Mercedes-Benz X-Class 2018 introduces new capped-price service plan

The all-new Mercedes-Benz X-Class will introduce a new capped-price service plan for the brand, which it touts as being as affordable - if not more so - than many of its major rivals.

The new X-Class ute will launch with a three-year service deal known as 'ServiceCare Promise'. Maintenance is due every 12 months or 20,000km - whichever occurs soonest - and buyers will also receive included roadside assist and a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

As for the cost? Benz says ServiceCare Promise will see the first visit to the workshop set at $585, while the second will be $930, and the third $835. That total - $2350 over three years/60,000km may seem steep - but Benz reckons it’s "only $162 per service more than the Navara".

Further, it is more affordable than its only German rival, the Volkswagen Amarok, which will set owners back $2475 over a 60,000km period. Plus it adds an extra visit to the service department, with shorter 15,000km intervals.

That’s a moot point if you only do 15,000km per year, however, with the Amarok trumping the X-Class on the 36-month ownership deal, at $1694.

For a little further context, here’s how the big sellers in the ute segment rank based on the bare minimum capped-price servicing coverage:

Ford Ranger - intervals every 12 months/15,000km: 36 months - $1460; 60,000km - $2020
Toyota HiLux - intervals every six months/10,000km: 36 months - $1440; 60,000km - $1440
Mitsubishi Triton - intervals every 12 months/15,000km: 36 months - $1510; 60,000km - NA (three-year/45,000km plan)
Holden Colorado - intervals every nine months/15,000km: 36 months - $1656; 60,000km - $1656

However, Benz is offering a smarter way: there’s a discounted rate if you choose to opt-in to the capped-price plan at the point of purchase, with that deal setting buyers back $1850 for the first three years/60,000km of maintenance - a $500 discount well worth considering.

Are the service costs too high for the X-Class? Tell us what you think in the comments below.