Mercedes-Benz X-Class Edition 1: Big Money
Australia’s new most-expensive mid-size ute will arrive in July, with the X350d-based X-Class Edition 1 checking in at a whopping $87,500 plus on-road costs.
That price point pits the vehicle well above current performance ute flagships including Volkswagen’s Amarok TDI580 Ultimate ($72,790), and Ford’s Ranger Raptor ($75,390).
As its name suggests, the Edition 1 will be built in limited numbers. Mercedes-Benz Vans has yet to disclose just how many units have been allocated locally.
What’s new?
The Edition 1 does not benefit from performance enhancements, but rather a unique range of cosmetic features to distinguish it from the X350d Power upon which it is based.
Three exterior colours are on offer – Kabara Black, Bering White and Rock Grey – which all sport blacked-out touches including a twin-louvre grille, front and rear bumper-bars, fog light surrounds, door handles, badges, roof rails and 19-inch twin-spoke alloys.
Bespoke exterior striping extends along the bonnet, side mirrors, skirts, tailgate and badge surrounds, which appear in high-gloss grey for the Kabara Black units, or matte black on the rest of the colour range.
Equipment-wise, the Edition 1 gains a black styling bar and tubed side steps, as well as a bedliner and hard tonneau cover.
Inside, the ute boasts specially embroidered floor mats and a chrome “Edition 1” badge on the dash.
Drivetrain
The German pick-up retains its 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel motor, matched with a permanent all-wheel-drive system, and outputting 190kW and 550Nm.
With no mechanical upgrades, the Edition 1 carries over a seven-speed automatic transmission, a low-range transfer case and a rear differential lock.
PRICING
Although the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz X-Class has been offered in Australia since April 2018, V6-powered variants have only been available since February of this year.
The full-time X350d line-up includes two grades, Progressive and Power, which are priced at $73,270 and $79,415, respectively.
The range-topping Edition 1 will be imported in Power form and upgraded locally, before going on sale in July at $87,500.
With a strong portfolio of work in the automotive, travel and lifestyle media, Spencer has developed a keen sense for car news.
He cut his teeth in the automotive industry freelancing as a writer and photographer for titles including Wheels, Unique Cars and Street Machine, before working as an editor for Australian Road Rider and GoAutoMedia.
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