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Mercedes-Benz

X-Class

470· 2017-2020 ute
Price (AUD)
$35-75k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Germany
Built in
Spain

Overview

Mercedes' first (and last) ute. Built on the Nissan Navara NP300/D23 platform with Mercedes-spec interior, suspension tuning and (on the X350d) the OM642 V6 diesel from the GLE/ML range. Inherits the Navara chassis cracking concern — verify the recall completion. Mercedes discontinued the X-Class globally in 2020 citing slow sales and the segment not fitting Mercedes' premium strategy. Long-term parts support is split between the Mercedes dealer network (trim, electronics) and Navara D23 channels (mechanicals).

Engines & variants

2.3L OM651 (Navara YS23-shared, Mercedes-tuned)

Engine
I4 turbo diesel
Config
I4
Displacement
2.3L
Power
120-140kW
Torque
403-450Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~11s
Economy
~9.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 7AT (7G-Tronic Plus)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, known stretch from 150,000km

Pros

  • Mercedes interior and badge
  • Cheaper buy-in than V6
  • Same YS23 twin-turbo as Navara underneath
  • Decent on-road manners

Cons

  • Inherited Navara chassis cracking concern
  • Mercedes parts pricing
  • Brand abandoned the segment
  • Limited dealer support for utes

Known problems

high
Inherited Navara chassis cracking
Built on D23 platform - subject to same chassis cracking recall on early units.
Fix: Verify chassis inspection completed. Reinforcement plates available.
From Any · ~Recall fix
medium
Brand abandoned the segment
Mercedes discontinued X-Class globally in 2020. Long-term parts and dealer support questionable.
Fix: Most parts available via Navara D23 (mechanical) and Mercedes (trim/electronics).
From Any · ~TBD

3.0L OM642 (V6 turbo diesel, X350d)

Engine
V6 turbo diesel
Config
V6
Displacement
3.0L
Power
190kW
Torque
550Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~7.9s
Economy
~9.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
7AT (7G-Tronic Plus)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 200,000km+

Pros

  • Genuinely fast — 7.9s 0-100
  • Mercedes-built V6 from GLE/ML range
  • 550Nm with refined delivery
  • Rarity = curiosity factor in used market

Cons

  • OM642 oil cooler leaks at 120k+
  • Inherited Navara chassis concern
  • V6 thirsty in real-world towing
  • Mercedes parts and labour costs

Known problems

high
Inherited Navara chassis cracking
Built on D23 platform - subject to same chassis cracking recall on early units.
Fix: Verify chassis inspection completed. Reinforcement plates available.
From Any · ~Recall fix
medium
OM642 V6 oil cooler leak
V6 oil cooler seals fail, allowing oil-coolant cross-contamination.
Fix: Cooler reseal or replacement. Known Mercedes V6 fault.
From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3000
medium
Brand abandoned the segment
Mercedes discontinued X-Class globally in 2020. Long-term parts and dealer support questionable.
Fix: Most parts available via Navara D23 (mechanical) and Mercedes (trim/electronics).
From Any · ~TBD