2018 will be a busy year for the compact hatchback segment: the South African market will see the introductions of both the next-generation Ford Fiesta and all-new Volkswagen Polo. While both cars have been revealed internationally, we only have limited details on the local Fiesta. However, the recent introduction of the Polo now makes a like-for-like comparison worthwhile…
Developed from the ground up using Volkswagen's MQB AO platform, the new Polo measures 4 053 mm in length, 1 751 mm in width and 1 446 mm in height. Compared with the outgoing Polo, it is 81 mm longer, 63 mm wider and 7 mm lower.
Meanwhile, over in Ford land, the new Fiesta looks similar to its predecessor, but it's 71 mm longer and 12 mm wider. The bonnet loses its centre bulge, the grille is wider and the headlamps smaller and more elongated.
Engine line-up
Volkswagen Polo
As far as the engine lineup is concerned, on the turbopetrol side, there will be a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated motor, a 1.0-litre TSI (available in various states of tune), while the 1.2-litre TSI engine could be replaced by the Golf’s 1.5-litre unit (with cylinder shutdown technology, still under consideration for South Africa). In Europe, the 1.5-litre TDI turbodiesel will be superseded by a 1.6-litre TDI unit (local models are currently 1.4-litre units). Meanwhile, the Polo GTI derivative will be powered by a 147 kW 2.0-litre TSI lifted straight from the Golf GTI.
Ford Fiesta
Fiesta's 1.0-litre EcoBoost will be the first 3-cylinder engine in the world to feature cylinder deactivation. The technology can disengage or re-engage the cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – and combined with advanced solutions to counteract vibrations, will be imperceptible to drivers in terms of operation and engine performance. The 1.0-lite EcoBoost engine will be offered in 3 states of tune with either 74 kW, 92 kW and 103 kW. A 3-cylinder 1.1-litre petrol will also be available with either 52 kW or 63 kW. And lastly, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine will offer 63 kW or 88 kW. The SA market will be getting the 74 kW and 92 kW EcoBoost as well as the 1.5-litre turbodiesel.
Cabin
Volkswagen Polo
Note, this is the Polo Beats edition which features an uprated audio system. Colour dashboard will be optional in our market.
Ford Fiesta
Fiesta dashboard dominated by a centre mounted tablet infotainment system. Optional B&O Sound system is more than a match for the Polo Beats system.
Infotainment systems
Volkswagen Polo
Both the Fiesta and the Polo feature high-tech connectivity solutions. The Polo's system looks very similar to that of the Golf "7.5".
Ford Fiesta
Both the Fiesta and the Polo feature high-tech connectivity solutions. Finally, the Fiesta gets a large and clear infotainment screen. It's also AppleCarPlay and Android Auto ready.
Derivative line-up
Volkswagen Polo
The Wolfsburg-based brand announced a base spec Polo, a Polo R-Line, a Polo Beats and a Polo GTI.
Ford Fiesta
Ford has expanded the Fiesta range considerably and it comprises: Fiesta Titanium, Ford Performance-inspired Fiesta ST-Line, the Fiesta Vignale (ST-Line and Vignale are not headed to SA at this stage) and the Fiesta Active crossover, as well as a Fiesta ST. We are expected to also get an entry spec Trend model with an even more entry-level Ambiente joining the lineup later.
Ford’s evergreen Fiesta returns with this "all-new" model and it’s coming to South Africa in Q2 of 2018, around the same time that the new Volkswagen Polo will arrive on the local market. How is the new compact hatchback likely to fair? We took it for a drive on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain to find out.
The B-segment hatchback market is in for a shake-up! We’ve already seen the new Kia Rio enter the market this year and coming next year, we will see 2 other big hitters arrive in the form of the Volkswagen Polo and this new Ford Fiesta. The new Fiesta is more of an evolutionary model than an entirely new car. It runs on the same chassis (with a few tweaks) and the engines are just about identical – the ST will have a 1.5-litre turbo and there’s a new 1.1-litre unit that South Africa won’t get. Our SA models will continue to run the 1.0-litre turbopetrol and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel.
Is there anything new?
A fresh exterior and interior design will go a long way in ensuring that the Fiesta remains competitive against the likes of the new VW Polo.
The aim of this Fiesta was to make a car that was more fun to drive than its rivals, but upgrade it in areas such as technology, ride comfort, safety and refinement. The exterior keeps much of the same design as the previous model but the major change is the front and rear lighting design. Even the length and height are nearly identical. A bit more passenger space has been created and the luggage area is a reasonably sized at 303 litres.
Inside, the changes are more visible. The infotainment screen that (kind of) looks like a child’s etch-o-sketch is modern and the display resolution is excellent. The steering wheel has more buttons to control the radio, adaptive cruise control, telephone and the trip computer. The touch and feel items are soft-touch rubber for the most part, but things like the door handles and gear lever surround still have hard-plastic finishes. The instrument cluster is distinctly Ford with its blue analogue dials and the digital trip computer system is a nice upgrade from the old model.
Is it still fun to drive?
The Fiesta remains a fun and entertaining car to drive and this new iteration's ride quality has improved too.
With the new Fiesta still based on the same basic structure as its predecessor, the fun factor hasn’t gone away. It’s quieter inside thanks to new rubber bushings and some other minor suspension adjustments, but the typical fun, hurl-it-at-will character is still evident. It’s also more stable at freeway speeds with a 120 kph cruise feeling more like 100 kph. A brisk drive along some of Spain’s billiard-table smooth asphalt was hardly likely to show up any ride discomfort, but the suspension feels compliant and nicely cushioned. We’ll have to wait for our South African test to get a better feel, but ride comfort has always been a strength of the Fiesta and we expect it to cope sufficiently well on our deteriorating roads.
We did get a chance to whip the Fiesta from side to side in a few Spanish back roads. They have some good driving roads on the outskirts of Madrid and the Fiesta remains a pint-sized ball of fun when the time calls. The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine we are familiar with remains a powerful unit and now with a six-speed manual gearbox, feels like it remains on the boil better than before. The 1.5-turbodiesel sounds a little rougher than expected, but returns very impressive fuel efficiency figures. Even after our very spirited assault of the Spanish back roads, we averaged 5.2 L/100 km over 200 km.
What new tech does it have?
The new Fiesta ushers in a host of new technology, but it remains to be seen what specification will be offered in SA.
Firstly, it’s not yet clear how much technology we’ll get, but there is an impressive list of new tech features available in the new Fiesta. The list of driver assistance systems reads like the spec sheet of a D-segment sedan with all the options ticked. Adaptive cruise control, automatic parking (perpendicular and parallel), high beam assist, cross traffic alert, blind-spot assist and lane keeping aid are just some of the features available. Ford has specced its Fiesta highly as more customers are moving down from bigger cars, but not wanting to lose out on features.
The infotainment system is a touchscreen system that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. There was a navigation system in our test unit, which, if Ford brings it to South Africa, would be a welcome addition as none of its products offers navigation. There are apps that can be downloaded and it appears to be a simple system to get to grips with. There’s even an optional Bang and Olufsen sound system that can be fitted for those looking for premium sound quality – such a high-end audio setup is virtually unheard of in this segment.
Which models are coming to SA?
A turbopetrol and turbodiesel engine will be offered in SA when the Fiesta arrives in Q2 of 2018.
Although specification for the South African Fiesta is yet to be confirmed, we do know what engine and gearbox combinations have been earmarked for our market. The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol with 92 kW and 170 Nm will be available in both manual and automatic guise and will be available in Trend and Titanium trim levels. The automatic only offers 74 kW but has the same torque figure at 170 Nm. The 1.5-turbodiesel with 63 kW and 215 Nm of torque is only available in manual guise and will be offered in Trend trim only. An entry-level Ambiente derivative might be introduced at a later stage.
When is it coming?
The new Fiesta will go head-to-head with the new Polo next year.
Ford SA has pencilled in the second quarter of 2018 for the Fiesta's local introduction. The new Volkswagen Polo is due at roughly the same time, so it should be an interesting head-to-head battle. While not yet planned for South Africa, there is an ST Line model that could be considered. It’s a regular Fiesta but with an ST body kit, wheels and interior trim. It’s a real looker and could fare well against something like a Polo R-Line, but pricing is likely to be a major inhibitor to its local introduction.
Speaking of pricing, we’ll have to wait for official figures as Ford SA is still crunching the numbers, but we would hazard a guess at between R250k to R300k.
When it comes to Mercedes-AMG products, we automatically assume they're forged in Germany and then shipped to markets around the world. This is not the case as the Mercedes-Benz plant in East London has started building C-Class sedan AMG products, with the first completed unit rolling off the production line recently.
The Mercedes-Benz facility in East London, South Africa, is one of the best examples of local automotive manufacturing. It forms a major part of the C-Class production network and it makes both left-hand and right-hand drive models for the global market. The factory also makes the plug-in hybrid C350 derivatives and recently, its production line was expanded to include the AMG models.
The Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic and C63 will now be built at the East London facility and it's great that Daimler sees South Africa worthy of further investment. The first car has already been completed and it was a white C43 sedan. Featuring a 270 kW 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged engine, this baby AMG bridges the gap between the brisk C400 and the sledgehammer C63. This means the entire C-Class sedan range is now manufactured in East London, South Africa. How cool is that?
Watch a video review of the Mercedes-AMG C43 Convertible
Mercedes-Benz hosted the international media launch of its X-Class in the picturesque Western Cape region in July 2017. Our team attended the spectacular reveal of the eagerly anticipated double cab and had the opportunity to ride in the passenger seat of the bakkie to experience a demonstration of the newcomer's off-road assistance systems (as shown above). Herewith a wrap of the videos and articles we posted about the pioneering "luxobakkie" in the order that they appeared…
The moment we got our first in-the-flesh look of the X-Class:
When we saw Mercedes-Benz officially lift the veil off its newcomer:
Ciro de Siena gets up close to the X-Class and reports live from the launch venue:
Want to watch more videos of the X-Class?
Watch a 60-second highlights clip below:
Watch a promotional clip that shows the X-Class "being utilised lifestyle vehicle":
Watch the full international reveal ceremony as recorded in Cape Town:
The local Volkswagen Golf product range has been expanded with a pair of performance offerings. Version 7.5 of the flagship Golf R is here, but it has been joined by a fast-yet-frugal GTD – the first time a performance turbodiesel Golf has been offered in our market. We attended the local launch and here's what we thought of the newcomers.
The Volkswagen Golf R is a massive favourite amongst the petrolheads in South Africa, which, along with the GTI derivative (a reigning Cars.co.za Consumer Awards category champion, continue to dominate the sales. Volkswagen regularly points out that R and GTI models make up nearly 60% of Golf sales in South Africa.
What's new?
The new Volkswagen Golf R has not changed dramatically in the visual stakes, but keen-eyed spotters will note the refreshed bumpers, LED headlights and LED tail lamps. Carbon fibre wing mirrors and 19-inch "Pretoria" wheels are nice visual touches, but unfortunately, they're optional. The car comes standard with 19-inch "Spielberg" alloys and the quad exhaust tips have been retained, but Volkswagen claims they've been slightly repositioned. The cabin has seen some changes too and you now get the Active Info Display digital dashboard as standard, as well as the panoramic sunroof, which is a nice-to-have item!
There are some under-the-skin tech changes too, in the form of gesture control for the infotainment system and safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and autonomous emergency braking. Other than these changes, it's unmistakably a Golf R. Oh, and you can now get it in that garish shade of yellow that Volkswagen offers. We can't see there being much interest in that colour, with white and the trademark blue being the popular hues.
Is it fast?
You bet! The new Volkswagen Golf R features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as before, but power has been increased slightly to 213 kW and 380 Nm. Due to our hot climate, our vehicles are detuned for reliability, which is a pity as the full-fat European-spec Golf R packs a tremendous 228 kW. Volkswagen is claiming a brisk 4.6 seconds for the 0-to-100 kph sprint, which puts it squarely in the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 class.
With power going to all four wheels and a new ultra-responsive 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox at your disposal, the Volkswagen Golf R is a sharp road-going weapon. It's agile, precise and supremely quick. While that time of 4.6 seconds is claimed, we wouldn't be surprised to see it go under 5 seconds with ease.
Dial in Race mode and the car primes itself for maximum performance with the steering, transmission, suspension and engine all armed. An unfortunate side effect of this is the cabin fills with a faux induction noise, which can get mildly annoying on longer drives. Fear not, as a quick dive into the Individual setting means you can retain some of the sharpness while turning the noise off.
Make no mistake though, as while the cabin noise will be subdued, the exterior noises continue and we're happy to report that the trademark Vrrr Phaa with each gear shift is still present. The grip is phenomenal and it's only when you're driving beyond your abilities will the vehicle ís bound to come unstuck… or at least feel as if it is about to let go. It's one of the few performance cars that is so confidence inspiring and each corner encourages to press on a little further and further… Thankfully, the big brakes are more than up to the task when things get out of hand.
Diesel performance
Volkswagen also launched its performance diesel offering, alongside the R. Unfortunately it was completely overshadowed by the mighty R and driving the GTD after the R, felt distinctly underwhelming. Fortunately, this author can recall his first taste of the GTD at the international launch of the Volkswagen Golf 7.5 in Europe and once you get used to the powertrain's delivery, it is an accomplished cruiser.
While the concept of performance turbodiesel sounds a bit like a contradiction, the idea is not new. The GTD's 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor pushes out 130 kW and 350 Nm, the same torque peak as the GTI. Performance is brisk (7.4 seconds from 0 to 100 kph), as opposed to breathtaking, and the vehicle's real strength lies not in its off-the-line acceleration, but the copious mid-range punch that it offers.
As mentioned in the international write up, we wouldn't like to be in a GTI at 80 kph if a GTD pulled alongside it, the latter might leave the former red-faced! The massive bonus with the GTD is you can happily drive it hard all day and you don't need to push the motor to its redline to get the best out of it; there's a wonderful sweet spot between 3 000 rpm and 4 000 rpm where you simply ride the wave of torque. The fuel consumption benefits of a turbodiesel over a -petrol will be the big drawcard and while Volkswagen claims a bit optimistic figure of 5.3 L/100 km, we can't imagine consumption going over 8.5 L/100 km.
Summary
Let's start with the all-new offering, the GTD. While we predict the real seller will still be the petrol performance derivatives, the GTD offers something different. If you fear being judged harshly by your family and friends for buying a "boy-racer" Golf GTI, then perhaps you can get the GTD, which is a bit more subtle, offers credible performance, should consume less fuel than its petrol sibling AND it's more affordable.
Unfortunately, the launch day was dominated by the consummate package that is the Volkswagen Golf R. Not only does it perform like a bona fide sportscar, but it offers practicality and technology galore. It's one of those true multi-disciplined cars, one that can do (virtually) everything and do it well. It lends itself as ideal weekend-away transport, because there's plenty of space in the cabin and luggage bay, plus the (optional) 10-inch infotainment setup is a joy to use. Combined with superb build quality and performance, the Volkswagen Golf R is likely to continue to win hearts and much favour with South African customers.
Purists may suggest that the R lacks that level of driver involvement that more performance-focused products such as the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus RS offer, but we couldn't see ourselves driving to and from work in those – they're just too compromised for the daily commute. The Volkswagen Golf R, for those who can afford it, gets two thumbs up: its performance is compelling and comfort/luxury on point.
Volkswagen Golf R and Golf GTD Price in South Africa (20/7/2017)
These new Volkswagen Golf products come standard with a 5 year/90 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service Interval is 15 000km.
Renault has finally added an automatic derivative to its Duster SUV range, which previously only had manual transmissions on offer. Take a look at specification and pricing for the Renault Duster EDC!
The Renault Duster is a popular compact SUV thanks to its better-than-expected offroad capability, spacious cabin and value-for-money. Since its launch in 2013, the Renault Duster has achieved over 12 500 sales locally, with the only major drawback being the lack of an automatic transmission, which has finally been rectified. The Renault Duster EDC goes on sale in the middle of August 2017.
Engine and features
The Renault Duster boasts a six-speed automatic gearbox with two clutches and its mated to the diesel power plant. For the record, it's the 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine which does duty in a number of both Renault and Nissan products. Power is rated at 80 kW, with torque coming in at a useful 240 Nm, however, in this automatic version, the torque figure now sits at 250 Nm. Renault South Africa is claiming a fuel consumption figure of just 4.8 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions rated at just 126g/km.
This new Renault Duster automatic is front-wheel drive and in Dynamique trim, offers comprehensive specification and safety features as standard. Notable mentions include the intuitive infotainment system with satellite navigation, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.
Renault Duster Automatic Price
The Renault Duster comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45 000km service plan (with service intervals at 15 000km intervals) and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The only two options available are metallic paint (R2 500) and leather seats (R10 000).
Here's the price positioning of the new Renault Duster Automatic in relation to its manual-equipped siblings.
The new Volkswagen Golf R and GTD are launching in South Africa this week and we have specification and pricing for these performance products.
Earlier this year the facelifted Volkswagen Golf range was launched in South Africa, but there were 2 derivatives missing from the lineup, the flagship Golf R and the new performer Golf GTD. These derivatives are launching in South Africa this week and we will be driving them.
The Volkswagen Golf GTD comes to market with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. With outputs of 130 kW and 350 Nm, it's not going to be as brisk as the petrol GTI, but it will deliver comfort and incredible fuel efficiency. We drove it on the international launch in Spain at the start of this year and we came away rather impressed with the refinement from this turbodiesel performance hatchback.
The popular Volkswagen Golf R has also been facelifted and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor with 213 kW and 380 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels via a DSG transmission. It is claimed to complete the 0-100 kph run in just 4.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest accelerating hatchbacks in SA.
Standard features
The facelifted Golf R features revised bumpers and newly designed LED headlights and tailights while the redesigned mirror caps are offered in Chrome Matt or optional Carbon. Various 19-inch wheel options are available including standard 19-inch "Spielberg" alloys or optional 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels in grey metallic.
On the inside, customers can equip the Golf R with the new 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with gesture control. Volkswagen's Active Info Display is fitted as standard along with other features such as a panoramic sunroof and drive profile selection including Sport HMI which shows engine parameters on the infotainment screen. Adaptive chassis control is offered as an option for both the Golf R and Golf GTD.
The Golf R can be had in colours such as new Turmeric Yellow Metallic and the classic Lapiz Blue Metallic paint finish, but excluding Dark Iron Blue Metallic and Tungsten Silver Metallic.
The Golf GTD, although similar to the Golf R in terms of styling, is diffrentiated with a chrome strip that extends to the headlights. Dual chrome tailpipes are seen at the rear and the Golf GTD rides on 18-inch "Sevilla" alloy wheels as standard. Other key features on the GTD include additional air inlets in the front bumper, honeycomb inlet screens, roof spoiler and LED headlights.
Colour choice for the Golf GTD include Tornado Red, Pure White, Dark Iron Blue Metallic, Atlantic Blue Metallic, White Silver Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic, Tungsten Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect and Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect.
There’s a performance SUV battle on the horizon as Teutonic rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz develop the next generation X5 M and GLE63 AMG respectively. Our spy photographers have captured the first images of these bruiser premium SUVs undergoing testing. Here’s what we know so far…
Big, powerful SUVs are all the rage these days (Bentley has joined the fray with the Bentayga, Maserati has launched the Levante and Lamborghini is readying the Urus). BMW and Mercedes-Benz, however, has been playing in that market segment for a while… the X5 M and GLE63 AMG are top-performing SUVs that not only provide luxury and comfort, but exhilarating performance that, to be brutally honest, defies common sense. Now, new iterations of the X5 M and GLE63 AMG are currently in development and prototypes have been spied undergoing testing in heavy camouflage.
New BMW X5 M
The new X5 M will be lighter and more powerful than the current iteration, which means its performance will be more impressive.
The new BMW X5 M is expected to go to market sometime in 2018 and when it arrives it will be more brutish thanks to larger air intakes, a wider rear track and a larger quad exhaust system. Although the changes appear to be minimal, much of the improvement to the new X5 M will take place under the skin. The new X5 M will be built on BMW’s CLAR architecture, the same used for vehicles such as the BMW 7 Series and 5-Series, which will result in significant weight savings over its predecessor. This fat shave will inevitably yield positive results in terms of performance.
Reports suggest that the new BMW X5 M, which will feature the latest iteration of the Bavarian brand's X-Drive all-wheel drive system and will be powered by the familiar, but uprated 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine that will offer in the region of 447 kW, which is a power bump of at least 24 kW over the current model. The X5 M will, in all likelihood, employ an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The new GLE63 AMG will feature a more aggressive look as well as more power and dynamic ability.
Meanwhile, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE63 is expected to reach showrooms in 2019. The all-new model will be larger than the current version but feature a more rounded look. The spy images reveal wider headlights, larger bumpers and air intakes and an extended wheelbase. The front-end is dominated by a unique grille, giving the GLE63 AMG a very menacing look.
In terms of engine power, the GLE63 AMG will reportedly ditch the current 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 in favour of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the same used on other products such as the GT R and E 63 S. Outputs remain unknown at this stage but it's expected to be more powerful and efficient. The suspension will certainly be revised and the GLE63 AMG will ride lower to the road than the current model.
We will keep you updated as more information on the new BMW X5 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE63 becomes available, so stay tuned!
Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Turbo Elite (2017) Video Review
Hyundai has released an all-new Elantra compact sedan in South Africa. Its flagship derivative has a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and, oddly enough, they've called this top-of-the-range model…the Turbo. The Korean brand has aspirations for a sportier future under its N sub-brand, so does this newcomer set the right tone?
With a peak output of 150 kW, it certainly has enough power to pique a petrolhead's interest. The interior has been thoroughly revised too, and now features a touchscreen infotainment system with SatNav. And this Turbo model features good-looking sports seats covered in red leather, with the word "Turbo" embroidered on the headrest.
But, ultimately, these are all details. What's this car like to drive? Is it successful as a sports sedan? Cars.co.za contributor and #CarsAwards judge Juliet McGuire investigates…
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the production version of the X-Class, the brand's first double-cab bakkie, in Cape Town. The newcomer, which will be introduced in South Africa early in 2018, will be available in 3 trim levels, powered (initially) by a pair of turbodiesel engines and, in terms of its product focus for the domestic market, the X-Class will be aimed at "trend-conscious individualists".
The X-Class, the de facto flag bearer for the burgeoning luxury bakkie segment, is powered by 4 or 6-cylinder engines, available with rear-wheel drive and (engageable or permanent) all-wheel drive, a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. In addition, there are 6 different upholsteries, including a pair of leather variants, 3 sets of distinctive cockpit treatments and a diverse range of accessories. The exact South African derivative line-up has yet to be confirmed, however.
Proclaiming the X-Class "the Mercedes among pickups", the Sindelfingen-based brand says its newcomer is a "tough performance pickup (that) delivers driveability and handling that matches many demands – both with regard to driving dynamics and ride comfort. This is attained thanks to a comfort suspension with the fine tuning expected of a (Benz)". The bakkie is underpinned by a ladder-type frame, rear multi-link solid axle, front independent wheel suspension and coil springs on both axles.
Built on this platform, the X-Class is available in 3 model variants to suit different lifestyles and work environments:
The X-Class Pure basic variant is ideal for rugged, functional use. It fulfils all the demands placed on a workhorse. At the same time its comfort and design make it perfect for visiting customers or suppliers and for private activities.
The X-Class Progressive is aimed at people seeking a rugged pickup with extra styling and comfort functions – as a calling card for their own business, while also being a comfortable yet prestigious vehicle for private use.
The X-Class Power is the high-end design and equipment line. It is aimed at customers for whom styling, performance and comfort are paramount. The X-Class Power is a lifestyle vehicle beyond the mainstream – suitable for urban environments as well as for sports and leisure activities off the beaten track. Through its design and high level of equipment, it reflects an independent and individualistic lifestyle.
Thanks to its long 3 150-millimetre wheelbase, the short and cladded front overhang, the backward shifted passenger compartment and the very long rear overhang, the X-Class has an elongated vehicle body. The newcomer's tracks measure 1 632 millimetres at the front and 1 625 millimetres at the rear, and Mercedes-Benz claims to be the only manufacturer in the segment to fit large, internally vented brake discs on both axles (32 cm front, 30.8 cm rear) as standard. In all markets outside Europe, the X-Class comes with the higher, more off-road friendly, suspension (222 mm) as standard.
Tale of 3 personalities…
The front bears the imposing looks of one of the brand's SUVs – with the centrally positioned star, twin-louvre radiator grille, high bonnet and headlamps that extend far into the wings. The front apron emphasises width and has its own distinct character depending on the chosen design and equipment line….
On the Pure basic variant it is unpainted and with the Progressive design and equipment line it is painted in the vehicle colour. The Power high-end model variant likewise has a bumper painted in the vehicle colour and also comes with a chromed underbody panelling. There are 9 colours and 17-, 18- or 19-inch alloy designs to choose from.
Like the front apron, the rear bumper also varies depending on the selected design and equipment line: it is painted black for the Pure line, in the vehicle colour for the Progressive line and chromed for the Power line. To conveniently access the cargo area for loading and unloading, the bumper has an integral step. If the standard 90-degree tailgate opening is not enough, as an option the X-Class can be ordered without the rear bumper. Then the tailgate opens to 180 degrees.
In terms of width, the (illuminated) load bed is designed in such a way that a Euro-pallet can be loaded straight between the wheel arches. The third brake light contains LED lights which illuminate the whole load bed… Operation is by a switch in the centre console and as soon as the ignition is switched on, those lights turn off automatically. A 12V socket to power additional equipment such as compressors, for example, is also part of the standard equipment in the load bed.
Dimensions of the X-Class
Vehicle length
5 340 mm
Vehicle width
1 920 mm
Vehicle height
1 819 mm
Wheelbase
3 150 mm
Load bed length
1 587 mm
Load bed width
1 560 mm
Load bed height
474 mm
Maximum payload capacity
1 042 kg
Braked towing capacity (depending on engine and equipment)
1 650–3 500 kg
In the interior, the X-Class elevates comfort and quality feel to a new level within the segment for mid-size pickups. The instrument panel has the concave trim element typical of a Mercedes. It stretches across the entire width of the instrument panel – a novel feature in this vehicle segment. It creates an open feel and purist modernity. There are three trim variants to choose from for the X-Class Power: a pixelated look in matt black, an aluminium effect with longitudinal grain and a brown matt woodgrain effect. To complement the high-quality feel, the upper section of the cockpit is available with Artico man-made leather in either black or nut brown.
Depending on the design and equipment line, the round ventilation outlets come in either high-gloss black or silver shadow, creating a high-end cool touch effect. With the Progressive and Power design and equipment lines, the centre console is also prominently framed by a decorative trim in silver shadow. The large door handles are also finished in silver shadow. The cool touch effect is reinforced by the freestanding central display, which is familiar from the V-Class. In conjunction with the Comand Online multimedia system it has a screen diagonal of 8.4 inches, making it the biggest display in the segment. With a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and the high-contrast IPS technology (In-Plane Switching), it offers a brilliant display that markedly increases the image quality of the 360-Degree Camera and the navigation maps.
The control and display concept shows the familiar high levels of convenience and ergonomic comfort. The instrument cluster consists of the large, analogue round dials from the C-Class and V-Class. A 5.4-inch colour multimedia display is nestled between the round dials. Thanks to the push-buttons on the standard-fit three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the settings on the colour display can be controlled without drivers having to take their hands off the steering wheel.
The steering wheel with its 12 buttons in total is height-adjustable, thereby improving ergonomic posture and allowing a relaxed seating position. In the X-Class Progressive and Power, the steering wheel, shift lever knob and handbrake lever are also covered in leather. In conjunction with the Audio 20 CD and Comand Online multimedia systems, and in addition to the central control unit, the X-Class contains the multi-function touchpad familiar from the passenger car model series. It is located in an ergonomic position on the centre console and, like a smartphone, it can be controlled using gestures or by entering letters and characters.
Electrically adjustable comfort seats also available with lumbar support
Plenty of attention was paid to comfort when developing the seats, Mercedes says. Premium materials and a seat structure featuring optimum lateral support, a high seat position and the use of ergonomically formed soft foam make sitting comfortable for both the driver and front passenger, even on longer journeys. With their clear, ergonomic and functional design, the comfort seats can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction as well as for height and backrest tilt. The X-Class Power has electrically adjustable seats and electric two-way lumbar support as standard. The rear seat row for three people is positioned at a comfortable height and has reinforced seat side bolsters for optimum support in the outer seating positions. These seats are also equipped with attachment points for an i-Size/ISOfix child seat as standard.
Engine/transmission line-up
From its market launch, the X-Class will be powered by a 2.3-litre common-rail turbodiesel motor available with a choice of two power outputs. In the X220d with a single turbocharger it generates 120 kW and, in the biturbo X250d, 140 kW. Both diesel models will be offered with purely rear-wheel drive or with engageable all-wheel drive. All engines are characterised by quiet, low-vibration running and excellent power delivery coupled with low consumption figures, Benz says. Power is transferred via a 6-speed manual transmission. A 7-speed automatic transmission is available on request for the 140 kW X250d and X250d 4Matic derivatives.
A high-torque V6 diesel engine, with peak outputs of 190 kW and 550 Nm, will be released in 2018. The X350d model will come as standard with permanent 4Matic all-wheel drive and the 7-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles and Eco start/stop function. The Dynamic Select drive programme switch enables the driving experience to be tailored to individual preferences – from relaxed comfort to engaged sportiness, will be standard. There are five drive programs to choose from: Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual and Offroad. These modify the engine characteristics, the automatic transmission's switching points and the Eco start/stop function.
Engageable – or permanent – 4MATIC all-wheel drive
Engageable 4Matic all-wheel drive, which is available on the X220d and X250d turbodiesel models, masters any terrain. With it, the front wheels can be engaged or disengaged by electric means depending on the surface. As from mid-2018, Mercedes-Benz will also make its pickup available with permanent all-wheel drive, but it will only be offered in conjunction with the 6-cylinder engine. Off-road, both 4Matic variants benefit from the same superior assertiveness thanks to the low-range gearing and optional differential lock on the rear axle. All the all-wheel drive models come with Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) on board as standard.
Excellent off-road characteristics
Fording depth
600 mm
Ground clearance
Front axle 202 mm
Rear axle 221 mm for suspension with raised ground clearance
Angle of approach/departure front/rear
28.8°/23.8°
30.1°/25.9° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Maximum tilt
49.8°
49° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Ramp breakover angle
20.4°
22° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Maximum gradeability
100%
Comprehensive range of safety equipment
The X-Class’s high level of occupant protection results from its especially solid car body with a high-strength passenger cell and a structure with a front and rear that can absorb energy through well-aimed deformation. Furthermore, passive safety is provided thanks to standard equipment such as seven airbags and the i-Size attachment system for two child seats.
The airbags in the front for driver and front passenger come with a two-stage, deferred triggering mechanism. For active safety, three driver assistance systems are at the ready, simultaneously increasing safety and comfort: Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. Additionally, there are Trailer Stability Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, emergency call system, cruise control and LED headlamps that deliver the brightest light output in the segment thanks to six LEDs respectively. If required, a 360-Degree Camera is available in addition to a reversing camera.
The first intelligently connected mid-size pickup
The X-Class is the first mid-size pickup to feature a communications module with an integrated SIM card. This makes it possible to use the extensive Mercedes Me connect services and to access the vehicle by smartphone. Thus X-Class drivers in 21 European markets can, for example, call up useful information such as fuel level and tyre pressure, and find out the X-Class's location when it is parked or being driven by someone else. In addition, with the Mercedes Me app complete door-to-door navigation is possible. Further Mercedes Me connect services include the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system and the standard services Breakdown Management, Accident Recovery and Maintenance Management as well as Remote Vehicle Diagnostics.
In addition to this, control and display systems – that have already been used successfully in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car series – are being introduced in the pickup segment for the first time: these include the multifunction touchpad and fully integrated Comand Online multimedia system with hard-disk navigation, Linguatronic voice control and internet access via smartphone. Other than COMAND Online, the Audio 20 USB and Audio 20 CD audio systems are also available.
Live Traffic Information
Transferring traffic information in real time is a further highlight of intelligent connectivity thanks to the communications module with an integrated SIM card. In conjunction with an account in the Mercedes Me portal, and within Europe, the Comand Online navigation system can show the beginning and length of a traffic jam on a map to within 100 metres of the exact position and compute a dynamic route with shorter travel times. The potential loss of time is taken into account automatically in real time for the arrival time displayed by the system. It also provides a 3D view with 3-dimensional urban models, making orientation in unfamiliar city centres easier. Moreover, special personal destinations can be saved or imported via SD card, and alternate routes can be displayed on the map, one of them a particularly economical variation.
In conjunction with the optional Garmin Map Pilot system, in most European countries the Audio 20 CD also becomes a fully-fledged navigation system with Live Traffic Information. With both systems, X-Class drivers benefit from early information about disturbances such as traffic jams, increased traffic volumes or other possible delays along the route, allowing them to adjust their route planning in good time. The relevant pre-installation for the Garmin Map Pilot is likewise available as an option.
