Is the Mercedes X Class a Nissan Navara?
With the Mercedes X Class no longer available to buy new due to poor sales, last month we looked at the reasons why it was withdrawn. If you haven’t read that piece yet, go back and take a look to find out more.
A key point made by those in the industry was that, because the X Class was based on the Nissan Navara frame, it wasn’t worth the money. But does that mean that the Mercedes X Class is a Nissan Navara?
This month at Moot 4×4, we’re going to look into the differences and similarities between the two models to uncover the truth about this claim that, ultimately, contributed to the decision to shelve the X Class.
How is the Mercedes X Class different to the Nissan Navara?
To get a better understanding of the accusation levelled at the Mercedes X Class, we need to compare it with the Nissan Navara in a number of areas: the exterior, the interior and the ladder frame.
Exterior differences
The differences between the Mercedes X Class and Nissan Navara exteriors may not be immediately obvious, but they’re definitely there.
Almost every piece of exterior panel is slightly different, with more width and height added to the X Class, as well as a longer load area. The most obvious differences to the naked eye, however, are the built-in step for the X Class, which the Navara doesn’t come with, and the different lights at both the front and rear.
Interior differences
When looking from the outside, we can understand why people might confuse the X Class and the Navara at a glance, but the interior is where the real differences can be found.
Different models of the X Class came with varying degrees of luxury, but even the entry-level model had more going for it. Where a Navara has no-nonsense, utilitarian plastics, the X Class has higher quality materials for comfort such as leather, soft-touch plastic and even some accent trims.
The technology built into these two vehicles is also drastically different. The X Class features an infotainment system with a large display, better graphics, voice control and connectivity options. And while the Navara also has an infotainment system, it’s not nearly as sophisticated or advanced.
Overall, the premium price of the Mercedes was reflected through the interior, whether it was power-adjustable seats and extra cushioning or the higher resolution dashboard cluster, the X Class was built as a luxury drive. The Navara on the other hand, while also comfortable, was built with more practical and rugged driving in mind.
Frame differences
Finally, we come to the ladder frame, and this is where a lot of the criticism for the X Class came from.
While the ladder frame was generally the same as the Nissan Navara’s, there were key differences in what Mercedes did with it for the X Class. This includes reinforcing the frame to handle the extra power, along with the widening of the track on the front and rear axles to lend it more stability when cornering.
Further modifications were also made to elements of the X Class that gave it precision and control on the roads, from the springs to the dampers. However, the multilink rear suspension and coil spring are the same on both 4×4 models, instead of a leaf spring-based suspension.
The price impact of the Mercedes name
While some of the differences between the Mercedes X Class and the Nissan Navara are more subtle than others, it’s clear they are not the same 4×4 by any stretch of the imagination. The withdrawal of the X Class was largely down to poor sales and this was probably not helped by the greater increased price placed on it. Because when you have a Mercedes badge instead of a Nissan badge, you can probably expect to be paying a lot more for your 4×4.
Even though it’s no longer available to buy new, you can still get all the parts and accessories you need for your Mercedes X Class thanks to our handy online store here at Moot 4×4. That means both devout fans and second-hand buyers need not worry.
Take a look at our Mercedes X Class parts and order online today for a speedy dispatch of your items — we’ll even deliver them to you anywhere in the world!