At the Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class with a six-cylinder engine and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive will celebrate its world premiere. The X 350 d 4MATIC sprints from zero to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds. As standard the X 350 d 4MATIC is equipped with the 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS with steering wheel shift paddles and the ECO start/stop function.

The DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode switch for individual driving pleasure is also included as standard. This top-of-the-line model will be available in Europe from mid-2018.

The new V6 X-Class has a 255 bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine with common-rail direct injection. Maximum torque of 406 ft lb is available over a wide engine speed range of 1400 to 3200 rpm. Its special features include lightweight design, the single-stage turbocharger with variable turbine geometry for particularly agile engine response and the NANOSLIDE cylinder liner coating also used in Formula 1.

The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission included as standard operates with no interruption in tractive power during gearchanges. Mercedes says this leads to better handling characteristics on uphill gradients, when driving off-road and when towing a trailer. Other advantages of 7G-TRONIC PLUS are fast gearshifts and low rpm. This has a positive effect especially with regard to efficiency and noise levels. Steering wheel shift paddles also allow the driver to engage gears manually.

The all-wheel drive system features a two-stage transfer case which is flange-mounted to the 7G-TRONIC PLUS main transmission. It is fitted with a central differential of planetary design which distributes the drive force between the front and rear axle with a fixed torque distribution of 40:60 percent.

There are three different all-wheel drive modes: 4MAT for increased vehicle dynamics and 4H for improved traction off-road. 4L mode (low range) is also selectable, with a reduction gearing of 1:2.9. In addition, a 100 percent differential lock is available for the rear axle if desired. The combination of a controlled longitudinal differential lock (0–100 per cent), rear-axle locking differential and reduction gear delivers good performance both on and off-road.