Mercedes-Benz X-Class caught testing

A VIDEO posted to YouTube earlier this week has captured Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming X-Class ute out testing.

After two X-Class concept vehicles were shown late in 2016, a production version of the Nissan D23 Navara-based ute is expected to be revealed later this year. When it goes on sale in Australia is yet to be known, but don’t expect here it before 2018.

The video doesn’t reveal a lot about the camouflaged vehicle except the LED tail lights, which appear similar to those which were on the green ‘Powerful Explorer’ concept. These are not expected to run the whole way around the tailgate like they did on the ‘white ‘Stylish Explorer’ concept.

The camo-vehicle is running on Nissan Navara alloy wheels, and the headlights appear more Navara-like than the upswept LED units that were on the two X-Class concepts. Mercedes-Benz will give the ute a true MB look, with its own front sheetmetal, lights bumpers and bonnet, as well as tail-light treatments.

The same goes for the inside, where a Benz interior will give the ute a more upmarket feel with higher equipment and connectivity levels than the Nissan base model.

Under the bonnet, the headline act will be a V6 diesel engine from Benz that promises to make the X-Class the most powerful and best on-road-performing one-tonne ute in the segment. It will be backed by a Mercedes -Benz auto transmission and full time four-wheel drive.

Lower spec versions will share the Nissan 2.3-litre bi-turbo engine, with auto and manual transmission options and part-time four-wheel drive.

Bespoke tuning of Nissan’s category-unique coil-sprung, multi-link live rear axle and IFS is also set to give the X-Class a more refined ride and performance driving experience, befitting the Benz three-pointed badge.

We expect to see more spy photos and leaks of the X-Class as we get closer to reveal later this year, along with more details of specifications and pricing.