The more-power, top-spec 2018 Mercedes-Benz X 350 d X-Class ute will arrive in Australia in December with prices starting at $73,270+ORC.

THE SIX-CYLINDER toting Mercedes-Benz X 350 d X-Class will go on-sale in Australia in December in two variants, Progressive and Power with prices starting from $73,270+ORC for the Progressive and $79,415+ORC for the Power variant.

Under the bonnet of the X 350 d is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine making 190kW at 3400rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1400-3200rpm. It’s mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and is the only X-Class ute to offer permanent all-wheel drive (split is 40:60 front to rear).

The X 350 d offers three all-wheel drive modes, 4MAT which constantly adjusts torque from front to rear and is the default setting and 4H which sets torque from front to rear at 30:70 and 4L which is 50:50 distribution. According to Mercedes-Benz there’s 222mm of ground clearance with water fording of 600mm. The key off-road angles are 30-degrees approach, 25-degrees departure and 22-degrees breakover.

Beyond off-roading, the X 350 d offers Merc’s Dynamic Select drive modes offering:

• Comfort: This mode is the default mode and offers early, relaxed gear shifts and a de-sensitised throttle.
• Eco: The gear box changes “at particularly low engine speeds”.
• Sport: Sharper throttle response and the gearbox holds onto revs longer.
• Manual: The automatic transmission can be manually operated using the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
• Off-road: This mode offers higher shift points and a flatter throttle response.

In terms of safety, the X 350 d is well equipped with things like active lane keep assist, active brake assist, trailer stabilisation, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control reversing camera while the Power offers a 360-degree parking camera in addition.

What’s the difference between the two specs? The Progressive is the same as its four-cylinder equivalent, but adds dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and bespoke 18-inch alloys. The Power is also the same as its four-pot sibling but adds 19-inch alloys, aluminium dash trim, and black roof liner, as well as sundry other spec differences like the 360-degree camera and more.

The X 350 d is available with a range of extra-cost options, including a styling bar, hard cover, hardtop, stowage box, load bed liner, load-securing rails in the load bed, and an underguard. With the introduction of the X350 d 4MATIC a new sports bar is available, which can be combined with a roll cover in black or silver.

Question: Would you go for the X 350 d or a V6 Amarok?