Tow test: Mercedes-Benz X-Class 2018

rockylizard · Guru

Tow test: Mercedes-Benz X-Class 2018

dave48 · Senior Member

A lot of money for not very much by the look of it John
Dave

Kebbin · Guru

No surprise really after all it's only a Nissan knock off with a slightly wider track starting at $61k, a badge would be cheaper. It seems that the suspension hasn't changed much from the Nissan either.

HandyWalter · Senior Member

Person doing the review seemed to have a dislike of dual cabs as tow mules full stop! I personally dont like them either but I can see a practical side to the use of one if thats what you need to carry weight and people. Also I think this is the smaller motor. I thought a bigger one is due out soon.

PeterD · Guru

I thought it was a fair test.

The final word

This test was never going to be easy for the X-Class. Having towed a similar weight behind all of the utes in this category, its safe to say none would make light work of it and this raises the question of whether 3500kg is a realistic towing figure for any of them.

I think that sums up most of the twin cab utes. You can not expect any vehicle to tow its maximum tow weight and have the same performance as a vehicle running solo.

Roy E · Senior Member

Quite an interesting read, John. I think seriously, no vanner believes you can take any lightweight Jap (or German) ute touring with a 3.5 ton van behind but if you want to take your 3.5 ton trailered boat a short(ish) trip to the water and home, ideal.
I was a little concerned by this statement in the review;

"The X 250d didnt move much with the caravan attached it dropped 25mm at the back and lifted 5mm at the front.
If theres much more than 25mm difference from unladen height (particularly a height increase at the front), it needs to be fixed by either shifting the load in the trailer or using a weight distribution hitch."

How exactly can shifting the load in the trailer affect tug rear-droop, front-rise, other than by reducing tow-ball weight? A very dangerous practice and very bad advice in my opinion.

Still, overall, a good, detailed review. I won't be buying a Mercedes ute anytime soon.

Cheers,
Roy.

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

I found it to be interesting especially when they mentioned about having to reduce the load by 550kg because of the set GCM - that's something that has been overlooked for too long by dealers of both cars & caravans.

Still, there are better things in life than saying "I've got a Merc in the garage".