Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute awarded maximum five star safety by Euro NCAP

Mercedes-Benz’s much-anticipated X-Class dual-cab ute has scored a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP safety testing.

Due to launch in Australia in April next year, the X-Class recorded strong scores across the key Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety Assist assessment categories.

The X-Class uses the key underpinnings of Nissan’s Navara ute, and according to Mercedes-Benz features “a high-strength passenger cell, as well as front and rear end structures capable of absorbing energy through selective deformation”.

It also packs seven airbags (dual front head, side chest/pelvis, side curtain, and driver’s knee), plus AEB, ‘Lane Keeping Assist’, ‘Trailer Stability Program’, a reversing camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The top-spec Power model also comes with a 360-degree camera.

The Australian independent automotive testing authority, ANCAP, says it is currently in discussion with Mercedes-Benz and Euro NCAP to clarify the car’s local specification before making decisions on testing and ratings closer to the car’s launch here.

Initially offered with two 2.3-litre four-cylinder diesel engines, a single turbo (120kW/403Nm) X220d and twin-turbo (140kW/450Nm) X250d, the X-Class will be available across three grades – entry-level Pure, mid-spec Progressive and flagship Power. Prices range from $45,450 to $64,500 before on-road costs.

A 190kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, dubbed X350d, will join the line-up in mid-2018.

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