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Top issues
3 known problems · 1 high
high
Inherited Navara chassis cracking
All engines
medium
Brand abandoned the segment
All engines
medium
OM642 V6 oil cooler leak
3.0L OM642 (V6 turbo diesel, X350d)
Recalls
3 on recordREC-000959
2020-08-25
Defect: The X-Class operator's manual contains an incorrect maximum roof loading figure; a moving vehicle experiences additional pressure on the roof from a load, so the maximum safe loading should be lower than stated.
Hazard: If the roof loading exceeds the safe level, especially with a fibreglass canopy installed, the support for the roof load may fail while the vehicle is moving, and the load could fall.
Remedy: Contact an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership for a corrected roof-loading label/advice, free of charge.
Affected: 6,117 units, X-Class 2018-2020
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
REC-005027
2021-12-23
Defect: A manufacturing issue with the oil cooler return line may cause it to become damaged.
Hazard: Oil could leak onto the road, creating a slip/fire hazard and risking reduced lubrication.
Remedy: Contact an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership for inspection and repair, free of charge.
Affected: 2,223 units, X-Class 2018-2019
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
REC-005754
2023-08-15
Defect: Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear axle radial shaft ring may not be sealed adequately, which could cause an oil leak.
Hazard: Oil leaking onto the rear brakes could cause an unexpected reduction in braking performance.
Remedy: Contact an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership for inspection and repair, free of charge.
Affected: 6,117 units, X-Class 2017-2019
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
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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
Engine code
OM651
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.
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).
3.0L OM642 (V6 turbo diesel, X350d)
Engine
V6 turbo diesel
Engine code
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.
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.
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).