Which Mercedes-Benz X-Class diesel would you choose?

It was always a bit of a challenge to make a rational case for the X-Class, with especially the 4-cylinder variants always facing an uphill battle against much less-expensive and better-equipped mainstream competitors. Buyers simply couldn’t understand why they were asked to pay at least R 100 000 more than they would for an equivalent Nissan Navara: whatever differentiated the 4-cylinder X-Class from its Nissan twin, it just wasn’t enough to justify that elevated pricetag.

Related: Back in 2019, we speculated about the imminent demise of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class. Here’s the backstory.

The V6-engined X350d was a rather different story, however. It employed a genuine Mercedes-Benz engine, for one thing, and its suspension was allegedly tuned by AMG... although the latter really only resulted in a stiffer ride with little actual benefit to real-world handling. The turbodiesel V6 gave good performance once awake and boosting, and its cabin refinement largely matched its pricetag (even if the standard equipment didn’t really).

Don’t overlook the 4-cylinder X-Classes completely, though. While the X220d and X250d were/are still very pricey from Mercedes-Benz new-car showrooms, low-mileage 2019-vintage examples are available in the pre-owned market for about R 200 000 less than they cost new, making for great used-car value. A similar X350d will “only” have lost about R 130 000 in value over the same period, and a used one will cost roughly the same as a new X250d Power 4Matic Automatic does, again offering a good value proposition.

Related: Mercedes-Benz X-Class vs E-Class vs GLC-Class – which one is the best value for money?

 

Which engine is best?

	Mercedes-Benz X220d	Mercedes-Benz X250d	Mercedes-Benz X350d
Engine (size/cyl/type)	2.3-litre, 4-cylinder, single-turbo diesel	2.3-litre, 4-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel	3.0-litre, V6, single-turbo diesel
Outputs	120 kW/ 403 Nm	140 kW/ 450 Nm	190 kW/ 550 Nm
Performance *	0 – 100 km/h in 12.4s, 184 km/h	0 – 100 km/h in 11.0s, 180 km/h	0 – 100 km/h in 7.9s, 205 km/h
Consumption *	7.5 ℓ/100 km	7.7 ℓ/100 km	9.0 ℓ/100 km
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed manual/ 7-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Drivetrain	RWD only	RWD or 4WD	4WD

* Performance- and consumption figures as claimed by the manufacturer, and 4-cylinder variants’ figures are as quoted for the manual-transmission derivatives.

Mercedes-Benz X220d

This derivative opens the range, but is available only with a manual gearbox, RWD, and in entry-level “Progressive” trim. 120 kW and 403 Nm isn’t quite enough to make a bakkie this size move with vigor, so its performance is bound to be pretty leisurely. The dash from a standstill to 100 km/h takes a claimed 12.4 seconds, and it’s only 0.2 ℓ/100 km lighter on fuel than its more-powerful sibling at a claimed 7.5 ℓ/100 km.

Related: All the extras you should fit on a used Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

Mercedes-Benz X250d

The mid-line engine can be had with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains, with a choice between 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic gearboxes, and in both Progressive and Power trim levels. The Nissan-sourced engine gets an extra turbo, which bumps the peak outputs to 140 kW and 450 Nm, and drops the 0 – 100 km/h sprint to as little (!) as 11 seconds flat. That’s quite usefully quicker than the X220d, and with its claimed average consumption of 7.7 ℓ/100 km (in manual 4x2 guise), it shouldn't even exact too much of a toll at the service stations.

Related: This video review tells you everything about the Mercedes-Benz X250d 4Matic Power. 

Mercedes-Benz X350d

This is the big daddy in the range, and can only be had with a 7-speed automatic and a 4x4 drivetrain. It is available in both trim levels, with identical claimed performance for both variants. Outputs jump to 190 kW and 550 Nm, which slashes the 0 – 100 km/h to 7.9 seconds but makes it drink to the tune of a claimed 9.0 ℓ/100 km. 

Related: Mercedes-Benz X350d – Distinctive or dreary? Our review goes into the details.

Which one would we choose?

While it’s indisputable that the X350d has a handy performance advantage, it’s still difficult to justify paying a premium of almost R 186 000 over an equivalent X250d. Whether buying new or used, an X250d Progressive (maybe 877with a few option packs and the manual/4x2 combination) looks like the best value, with improved performance over the X220d, much lower fuel consumption than the X350d, and a price tag that’s still fairly reasonable. 

 

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