Mercedes-Benz reveals prices and spec for range-topping X350d V6 pickup

Engines include a 161bhp diesel X220d and a 187bhp X250d, as well as a 163bhp petrol unit in some markets. A 255bhp, 542lb ft V6 diesel will be released in mid-2018. The X220d and X250d 4Matic provide selectable four-wheel drive, while the six-cylinder unit has permanent four-wheel drive. All versions have low-range gearing; a locking rear axle differential is optional.

Volker Morningweg, head of vans, says Mercedes feels "it's the right time to launch a premium pickup. We've put a lot of effort into this." Target models, although not premium, are Toyota Hilux - "a solid product" - and the Ford Ranger. "We investigated both of these. We're new to this segment, so we have to be considered. Our clear target was excellent refinement - this is more a lifestyle-oriented pickup. It's not a basic workhorse." It will be built in Spain and in Córdoba, Argentina.

Pickups are mostly about carrying loads, and the X-Class can carry up to 1042kg – similar to that of mainstream competitors such as the Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navarra. The load bed length is 1587mm, its width 1560mm and height (to the top of the loadbed walls) 474mm. The X-Class will tow a 3.5-tonne load equivalent to a three-berth horsebox or an 8m yacht. It’s slightly wider than its competitors and has the longest wheelbase in the class.

Load-securing points are also standard and they become load-securing rails on higher trim levels. Typical pickup options include a styled body-colour rear canopy, a plastic load-bed liner, a bed-divider system, soft and hard tonneau covers, an aluminium roll-top cover, a 156-litre storage box, running boards, a roll-over hoop and a three-piece detachable stainless steel underguard.

There is a connectivity app that enables users to remotely locate the vehicle, check its fuel level and navigate from door to door via a smartphone. Another unusual feature is a higher standard of interior finish than typically found in pickups. Mercedes’ Comand infotainment and 360deg cameras are also options.

We've taken a ride in the X-Class - here's what we thought

In 12 minutes, we enthusiastically attacked a race track, performed standing starts on super-steep hills, effortlessly descended them, traversed a set of moguls that got wheels dangling, clambered over boulders and through a water splash, before riding a bank of earth that tilted this Mercedes 42deg from the horizontal. At that angle, an occupant sitting on the low side of the car is almost close enough to the ground to drop a window and pick flowers. At the 50deg tilt that is this pickup’s tip limit, it would certainly be possible. So that’s impressive.

So is the X-Class’s aura of robustness and the basic pliancy of its suspension over rough stuff, making it supple enough to cushion sharp jolts effectively. Suspension articulation seems promising, too, with the succession of earth hillocks that compress the front-left, rear-right, front-right and rear-left springs alternately being taller obstacles than most drivers would tackle. The steep hill from a standing start is no trouble in this X250d automatic, with the task further eased by a hill-holder.