Mercedes X-Class Vs Volkswagen Amarok

The new Mercedes X-Class is making waves within the choose-up sector, as we found out in our first group test last May. It introduced consolation levels more akin to an SUV, with out sacrificing its workhorse credentials. Now there’s a brand new mannequin with even more grunt. This X 350 d has a powerful V6 and sits above the 4-cylinder model we examined previously. To match it there’s additionally a new challenger from Volkswagen. The Amarok has been given a more potent V6 to match the Mercedes’. Both fashions have the identical power output and cost greater than £47,000, so are the priciest, most premium choose-ups round. But which monster truck is the higher purchase? This new X-Class and the high-spec Amarok supply something a bit different to most other decide-up trucks. They are designed to enchantment to buyers searching for a bit extra luxurious and quality, without sacrificing the versatility and practicality of a truck.

This Mercedes X 350 d V6 provides to that attraction with easy efficiency. While the engine revs easily, it’s surprisingly noisy. The X-Class’s V6 makes less of a racket at idle, but the motor is actually louder than the Volkswagen’s on the transfer, significantly if the transmission shifts down and flares up the revs. The new seven-speed automated field is a weak level, too, because it’s slow to respond. This is most noticeable at a junction where you’ve slowed down and want to speed up again quickly. The gearbox takes for much longer than the VW’s unit to change down, or to transmit power when pulling away. With one fewer ratio than its rival, the Mercedes fell behind in our performance assessments as nicely. It took 4 seconds to go from 30-50mph in fourth gear, 1.6 seconds behind the Volkswagen, and 9.7 seconds to cover 50-70mph in seventh, which was 3.Three seconds adrift of the Amarok. That’s not to say it’s gradual, however; each of those excessive-powered trucks ship an impressive flip of velocity, however it’s the in-gear torque which will likely be the largest profit when crammed with a payload.

We recorded a 0-60mph time of just 7.5 seconds in the X 350 d, half a second slower than the Amarok. Trucks like these usually struggle to control their weight because their suspension set-up is designed to maximise payload, however Mercedes has managed to supply a carrying capacity of 1,067kg with out adversely affecting the quality of the journey. It’s not evening and day subsequent to the Amarok, which is also amongst the higher-riding trucks, but the X-Class certainly has the edge for consolation. It doesn’t skip and shuffle over bumps as a lot because the VW, and the rear end isn’t as juddery with an empty bed. The Mercedes is extra automobile-prefer to drive than the Amarok, and the extra composure means it’s a refined cruiser. But neither mannequin is that sharp to drive. There are more soft-contact plastics on the sprint high and doors of the X-Class than in the VW, together with steel-effect trim to make the inside look more just like the brand’s car range.

However, this stemmed from our test model’s expensive £1,098 leather-based interior package deal choice, plus Mercedes’ 8.4-inch COMAND infotainment, at a steep £2,748. Top-spec Power trim brings a reversing digicam, cruise control, electric seats, local weather management and man-made leather upholstery as normal. • Infotainment: Optional sat-nav system in X-Class comes from older-generation Mercedes vehicles. • Storage: There’s no obvious place to place your phone, apart from in the cup-holder. As with the X-Class, the Amarok is only out there as a double-cab truck, but not like its rival, the Volkswagen comes completely with V6 engines. While there are three outputs, the Aventura is just provided with the most powerful 254bhp model we’re testing; this additionally exclusively options an eight-speed automated gearbox and permanent 4-wheel drive. The transmission is as easy as the Mercedes’ seven-pace in auto mode, yet it shifts up and down more rapidly when needed. Because of the additional gear, VW was in a position to shorten every ratio in flip, which boosts the V6’s performance additional. The 254bhp, 580Nm unit is unimaginable. It took the Amarok from 0-60mph in seven seconds, half a second quicker than its rival (and, amazingly, quicker than a Ford Fiesta ST).