When the beautiful blue Mercedes X Class arrived, it sat outside my house like a proud stallion in a field. It is large, impressive with a real sense of power. I could not wait to take it for a ride. Climbing into the cab, you appreciate how high off the ground it is, and this, in turn, gives you an excellent driving position.

Mercedes had sent me the X 250d 4Matic 190hp Progressive which has four cylinders and a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It is rear-wheel drive as standard but allows you to engage 4x4 in both high and low range when selecting a switch in the instrument display area. During my time with the X Class, I had to have a play 0ff-Road, to test the 4x4. More about that later.

The full-size twin cab allows the driver and all passengers plenty of room. They are also in the best interior of any Pickup on the market. It is luxurious, reliable and comforting. It makes you feel like you are in a Mercedes car and far from the norm of other manufacturers' Pickup models. The driver has a multitude of controls to assist with driving safety, provide comfort and entertainment.

The entry X 220 d 4MATIC Diesel, in-line, 4-cylinder with common-rail and turbocharger, 2298cc,163hp (120kW), Euro 6b N1 GR.III/N2

Double cab Pickup PROGRESSIVE 6-speed manual 200 starts at £35,238.

The model I was in starts at £37,722, which is very competitive with similar models from other makers, but which full short of the luxury look and feel of the X Class.

When I had the Pickup, Mercedes launched the more powerful six-cylinder version, the X 350 d V6 4MATIC Diesel, 3.0l. It produces a very impressive and useable 258hp and starts at £47,412. This model will prove very popular with users who want to take their vehicle off-road a lot and require the extra power for towing.

I indeed found the model I tested powerful and very capable. I didn't tow with it, but I will not doubt saying that it will be great at the task.

The X Class drives and handles like a good road car with assured steering and grip. Tackling corners with ease, even in the default rear-wheel-drive setting. As I mentioned, the driver sits up high and has a very impressive position. The X Class has an incredible array of safety devices available to them.

These include Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Brake Assist, Tyre pressure monitoring, Adaptive brake lights, Electronic Stability Programme with Trailer Stability Assist, Airbags and restraint systems.

The X-Class offers a choice of two equipment lines – PROGRESSIVE and POWER. Designed to deliver varying degrees of functionality, comfort and style, you can choose the one that suits your lifestyle and requirements best. Also, there are several rear-of-vehicle options to consider, depending on how you’ll use the vehicle most. Add to this a wide range of Genuine Accessories to select from, and you’ll be able to stamp your individuality on the X-Class.

The model range also has various rear cover options which can be selected at purchase or fitted post-sale. My X Class had a low, flush-fitting hardcover, which matches the body colour and has lighting. This is an excellent touch as it allows you to find stuff in the rear much easier.

This is a great pickup which will tackle any roads or tracks capably. It doesn't feel like you are driving a pickup and the interior is unlike any commercial vehicle I have driven over many years. You sit in luxurious comfort with superior technology for driver and passengers. All occupants have plenty of room above and around them, so five people can travel in style. The X Class has to be your first choice of a test drive if you are considering a Pickup.

Words and Photos by Jeremy Webb

Find out more about the stunning X Class here

https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/van/home/new_vans/models/pickup/x-class.html#_int_van:home:model-navi:x-class

Jeremy Webb finds X does mark the spot when it comes to luxury pickups when he drove the Mercedes X Class and found it supremely impressive.