2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: The Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup ready to take on the world!

Mercedes-Benz set the ball rolling on its surprise X-Class pick up truck at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The X-Class comes in both left- and right-hand drive models from the start and will go to Europe in November, followed by more markets in early 2018, Mercedes announced at the International Motor Show in Germany. In Germany, bookings are open right now at just under €38,000. The initial model line has the X 220 d and the X 250 d featuring the same 2.3 litre diesel in two states of tune. A 550Nm V6 diesel will arrive mid-2018.

The 2018 Mercedes Benz X Class is now on sale with two diesel engines, left and right hand drive models

The X-Class currently comes in both rear- and all-wheel drive (4MATIC) configurations and a 6-speed manual transmission is standard. The 163PS X 220 d comes in both versions with a 6-speed manual. The same 2.3 litre engine gets a twin turbocharger boost and makes 190PS in the X 250 d, again in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. If you do get the X 250 d 4MATIC, then you can also opt for the 7-speed automatic option. When the new 258PS/550Nm V6 diesel arrives in mid-2018, though, that's when you the get the full house 7G-Tronic gearbox with the shifter paddles and driving modes and all that jazz.

The initial X-Class sales will be in Europe towards the end of the year with more markets coming online early in 2018

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class also gets a classy but rugged interior with most models boasting an 8.4 inch high-resolution COMAND display in the middle, 360 degree cameras and dials from the C-Class. And apart from the usual raft of airbags and systems, there is active brake assist, lane keeping, traffic sign assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, LED headlights and a trailer stability assist.

The 2018 Mercedes Benz X Class uses a multi-link solid axle at the rear as it expects to bear heavy loads

Under the skin are coil springs at the front and rear to permit comfort as well as off-road ability. Mercedes-Benz employ double wishbone front axles and a multi-link rear solid axle for the load-bearing that the X-Class will have to put up with. With a wider track than its class as well as a longer wheelbase than most mid-size pickups, this is not a small vehicle.

The 2018 Mercedes Benz X Class has 202mm of clearance and an option all-wheel drive system available on both launch models

And Mercedes-Benz is serious about its off-road ability. 202mm is the ground clearance and the X-Class is rated at 600mm in fording depth. Departure angles are good too - 28.8°/23.8° and
30.1°/25.9° for suspension with raised ground clearance. It'll climb too - 100 per cent gradability.

If imported intoIndia, the X-Class will be a CBU and expensive. Do you think Mercedes-Benz India should launch it here? Let us know in the comments!

The question is that given that a RHD model is available, should Mercedes-Benz bring this truck to India? Do you think we are ready for a lifestyle vehicle like this? Tell us in the comments!

The 2018 Mercedes Benz X Class interior is a little pared back as befits a pickup, but it very much is a premium cabin as a Mercedes-Benz is expected to be