Mercedes-Benz X-Class review

To its credit, Mercedes hasn’t just altered the bodywork, slapped the three-pointed star on and sent it out the factory gates. Compared to the Navara, the X-Class has wider tracks (by 55 and 62mm respectively front and rear) to improve stability, different springs and dampers, plus enhanced sound insulation. It also has coil, not leaf, springs at the back (although it has that in common with double cab Navaras as well) to aid ride comfort.

But because it’s built on a ladder frame and has a solid rear axle it’ll never match an SUV for comfort. Hit a bump and it shudders, it’s heavy and sluggish to drive with ponderous steering. The engine isn’t too harsh and clattery by pick-up standards, but you’re never in any doubt it’s a diesel and having to work against over 2.2 tonnes means acceleration is modest (0-62mph takes 11.8secs in the fast version, 12.9 in the X220d).

The automatic gearbox isn’t the smoothest, lurching upshifts under load and while getting off the line requires a decisive amount of throttle, just wait until it comes to braking...

Compared to other pick-ups it’s maybe ten per cent better. It does take the harsher edges off bumps, it is quieter and smoother, it drives like there’s an extra layer of rubber in the suspension that’s soaking up punishment. But there’s a gulf between SUV and pick-up that no-one has yet bothered to bridge.