While buyers in most regions of the globe who want a Mercedes-Benz pickup have to wait until 2017 to get their hands on the X-Class, Australians have just welcomed the G300 CDI.
Going back to basics by being able to tackle just about everything Mother Nature has to throw at it, the rugged vehicle carries a starting price of AUD $119,900 (USD $89,282).
Besides being able to approach angles of 38 degrees, departure angles of 35 degrees, tow up to 2,120 kg (4,674 lbs), boast a 2,085 kg (4,597 lbs) payload without a tray and drive through 63.5 cm (25 inches) of water, it also features a snorkel, 16-inch alloy wheels with 265/75 all-terrain tires, a bull-bar and drain plugs drilled into the floor.
Unlike most modern Mercedes-Benz cars that benefit from the latest technology in the field, the rugged G300 CDI is as Spartan as it gets. However, its work-focused interior does bring air conditioning, storage compartments under both seats, vinyl seat covers, armrests, and rubber floor mats.
There is also a tire pressure-monitoring system, along with two 12-volt batteries and a 96-liter (25 gallon) fuel tank. Power comes from a 184 PS (181 HP) 135 kW and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) V6 turbodiesel, sent to all four corners (50:50) through a five-speed automatic transmission.
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