Mercedes has a new special edition version of its X-Class pickup available. Called the Element, it’s based on the X 250 d Progressive model, but comes with a host of extra standard equipment.
Including a whacking great graphics pack that covers almost the entire side of the load area.
What’s special about the X-Class Element?
Well, not the engine. The Element’s X 250 d basis means you get essentially the same 190hp four-cylinder motor that Nissan fits in the Navara – rather than the muscular (and expensive) 258hp V6 fitted in the X 350 d.
Don’t let that put you off too much, though, as the Element does come with a load of additional items of kit over and above all the stuff already fitted to the Progressive, including:
- Black interior roof lining
- Comfort Pack (Artico ‘leather’ and microfiber upholstery, plus automatic climate control)
- Style Pack (tinted rear windows, roof rails, side bars, LED headlights, electric rear window, 19-inch alloy wheels)
- Sports bar
- Load bed liner
- Exclusive Element livery
- Choice of Chisana White, Diamond Silver or Kabara Black paint
It’s also fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive as standard – though these two are enhanced Nissan items rather than the true Mercedes-Benz 7GTronic and 4Matic you get with the V6.
How practical is the X-Class Element?
Mercedes says the Element is rated to carry 1,075 in payload – slightly more than the X 350 d Power, but a substantial 47kg less than the equivalent X 250 d Progressive.
Like all X-Class models, the Element will tow up to 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes).
How much is the Mercedes X-Class Element?
Prices start at £36,665, excluding VAT – which is rather a lot for a four-cylinder pickup truck, even one with a Mercedes badge and a claimed 40.9mpg.
Interestingly, even the brochure reckons that fuel economy rating may be out of whack with the extra items added to the Element. Hmm.
And for further context, £36k will also buy you a Volkswagen Amarok Highline with 258hp V6 and an eight-speed auto. You’ve got to really want that three-pointed star for the Element to make sense…
Also read:
>> Mercedes-Benz X-Class full review
>> What’s the difference between the Mercedes X-Class and the Nissan Navara?
>> The Parkers pickup group test – every major model compared
