The Mercedes-Benz X 350 d 4MATIC boasts V6 power and a range-topping specification.

The ‘ordinary’ four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup has been on sale in the UK since October. But a car like this is screaming out for a big-engined model with all the trimmings.

Mercedes has now obliged, unveiling a V6-powered 258hp X-Class at this week’s Geneva Motor Show. The X 350 d 4MATIC boasts a 0 – 62mph times of 7.9 seconds and permanent four-wheel drive. Maximum torque is a stump-pulling 550Nm.

There’s no doubt this is will be a capable beast as well as a prestige buy. So what will lucky buyers be getting if they splash out on this range-topping model?

Tech spec

The X 350d 4MATIC is powered by a 3-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine that promises to deliver 258 horses and 550 Newton metres of torquing between 1,400rpm and 3,200rpm. This pulling power is transferred to the road via the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system with a rear-biased 40:60 torque distribution.

As standard, this version of the X-Class will be fitted with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearbox. Drivers will be able to choose from five driving modes — including Comfort, Sport and Offroad — as well as three different four-wheel drive modes.

Broadly speaking, the 4MATIC system can be tailored for on-road use with “increased vehicle dynamics” (4MAT), improved off-road traction (4H) and low-range mode for serious off-road work (4L). A 100% differential lock is also available for the rear wheels if required.

Impressive credentials for off-road use include a fording depth of up to 600mm, the ability to deal with 1:1 gradients and an approach angle of 29 degrees. Raised suspension packages are also available to improve the pickup’s off-road abilities.

What’s inside?

Inside you get the full Mercedes-Benz treatment. This may technically be sold as a light commercial vehicle, but there’s no doubting the manufacturer’s luxury car credentials:

Inside the X 350d 4MATIC it’s 100% Mercedes luxury but with rugged overtones.

Drivers choosing the upmarket POWER trim level will get LED High Performance headlamps, a part-leather dashboard and matching seats in ARTICO man-made leather and DINAMICA microfibre. Naturally these will be electrically adjustable. Music, navigation and communications will be taken care of with the Audio 20 CD infotainment system, which also contains a permanently installed SIM card providing access to services including Live Traffic, Emergency Call and Maintenance Management.

Keyless-Go and THERMOTRONIC two-zone air conditioning are both standard on the POWER model.

Anything missing from the standard spec is probably on the option list. There’s no word on how much this model will cost yet, but as usual with these things, if you have to ask, you might not be able to afford it.