Mercedes-Benz X-Class

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute looks set to be phased out prematurely due to slow sales that have made the vehicle unprofitable even at its comparatively high price. A report out of Europe, published overnight by respected industry journal Automotive News, cited unnamed but well-informed sources claiming the Mercedes X-Class ute “is to be dropped” as the company “seeks to reduce costs amid profit warnings”.

On the panel this week is Paul Maric and Scott Collie. In car news, pricing and specs have been released for the Mercedes-Benz X350d, Mazda has announced a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and a new website helps motorists identify if their car has faulty Takata airbags. Also, a diesel particulate filter regeneration switch will be added to the Toyota Landcruiser Prado and HiLux, and a 40km/h limit past emergency services will be trialled in NSW.

UPDATE (4/6/18): The Brabus D4 Power Xtra package will be available to Australian customers via RamSpeed Australia. See bottom of article for details. Brabus is known for creating wild versions of Mercedes-Benz's fastest sedans, SUVs and sports cars, but now it has revealed its take on the new X-Class ute. Dubbed the D4 PowerXtra, the Brabus X-Class is based on the X250d, and features styling and mechanical tweaks for a small power boost and a unique look amongst the dual-cab ute crop.

"It's just a Navara mate." There's going to be a lot of that over the next few months, and while the 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class does share a platform with the 2018 Nissan Navara, there's more than a few changes under the skin. Let's take a look at them. The X-Class has a 50mm wider body than Navara, but crucially a 70mm wider track. In theory, a wider track should deliver a more solid, planted feel on-road.