Cape Town - It has been quite a week for bakkie fans as Mercedes-Benz debuted its new X-Class in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Premium bakkie
The X-Class, touted as world's first "premium double-cab bakkie", will arrive locally in 2018.
The global launch will take place in October 2017.
The price? According to the automaker: "The Mercedes-Benz pick-up is attractively priced in the segment and is available in Germany from €37 294. Further market-specific prices will be made known successively."
Mercedes-X-Class in Cape Town: This video was streamed live
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Here are 10 things you need to know about the X-Class:
1. There are three 4-cylinder engines and a single 6-cylinder unit as follows:
X 200 - 122kW/238Nm
X 220 d - 120kW/403Nm
X 250 d - 140kW/450Nm
X 350 d - 190kW/550Nm
2. It's fitted with engageable 4MATIC all-wheel drive (with low-range) and optional differential lock. Permanent all-wheel drive will be available from 2018.
3. There are three trim levels - Pure for utilitarian use, Progressive for quality feel and comfort and Power as the high-end variant for urban lifestyles.
4. It could be a decent workhorse with a payload of up to 1100kg. The load area also offers LEDs to help illuminate the area and its fitted with a 12-volt socket for power tools.
5. It should be a practical bakkie. Here's why:
6. It has a refined interior - the cabin comprises three trim levels, has leather seats and there are two roof line colours available.
7. It's set to take on local bakkie stalwarts such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger:
8. It could be great off-road:
9. X-Class customers can connect to their vehicle via a smartphone and can access information such as the location of the vehicle, fuel range and navigation.
10. Customers can add styling bars, side-bars, a canopy and covers for cargo and off-road use.