WATCH | The Mercedes-Benz X-Class being put through its off-road paces

My final motoring event of 2019 was a relaxing jaunt around Gauteng in the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, the German brand's first foray into that segment with some help from Nissan.

But the leisurely drive took an unexpected turn when we headed to Zwartkops raceway and specifically Mercedes' Advanced Driving Academy for some off-roading in their X250d and X350d models. 

The course tested braking, handling and put us against the clock in the form of a gymkhana-type course too. It turned out to be a lot of fun and a good way to put the bakkies through their paces. 

I was once again impressed by the oomph the X350d has on offer from its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, producing  a healthy 190kW and 550Nm.

The X-Class range starts from R818 341 for the four-cylinder X250d Power model. 

Read Sean Parker's full review later in January 2020.