Flagship Mercedes-Benz X 350d confirmed for December launch

Mercedes-Benz has announced the new range topping X 350d 4Matic will launch in Australia in December 2018.

Featuring a 190kW (258hp) 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, 7-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive, the X 350 d is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

Its 550Nm of torque is accessible from 1,400 to 3,200rpm, while a choice of engine and transmission response levels, from comfortable to sporty, is available via the standard DYNAMIC SELECT system.

4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive for driving on and off the road

The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with low-range reduction gear and a differential lock on the rear axle is fitted with a central differential, which distributes the drive force between the front and rear axle at a torque distribution of 40 to 60 percent.

There are three all-wheel-drive modes to choose from: 4MAT, 4H and 4L. In 4MAT the torque distribution is continuously adjusted between the axles as the road conditions dictate. That way, if the vehicle registers loss of grip on the front wheels for example, then torque is applied to the rear axle instead to maintain traction.

When driving off-road 4H can be selected. This distributes the drive force between the front and rear axle at a torque distribution of 30 to 70 percent, which is ideal for driving on rocky, sandy or snow covered terrain.

The 4L mode is suited for driving on terrain where maximum force at low speeds is required, such as on steep slopes or muddy roads. This distributes the drive force between the front and rear axle at a torque distribution of 50 to 50 percent.

The all-wheel-drive system and the suspension with its long spring travel and ground clearance of 222 millimetres, enabling the X 350d to climb gradients of up to 45 degrees, fords water courses with a depth of up to 60 centimetres, and maintains its poise on inclines of almost 50 degrees.

DYNAMIC SELECT for an individual choice of driving characteristics

With the DYNAMIC SELECT system, the X 350 d 4MATIC features a driving mode switch that is unique in the category. With a choice of five driving modes, the driving characteristics can be changed by fingertip control – from relaxed and comfortable to sporty and dynamic. These modes modify the engine response, the automatic transmission’s shift points, and the ECO start/stop function.

• Comfort: This mode is activated automatically when the engine starts. It provides comfort-emphasising, harmonious accelerator characteristics as well as early shift points.
• Eco: 7G-TRONIC PLUS changes the gears at particularly low engine speeds.
• Sport: The engine responds more immediately to throttle input. The automatic transmission makes use of the entire engine speed range to change gears, and shifts at higher engine speeds.

• Manual:The automatic transmission can be manually operated using the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. This leads to far shorter shift times than in the Comfort and Eco programs.
• Offroad:This mode is suitable for driving on challenging terrain. It offers higher shift points and a flatter, and therefore more precisely adjustable, accelerator characteristic curve.

The ECO start/stop function is available in all driving modes except Off-road mode.

Comprehensive range of safety equipment

The X-Class features a comprehensive array of safety features. The standard equipment includes seven airbags, internally vented disc brakes on the front and rear and i-Size attachment system for two child seats.

The standard Lane Keeping Assist in the 4 cylinder models is changed for the X 350 d 4MATIC to Active Lane Keeping Assist, meaning if a driver unintentionally departs from the lane not only will pulsed steering wheel vibrations occur, but one sided braking is also applied to manoeuvre the vehicle back into its lane automatically. This compliments Active Brake Assist ensuring driver assistance systems are at the ready to simultaneously increase active safety and comfort. Additionally there is ESP trailer stabilisation, a tyre pressure monitoring system, cruise control, and a reversing camera or in the POWER line a 360° camera as standard.

Two equipment lines for the X 350 d 4MATIC 

The X 350 d 4MATIC is available in PROGRESSIVE and POWER trims, both now adorning the unique V6 badging on the fender and X 350 d 4MATIC badging on the rear tailgate.

The PROGRESSIVE line continues with the equivalent 4 cylinder model specification with the exception of the unique X 350 d 4MATIC features described above and the following additional standard items: KEYLESS-GO, 2-zone THERMOTRONIC air conditioning and new 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

The POWER line continues with the equivalent 4 cylinder model specification with the exception of the unique X 350 d 4MATIC features described above and the following additional standard items:  Aluminium dash trim, black roof liner and new 19-inch 6-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Optional extras and extensive range of accessories for individual character types

Further customisation is possible thanks to a wide range of optional extras such as leather seats. What’s more, Mercedes-Benz has designed an extensive range of accessories so that users can customise their individual X-Class even further. If required, the design, functionality or off-road capability can be enhanced to suit specific needs.

There is a choice of styling bar, hard cover, hardtop, stowage box, load bed liner, load-securing rails in the load bed, and an underguard. With the introduction of the X350 d 4MATIC a new sports bar is available, which can be combined with a roll cover in black or silver.

Local Pricing (excluding on-road costs)