Can Brabus Make the X-Class a Proper Mercedes?

Let's explore the Brabus X250d! The X-Class is an unusual car for Mercedes, built on the base of a Nissan Navara and in this case with further personalisation by the experts at Brabus. But is it really a Mercedes, or is it just a badge?

The Brabus X250d takes power up from 190hp to 211 from the 2.3l turbo diesel, as well as torque from 450Nm to 510. It's not quick by any means, taking 11.5 seconds (vs 11.8s from factory) to get to 100km/h or 62mph. Cosmetically Brabus have sharpened up the appearance with a running lights installed beneath the bumper, a new exhaust system with quad tailpipes, the badges on the grille, larger 20" wheels rather than the standard 18"s and also the light bars on the top edge of the windshield.

Mercedes entered into the pick-up market in partnership with Nissan so the X-Class and Navara are based on one and the same. There are a number of different models available including a 2 liter petrol and 3 different diesel engines: X220d, X250d and X350d, but even many of the body panels are shared between the two cars. Unfortunately it's been made clear that there won't be an AMG version to come, so no big V8s sadly!

It has to be said though, the car has astounding presence, it genuinely seemed to turn heads and confuse onlookers and other drivers during my short test drive.

Thanks for watching, Tim

[Shmee]

Is the X-Class really a Mercedes, or is it just a badge? In any case, Brabus take the X250d and inject a bit more spice into it, but let's explore and find out what it's like.

[notarealhandle]

Quad exhaust on a 2-liter diesel car is a joke.

[rodrigosobral]

Brabus should of put the mercedes twinturbo V8 in that.

[Prositon]

Very sad that it has a Nissan Key and this gear lever... shows the lack of attention to detail Mercedes gives many of its vehicles in the moment

[beeftestolone]

As a Texan, I can tell you right now that that truck would never sell in the US. Trucks like the F250 are so nice inside and have 700+ ftlbs there is no point. Honestly it looks cheap and outdated

[trzarector]

I was hoping Brabus went to town on this for fun! Obviously not.

[markk]

The X-Class is an embarrassment for Mercedes. I mean it literally looks like a nissan. They didn't even bothered to change the key or most of the interior. Not impressed...

[SDav]

As a huge huge fan of Mercedes this vehicle truly breaks my heart. I know they could've done better.

[Therealstubetube]

Mercedes shares and co-develops models with Nissan. The Infiniti QX30 is a Mercedes GLA. It has the GLA chassis, engine, but Infiniti changes he dash. I have the QX30, it even has the Mercedes key.

[lilleBoyy]

I didnt knew Brabus is customizing Nissan now...

[Glorious]

no disrespect to mercedes but i will leave pick up trucks to the americans

[ThemDotcomBoyz]

I know majority will dislike this x-class so much but this vehicle is going to be very practical and a sold for the southern hemisphere like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Pasific. I'm from New Zealand and I've seen dozens of the x-classes already on the road.

[joegovanni]

I have a NP300 ....damn I feel so good right now that brabus upgraded my truck....

[bimmer]

I love Diesel engines but I don't see the point in paying for an overpriced Nissan!

[CiprianDumitrascu]

Wow, terrible terrible quality, a Raptor or a premium F150 is 10x more luxurious and way more capable. This is Mercedes going with the trend and just a simple and quick way to bring in more revenue, which is a smart business move of course, but this is so sub-standard for luxury: old mercedes nav & technology, terrible screen quality, hard plastic everywhere, that key ... and for what price?

[Raven_za]

Can't wait for that 3.0l to hit South Africa, it will pull the house out of its foundations xd. Make no mistake, Merc knew when they picked the Navara as a base for the X class, that it is the best in segment. Btw all the plastic is brilliant when you use it as intended...as a work horse, and it helps to be kid resistant as well. Not your style Shmee, but for us mere mortals it's a breath of fresh air. Thanks for testing it, it's much appreciated!!

[taneotaneo]

This is utterly so wrong in so many aspects... sad for such a cool name "X-Class" to go to such a waste of a "mercedes-pick-up" 😔 #Disapointed

[HexlGaming]

I love that at Mercedes even the lower class vehicles get all the smart & cool tech like the displays, the 7 gear automatic etc.. :3

[errorblah]

I'm sorry, but I just think that the X-class is one of the most useless cars this decade. Yes it will sell, but only to idiots. I'm not even going to comment on this Brabus version...

[babazi]

Have been driving the x250d 4matic since July 2019. I love it. Still the best looking pickup in South Africa. Just wish for more cupholders