comparison to Nissan Navara
1:42 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Size compared to rivals
2:33 Tour of the Front Interior and Features
4:19 Engine, Power, and Torque
5:03 To Buy Or Not To Buy?
5:42 Preview on the V6 Amarok
6:00 Comfort and Ride Quality
6:37 Pricing Compared To Nissan Navara
7:25 Outro
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[@phutitladi7875]

The new tenderpreneur uniform

[@GraemeScala]

"The interior is not the best part about the Mercedes X-Class" - and right there is epic fail of the day for Merc SA. How then do they justify the pricetag when you can have a fully-specced Navara for about R300k less (dealer discounts included)?

[@swanblake]

Honestly one of the best reviewers. Love his review style and sense of humor. Great work

[@TheSchalk1982]

Whats really scary is, a top Spec Navara comes std with Satnav, leather seats, rear view camera, park distance control etc. On the Mercedes they are optional and very expensive extras. Yes the Merc is R220 000 more expensive than the list price on the Navara, but Nissan are discounting new Navaras anything between R80 000 to R100 000. Factor in that and the extras and the gap almost R400 000.

[@gazg00]

Schalk VAN DER WESTHUIZEN I'm waiting to see what unfolds with the upcoming Renault Alaskan, which is related to the Nissan and Merc.

[@David-Zita]

Man your reviews are exotic. Out of this world.

[@naeemmuhammad6713]

Same key,Same engine,Same chassis,Same Drivetrain,Same factory,I think paying R250k for a Mercedes badge is not really worth it.

[@gustavchuene7430]

Naeem Muhammad that's just so freakin disappointing, they could have at least disguised u home of the things like the key for instance 😏😏😏

[@Tamak_]

Not the same engine, also the Ad-blue isn’t equipped on the X-class. Edit: didn’t knew they also took the engine and tweaked it, my bad

[@faisal6232]

Naeem Muhammad true

[@ecpnothnagel9121]

And then they glue that badge upside down? No thank you

[@keotshepilemodise6171]

Naeem Muhammad I agree go for Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux D

[@william2058]

Spot on review, would never think twice about buying one.

[@gustavchuene7430]

I think merc....just missed it here. The price tag is insane, I'd buy myself a ranger 3.2

[@bluetec258]

You go do that

[@gustavchuene7430]

bluetec258 wasn't asking for an opinion

[@gustavchuene7430]

T who are you to tell me that, and what business of yours is it?

[@gustavchuene7430]

I can say what I want, when I want, this was not directed at you. Why hey personal?

[@benanas09]

Gustav Chuene I wasn’t asking for an opinion

[@theodoreiliaskos]

very good review. enjoyed it. thank you!

[@sebastiaanstander504]

That's one expensive nissan navara.

[@TheABS2820]

Do you know what Co-branding is ? guess you should take a business class.

[@Terence__]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@hondatrix]

This is NOT just co-branding, this is a rip-off!

[@TheABS2820]

there are many benefits for both companies here, and for the consumers as well.

[@zavier1304]

Brown Iverson I guess you should take a class in South Africans don't really give a shit.If it's good it's good,if it's not,we won't buy it.

[@TycoonRR]

Thanks for the honest review

[@kiveshanmoodley7616]

Great new video guys. Where have u been.

[@kamogelomsekoaila2681]

They basically took a Navara and put the mercedes sign everywhere😂. Even the key is a Nissan key with a Mercedes badge. Wow

[@mrsmith5846]

I hope that the second generation is based on their own platform and with a single cab added to the line up.

[@neokgatla]

Merc really messed up this one. R800k for an entry model? What on earth were they thinking!

[@ApostolosMoutzouris1979]

Neo Kgatla they thinking there are stupid people out there that will pay the money just for the badge and just wait for it

[@TycoonRR]

It’s that “fuck you , give me your money ” attitude that these arrogant companies have.

[@bontleheadbush6340]

Neo Kgatla pluk

[@kamogelomsekoaila2681]

People are buying this😂. It's more for Status than wanting a Bakkie. Entry level Ranger is half the price. Buying the X Class makes no sense if you just want a bakkie

[@neoratombo7886]

1:14 "and the badge is on upside down" 😂😂😂

[@zwonaka95]

I see an Amarok based Audi Bakkie coming soon

[@jimbobjones1858]

...and a Porsche to follow soon?

[@fvlok]

This made me laugh. 😆 The motor industry is such a sham nowadays!

[@skhuciti]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@itntenterprise8563]

Mohau

[@stumzamokumo7071]

Zwivhuya Sivhabu

[@joefreybolina3221]

Very nice.

[@hectic9082]

Can you imagine if AMG comes out with an AMG X 63s?

[@abulelekufa7898]

Can you please have a comparison test between the Top of the Ranges of the Bakkies on the SA market. We need to know which one is the best ASAP regardless of the price

[@nielwilliams4687]

Thats easy, Hilux all the way.

[@ElishaMukumba]

How does it stack up against a Ranger wildtrak?

[@moeketsimaphela18]

I can already imagine how popular this is going to be in South Africa.

[@ryangovindsmay4391]

S Maphela not very

[@helenaolwage5530]

S Maphela ：）

[@helenaolwage5530]

（）

[@TRams0207]

Waiting for the X63 AMG 4MATIC with V8 Biturbo engine

[@dirkvandermerwe8444]

Tumelor - to do WHAT with???

[@TRams0207]

Dirk van der Merwe To piss on the Ford Ranger Raptor

[@thabomoloi5473]

@@TRams0207 that's a far-fetched possibility. The best they can do is bring back a refined Viano 300 CDI engine and fit it in. That's when it'll start competing with Ranger Raptor & Amarok 3l V6. But Interior wise, nothing compares to the Amarok in the segment in SA.

[@asisiphoasisipho1108]

Thanks

[@suzandalouw537]

Nice ❤️

[@mashotoshaku]

"And the badge is on upside down"

[@muzomkhuluncube321]

Knock out! It was over from that point...

[@neoratombo7886]

Mashoto Shaku 😂😂😂

[@hondatrix]

pOS2X correct..it is a POS x 2

[@zeryin]

Mashoto Shaku how can you tell

[@dlaminisabelo8505]

So one is expected to pay so much more for ride quality and towing capabilities. I have always been an Amarok fan but since V6 came the Wildtrack made more sense.

[@yandisamtshali7228]

I would prefer the Ford Ranger XLT model it makes more sense

[@moeketsimaphela18]

Notification squad

[@hondatrix]

Like the honesty of this review, so many others "ignore" the Datsun heritage of this "wannabee" Merc.

[@victormonge8755]

Que belleza de carro.

[@philipsnyman1407]

Not swapping my v6 amarok for this anytime soon!! Doesn't look to bad tho.

[@albertviljoen9606]

Best buy if you can swing it.

[@oomstu]

I'd be keen to see a review between this bakkie and the Nivara its based on

[@nikhilnadasan6028]

people dont buy bakkies for use rather they buy it as just as a fashion statement and that's why this will do really well as certain consumers have been looking for something to distinguish themselves from those who cant afford this huge price tag. Personally id get a Hilux or Amarok but i see why this will sell and its because it wears that badge.

[@jeffsama7601]

Changing gears is the best part of driving a car

[@andilezef118]

mmm my God oooh this car, plz bless me God saw I may surely but it, I really love it.

[@HoofHearted2DAY]

Is it made in Thailand with the other NISSAN NAVARAS?

[@wilfredgordon5064]

If im right the drive was done at durbanville contermanskloof area good choice

[@Preyser123]

Personally I don't see the point of having an automatic gearbox in a bakkie, even when cruizing for long distances. Over R700000 for an entry level double cab from Mercedes is way too expensive. It's the Kb all the way with the Hilux in 2nd place if I had to go for a bakkie one day. The Isuzu double cabs from the mid-late 90's were the ones that officially introduced me to the world of double cab bakkies and they will always be my favourites, although they are 20 or so years old now, but I would take one any day as long as it is in good condition, runs and drives well and is well looked after. I like the 3.0 turbo diesel models from 2002 onwards as long as they don't make any fan noise when reving and under acceleration.

[@reko3103]

This thing is already so expensive; what will the 6 cylinder X-Class cost?

[@mercedesbenz3751]

3:17 lol🤣 That's deep

[@MrProwebsites]

Merc bakkie vs Navara bakkie drag race please!

[@MarnusvdMerwe]

Waiting for the Ford Ranger Raptor to come to S.A.!!

[@jeffsama7601]

The first mercedes double carbin.This I have to see

[@jeffstryker1454]

I’d buy the st-x navara and change the tyres and put a 2 and half inch lift kit on it.

[@davisdesigns1153]

For the amount of money, you would expect the badges to be orientated correctly😂

[@gazg00]

Saw one the other day, the badge on the grill is almost as big as my steering wheel........lol.

[@kickorsidumain6140]

So, wait for the facelift you say, I got you 😉 Ciro.

[@agentmonde1]

I'll wait for the Ranger Raptor

[@mothusimaake1566]

Great freggin review... I get that Mercedes wants to penetrate the pick-up truck market, but this certainly isn't consistent with their "The best of nothing" philosophy.

[@ghaliedcassiem3808]

Thank you for a honest and excellent review. Keep up t good work . From a South African all t way from Saudia Arabia and yes thy call it a pickup here or truck

[@naeemmuhammad6713]

Ghalied Cassiem arabs are famous for Toyota hilux

[@ghaliedcassiem3808]

Naeem Muhammad not 100% correct American brands are tops thy luv thr muscle cars and v6 and v8 pickups . The best part is cars are very cheap over here compare to South Africa which is ridiculous with new car prices.

[@naeemmuhammad6713]

Ghalied Cassiem Yeah you’re correct.when I came for umrah , I saw a lot of gmc and other muscle trucks. I was referring to the hilux because it’s a truck that is used for drifting and when ever we watch drifting videos,we always see the hilux

[@ghaliedcassiem3808]

Naeem Muhammad agree tough as nails thy even use it to transport camels /sheep 😀

[@joshgroenewald7454]

I am a huge Merc fan, but I don't think they have done the right kind of homework on what really a Bukkie is. If they had then it would have been rubberised and ditched the electric back window. And given more off road look it would have been better if they used the G class and made that into a Bukkie.

[@paulm5817]

Mercedes clearly make some unbelievable vehicles, I'm really not sure how people will feel about same key, same engine, same chassis and a crazy price tag for the 3 stars on the front. Ill stick to a Hilux or Amarok thanks

[@yvonnematswabolle6028]

I like mazedis bronze 2018 middle

[@davidfajardo6348]

X Class is NP300 Navara based. While SUV is Nissan Terra.

[@francoisstorbeck4007]

soooo..... Well done NISSAN... You've built an x class 4x4.... Who would have thought?????

[@ganjabobby]

That shot of the bird flying off in front of the vehicle at 04:39 was awesome. Hope the X-Class fails miserably.

[@mgciniwethu1801]

More expensive than a twin cab cruiser?

[@blacknation7736]

This car makes the V6 Amarok a bargain, as this car is not only expensive but ugly. The emptiness of the cabin 😕😕. But knowing South Africans this car will sell.

[@odilovonsteinitz9205]

As I read your headline, I had the strong suspicion that your question was rhetorical. Indeed, why pay about a third more for what remains an ergonomical nightmare.

[@neonpulse49]

nope! it's always gonna be hilux or ranger for me

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

Veer every other ute currency on the market is better 😒

[@nielsf2704]

A few changes would still make the car better than the current G Class

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Mercedes all way. The best or nothing. I think Mercedes knows their client base and did their research hence they borrowed the navara engine it’s extremely bullet proof. I knew someone who had navara with almost 400k mileage!

[@dns9155]

Are all engines in the x class borrowed from Nissan?

[@nani5987]

7mm?...its not that huge ...hope you know some measurements..btw i like your videos

[@jaycobigotoshcoolhurtado8633]

I have a toy of that I am so happy ps. I love your vid Ok bye

[@nawanekhomo3159]

Please compare it side by side with the Navara

[@Miss_Greatness]

I love Mercedes Benz but I prefer Ford Ranger

[@jeroenjansen2709]

It drives better than all the other bakkies so there will be people who are prepared to pay for it

[@bonginkosiomphile5773]

We're waiting for a drag race against the AMAROK × X-class.

[@yandisamtshali7228]

Let me spoil the drag race Amarok would win research

[@jldp24]

Amarok wins easily..Amarok beats all infact.

[@regularjoe4613]

Like my dad always said a navara with mascara

[@michael-jamescaroline9366]

Not worth the price. I bet if they put the Mercedes badge on a wheelbarrow they would sell it for over half a million rand!!!

[@gazg00]

michael-james caroline lol

[@Bonile0227]

😂

[@rajmahabeer6071]

michael-james caroline you so right wat are these Mercedes Dealers thinking 😎

[@funmibankole4770]

michael-james caroline Eritrea ee

[@joshchristieson8423]

I love merc’s. But I would have a ford ranger over this. If your gonna have a Mercedes have a sedan, suv or convertible or coupe.

[@effeuseekay3472]

Brilliant review but let's face facts. People who buy these vehicles are buying them for show not functionality.

[@SDav21]

I will die for Mercedes. But I agree with you here. I am very sad. This is just a compromise. It is just not the best or nothing as their slogan says. If it was, they would've: 1) Changed the key. I don't care that they must change the ignition system for it. You are paying R800k. 2) Remove all signs of Nissan inside and not skimp on practicality. They have perfectly good switches in their own parts bin from their commercial vehicles to use here. - There is that vast expanse of plastic below the radio switches/CD slot where a small opening could've been - The cupholders get in the way of the command controller - The AC switches should've been those from the current C Class which would've just been thin row of button beneath the radio controls/CD slot. If not from the current C Class then even those from the previous one - The window switches and door handles should have been pure Mercedes items - The steering wheel should have been adjustable for reach - I can't understand why they could not have done the above when they have the parts in their parts bin which have been developed and proven!! 3) Used their own 2.2 diesel which is proven and extremely reliable as it is used in not just their passenger cars but their commercial vehicles too and can come with up to 150kw and 500nm. They have their own engines, why the hell use a new unproven one from Nissan??? Same goes for the gearbox. They could have even just used their own 7g tronic if they were not going to use the 9g tronic. There is no real excuse I think. They surely could have done the above without much cost since nothing new would have had to have been developed. The only issue may have been getting the Mercedes bits to work with a Nissan chassis. Then again, they have the best engineers in the world. This should not have been a problem. From a heartbroken Mercedes die hard fan. :-( PS. I hope they facelift or update it soon to get it to the point where it needs to be for that price. Their other cars are completely justified on price. The X Class is not. :-( Perhaps the extra development work in making it quieter and better to drive makes up the price difference?? I don't know.

[@tsekorakholile3686]

Wtf we have a G63 Amg why do i need a xclass

[@SDav21]

tseko rakholile I think you're replying to the wrong person... Otherwise... What are you saying?

[@Ben_TheBillionaire]

Can’t wait for the X63s...

[@dirkvandermerwe8444]

Bernard K - what for? Is your caravan that big?

[@Ben_TheBillionaire]

Dirk van der Merwe because 63s is bae.

[@vitaminq4348]

Thanks for the heads up. Definitely NOT giving this one a second look. This sounds like such a lazy entry into the pick-up market by Mercedes. Whatever happened to "The Best Or Nothing?"

[@madsciencebuilds]

For the money,Amarok V6 tdi... that merc is just far too expensive,they couldnt improve on the navara anyways,it was good from the start.the engine will never come close to the amarok v6 in a race... But we will wait,because i hear that later there will be an X350 coming. But that will have to be really good if benz wants to sell any units.

[@chazh7835]

Top of the range Kia picanto is more ergonomically designed

[@rodneyemmerich8828]

Your reviews are world class, in fact the rest of the herd cannot match you for constructive reporting

[@leilanijoffe7971]

Your amazing😘❤️

[@Franko357258]

Why would the badge be upside down ???

[@jorgechaves2164]

Its just an indication of where they are headed with this one...down...lol

[@SDav21]

That worries me. That means that the factory building them is just making sure the star itself is in the right position and not the entire badge. That means the standard of that Nissan factory it is being built in is not up to the same standard as a Mercedes factory itself. It also means they are not too concerned with the small details like real Mercs because well Nissan is Nissan and Mercedes is Mercedes. Very sad.

[@buffalovalley5586]

Franko Beckers the badge is upside down because the price is upside down

[@hondatrix]

I bet it was Siesta time just as this was built... What you should be asking is, what is "upside down" that you can't see....

[@albertviljoen9606]

Amarok, Hilux, Ranger, KB, Navara in that order...

[@mothusimaake1566]

Albert Viljoen Isuzu ?🤣

[@Hofni]

What's wrong with Isuzu being 4th?

[@YusufPetersenCPT]

The badge is actually not on correct its just 90degrees to much to the left.. oooo the person that put that on is facepalming hard right about now. Just the fact that its a nissan underneath sucks the only reason most people will buy it is for the name though and that KEY!!! but hey if nissan can be reliable enough its a good thing.

[@melulekimkhweli6189]

Cars have really gone up ....its now 2023 and a 2020 Toyota legend 50 bakkie is more expensive then a Mercedes x250d was priced in 2018

[@Yanga_M]

This is a car for people who have more cents than sense. It's a huge middle finger to sensibility. It's just a way the Khumalo's let the Molefe's know they have more numbers on their payslips. 800k for such a basic Bakkie where people can steal your groceries out the boot is madness. If you have 800k to spend on a tall Mercedes-Benz then buy a GLC. You also won't look like a colossal moegoe in a GLC either. Mercedes is really taking chances with this vehicle.

[@gekolizzard]

An upside down badge on the bonnet? Your paying almost 800k and they cant be bothered about the badging being correct? Phuk that.

[@mahlatsesydney6532]

totyota hilux will do merc should stick on creating sedans an hatch back

[@ianlz2207]

Not worth it, nothing special about that Mercedes , I would buy a V6 amarok instead

[@riaanennelitacoetzer1378]

R796k for a badge and then they put it on upside down?!

[@christovandernest5877]

Cant beat a Hilux!

[@johanoosthuizen6563]

Agree.!! You pay for the Name haha. I'D rather get a Ford or Toyota and spend more on extras

[@demk.818]

X-class all : 0.85g the medium traction, tail flick, slide, 20-100 l/100km, over 100 l/100km (2.0T : over 100 l/100km) with 160 km/h to top speed on circuits by wider front track than rear track in below 10 mm. bodyworks all. Whoever support these ones never care extreme traction over 1g at axis x, y, z standard. End report. From Mercedes Benz x-class databases all

[@saobx3956]

I'm still confused as to why one of the biggest truck manufacturers rebadged Nissans. Why not pull from the G-class and UNIMOG to make a kick-ass pickup. The 6x6 was amazing. This is just depressing.

[@vijayreddy6369]

really a huge 7mm

[@jaycobigotoshcoolhurtado8633]

Ok

[@kiketve2]

should have come with bed liner already for that price and bad ass tires with a winch in the front.I rather buy a TOYOTA TACOMA it is quality beyond belief. had a Tundra and it never did any repairs untill somebody hit me head on, then that was it, another thing is the resale value is excellent on Toyotas vehicles

[@brucebanner9911]

I drive a v6 amarok and went for a testdrive in the merc, what a disappointment. With all my exstras and that included a seikel suspension, long range tank and rubberising among others i was just over 800k. Got a great deal from speedy car sales in klerksdorp. To do the same on this your gona end up at close to 1mil! The merc is just not worth up there

[@shamz108s4]

Internet... this is how you do a review!

[@Nicolas-ds2yt]

a ram laramie longorn is hell of a lot more luxurious and capabel

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

52k rand gets you a top end navara, with leather.....why would I bother with this!!! Did you say 84k

[@TravelingCharlie]

Sorry lad, I could finish watching the video due to the music in the background being a distraction.