Mercedes-Benz X-Class Fire Sale, New X350d POWER V6 Diesel with 3 Options $72,490 Driveaway easily negotiated to 60k Driveaway

Terra Australis on 28/02/2020 - 16:05

Following slowing sales and with production ceasing in May, Mercedes are offering massive dealer incentives to clear stagnant X-Class stock.

Old RRP for X350d Power was $79,490 before ORC, ~$88k driveaway. Now they are doing the X350d Power with Style Pack, Leather Seats and Winter Pack for $72490 with 3 years free servicing and 5 years unlimited klm warranty. A bit of negotiation with the salesman will easily yield a circa $60k driveaway price for the top spec V6 diesel with some free accessories. Caveat is that it's a 2018 build date.

Haven't looked into the other models but would imagine there are similar discounts across the range.

Automotive Mercedes-Benz

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2020 - 16:33
    +3

    This… or a Holden Colorado.

    • brendanm on 28/02/2020 - 17:39

      This

    • Terra Australis on 28/02/2020 - 17:42

      Haha this is how I found out about it, started shopping for a Z71 when I heard the news and realised Mercedes were doing a similar 33% off because production was ceasing

      Colorado Z71 you can get for $40k, Sportscat for $50k, so I'm thinking V6 with merc badge for 60k isn't bad

      • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2020 - 17:44

        Downside of the merc - it has sold far fewer units over a much shorter time than the Colorado.

        After market parts/mods will be limited.

        • brendanm on 28/02/2020 - 17:48
          +2

          Most of the stuff is the same as Navara. Engine stuff is just normal diesel Merc.

        • Numlock on 28/02/2020 - 17:55

          the engine is the same as the 15 year old turbo diesel engine Daimler has been pushing in every GLC, E-class, GLE, GLS etc.

  • Cluster on 28/02/2020 - 16:55
    +4

    Cross shop this with a Nissan Navara. It's basically the same car with minor modifications. Another failed example of badge engineering. It was made in Spain in Nissan's factory.

    2018 build date? Yikes! Shows how badly these things sold. You've basically got 2 years of depreciation built into the new car price. Keep this vehicle a long time if you buy it.

    • Euphemistic on 28/02/2020 - 17:29

      The should keep the tooling and build a V6 Navara. Reckon it’d sell a lot better.

    • brendanm on 28/02/2020 - 17:40
      +1

      Where's the V6 diesel Navara?

      • Numlock on 28/02/2020 - 17:55

        V6 diesel Navara

        ewww diesel

    • Kangal on 28/02/2020 - 21:52
      +3

      Warning LONG post incoming, but wanted to share:

      For those interested in a family/workhorse, there's a lot of marketing and BS around. For instance, this popular video just shows how these "experts" are simply shills/paid advertisers. They don't know what they're talking about, at least, not comprehensively. So be weary of all the misinformation out there, since, Utes are a lucrative market in Australia. I'm no expert, but based on my knowledge, here's how they sit roughly:

      Best Engine - VW Amarok
      Best 4WD/Suspension - Ford Ranger
      Best Interior - Nissan Navara
      Best Exterior - Mercedes X-Class
      Best Reliability - Isuzu D-max
      Best Customer Support (Ute's in Australia) - Mazda BT-50
      Best Accessory Range - Toyota Hilux
      Best Price - Mitsubishi Triton
      …unfortunately we can't have all of these rolled into a single awesome dual-cab ute :(

      Overall Top Three?
      VW Amarok (performance), Ford Ranger (long-term), Mitsubishi Triton (value)

      Remember, this isn't America. So we can't quite look into things like F150's, Dodge Ram, and Jeep Gladiators. The number of feasible options are still decent, and I believe this also applies for other markets like in Africa, South America, and the Middle East. I don't want to include the "legendary" Toyota LandCruiser here, as its much much higher priced, and probably not-worth exploring.

      Why the Amarok V6: It's one of the few that can use 4WD on the road (great on slippery and rainy days on the way to work/empty tray), has the best response and power, the interior is arguably one of the best, and the ute tub tray is wider and more practical (takes a pallet). You pay more, but you get more. If I had the money for $70k-range this is what I would get. Surprised by the lack of hype for this beast.

      Why the Mitsubishi Triton: When getting one of its midrange models it is competent in +95% of things compared to its competitors, including the VW. Yet, it affords a decent $10k (or even more) savings in price. Similar priced competitors, particularly the BT50 and Navara are on-average slightly more expensive and slightly worse offerings. I should mention, "on paper" this ute seems as one of the worst, but tested in real-world it is actually VERY good. If your budget is in the $50k range, this is the winner. It is the underdog.

      Why the Ford Ranger: Has good reliability (but not best) and has the most auto centres around in Australia and narrowly passes the Toyota Hilux, which is less impressive. Whilst the Mazda BT-50 generally has better quality customer support, they don't have as many centres especially in the outback. And whilst the Ford demands a $10k premium over the Mazda, you do get some niceties for that, and after 5-year ownership, it holds a $5k higher resale value, basically putting the two on equal long-term value. It is the more balanced dual-cab and deserves the high-sales, praise, and excellent accessory support. Basically the winner in the $60k range. It's the "overall" winner.

      • ShortyX on 28/02/2020 - 22:31
        +1

        👍🏻 Good summary.

        Triton (apart from lower spec I believe) can use 4WD on bitumen/dirt roads without locking the centre diff.

        I bought a runout mid spec 2018 MQ GLS for $36k last year and I’m really pleased with it. It’s great value if the budget is tight.

        • Terra Australis on 29/02/2020 - 12:37

          The X-Class has full time AWD as well. I'm curious as to why you think the VW V6 and Merc V6 aren't evenly matched

          Also if the Nissan Navara wins best interior, does not the X-Class actually have the best interior?

          • Kangal on 01/03/2020 - 01:44
            +2

            @Terra Australis: To be honest, the X-Class is a joke.
            I know there's some value to have now since they're pretty much discontinuing it. For the longest time, it was actually worse than the Navara whilst it came at a price premium. They were just a "reskinned" Navara. Basically, you were paying for the badge. The newest models are diverging away from the Renault. I only put it up there to be comprehensive, and yeah, it does look "good" from the outside, but that's a pretty subjective point anyways. With that said, I did forget the GM/Holden Colorado which is quite a forgettable choice.

            Interior wise its actually kinda stupid. All the "fancy" things Merc boasts about in the X-Class are in the Navara. What's different is the arrangement. The Navara is actually more comfortable in both front and rear seats. The front has more cupholders, the buttons are larger and more conveniently placed, and the computer system on the Merc is a joke. From the photos and renders the Merc looks nice inside, but its very "form over function" and not as user friendly as the competitors. I will say the air vents are pretty good though.

            As for the 4MAT system on the X-Class, its a derivative of the 4Matic AWD system found in Merc sports cars. It's okay, but it is an early version/variant, which doesn't translate too well for the Ute. You could make a similar case for the VW, but to their credit they've actually had a head-start on this, plus a decade to make further improvements. So off-road the advantage falls to VW (to everyone's amazement). And for performance, the old 160kW Amarok V6 is actually faster than the 190kW X-Class 350d V6 on the road. Whereas the newer 200kW Amarok V6 just eats it for breakfast. I know on rock-crawl the others with a manual and low-range have an advantage, but its really the likes of the V8 Toyota LandCruiser and the Ford Raptor which challenge the Amarok V6. Overall, it's just a weird time where a VW is kicking arse.

            The Ford Ranger is winning markets all over the world, sure, it's lacking the Wide Tray, Power, and on-road AWD from the VW, but its just as good or better in other aspects. A lot of that praise is thanks to all the technology, engineering and development produced right here in Australia.

            The above is a snapshot of the market now and a while ago. Although the industry is heading into major changes. For one thing, the top-end market is being challenged by the Rivian R1T and Tesla CyberTruck. The very truck-like Isuzu Dmax is (finally) getting a new chassis, so perhaps it might combine the highest quality with a modern twist. The Mazda-Ford partnership is ending, so the next BT-50 will actually be based on the new Dmax base. As for Ford, they're shifting things back to the USA for the new Ranger, so you can expect a shake-up (lots of gimmicks) and probably it to drop in quality. Toyota is at work to bring their new "hybrid" system from the Rav4 to the Hilux, and possibly fix other issues with the somewhat disappointing current Hilux. The Mercedes Benz X-Class is likely to be discontinued due to poor sales. The Navara (aka Renault Alaska) has been evolving much faster, usually doing "half-gen" increases every couple years instead of "full-gen" increases in few years like that of the Triton or Ranger. Things look to continue proceeding as such, basically using technology from Japan with the funding from France. Although there has been a lot of corner cutting thanks to greed/corruption coming from Renault (issues with paint, rust, transmission, suspension quality etc etc). As for the Mitsubishi Triton, it just got refreshed so the current model is what's going to be up against these next-gen offerings for the next few years. Afterwards, I think it was reported that Mitsubishi was cancelling their Triton range, and they would be licensing with Renault to use the next half-gen platform of the Nissan Navara. It's quite a mixed market, but that's only because this is one of the fewest car segments which is actually growing, and is highly profitable. The next big segment will be in EVs, while not too long ago it was in Hatchbacks, and before that the market driver was Sedans.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2020 - 22:37
        +1

        Was about to buy the Amarok V6 but waited to drive the Raptor, ended up buying a Wildtrak.

        The Amarok was very nice on paper but the rear seats were the worst. With a comfortable driver seat set up, even a child will not have knee room behind me.

        The Hilux and Ranger were fairly good in this regard. Didn't end up with the Raptor because I couldn't get pass the 2.0 engine and I simply cannot trust Ford to make a gearbox let alone an 11 speed one.

        So all that was left is a manual Wildtrak.

        • Terra Australis on 29/02/2020 - 12:39

          Congrats on your purchase, a manual Wildtrak is a beaut. Agreed wholeheartedly on the slow as Raptor with the 2.0 4cyl.

          "Only milk comes in 2L"

          • [Deactivated] on 29/02/2020 - 17:16
            +1

            @Terra Australis: Maybe I was biased against the 2.0 number but it was actually a good engine. It is much smoother and quieter than the 3.2 (which is honestly a little rough and loud). Coupled with the 11 speed tranny, it was a good drive.

            Unfortunately, I had a Focus. If one isn't put off a Ford for life, it will at least shake one's confidence in their transmission.

            The Fox suspension and bigger brakes were great but not $20k premium great. I could get a full OME suspension and equivalent (or larger) BBK, rims and wide body kit, and still have enough change for a proper steel bull bar, winch and skid plate.

            I have a few mates that bought the Raptor for the school holidays. They raved about its light offroad prowess but as soon as work started and they had to use it for towing a 3 tonne trailer I stopped hearing the praises.

            (Oh… and I have never heard anyone say, "I wished I got the smaller engine.")

            • Terra Australis on 29/02/2020 - 20:59

              @[Deactivated]: Out of curiousity, you must've gotten few quotes for the Raptor, do you mind sharing aroundabout what dealers were quoting? Ford aren't too keen to negotiate on the Raptor, best I've gotten is to just waive the onroad costs ($75k driveaway)

              • [Deactivated] on 29/02/2020 - 21:58
                +1

                @Terra Australis: I didnt get to the negotiation phase. I was only exhauating the possibility that I may want one so I do not get buyer's remorse aftdr buying something else.

      • munecito on 29/02/2020 - 10:21

        The Gladiator shouldn't ever be compared to any of the other models you mention.

        With a payload just over 500kg (total combined load of passengers + everything else) is just not a work vehicle, unless you are a medium or a professional harmonica player.

        The gladiator is just Jeep's way to make silly people part ways with their hard earned money.

        According to what they say it is an Overland vehicle. Maybe it is that if you consider day trips overlanding.

        And it is ugly as hell to top it off.

  • uzz30 on 28/02/2020 - 17:23
    +1

    John Cadogan has a lot to say about this model & brand, but basically NO

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdL7w9gEBus

    • Terra Australis on 28/02/2020 - 17:32
      +3

      Hate this balding gnome with his shrill voice, but what he says is basically common sense:

      it's a flop, so make sure you get it at a good price

      which is what this forum topic is

      • munecito on 01/03/2020 - 11:37
        +1

        He isn't a balding gnome.

        He is a balls gnome.

        The balding stage left that head a long time ago

    • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2020 - 17:42
      +4

      I watched the video. Summary of this fine automotive reviewer:

      1. CMD - chronic masturbatory disorder.
      2. Transvestites.
      3. Suppositories.

      Worthwhile mentions - he cleverly rebuts comments he made.

  • bbbrrraaaddd on 29/02/2020 - 00:21

    Which dealer?

    • temporiser on 29/02/2020 - 08:51

      I would like to know that as well

    • Terra Australis on 29/02/2020 - 12:39

      Literally any dealer. I called quite a few and they're all around the 61 mark without aggressive negotiation.

  • Gajic on 25/03/2020 - 22:29

    I concur with Terra Australis and quoted this article.

    Just purchased a 2019 build as per the $72,490 deal with 0km for $60,106 if you exclude that I paid the full retail prices for some additional extras (touring canopy $4697 with the $2,775 free accessories, tow bar $1298 and tub liner $899)

    WA has a ridiculous 6.5% stamp duty that more than off-sets any potential further squeezing on the additional accessories, plus it was a June 2019 build not the November 2018 stock. On 2018 stock and where stamp duty is 2.7% in Vic and 3% in NSW (I understand) then under $60K over east is feasible.

    I'm hardly a miracle negotiator. Just laid it out that word on the street was $60K for the $72,490 current deal (thanks Terra Australis) and dealers were advertising on Carsales under $67K to the man on the street (did see one in SA with 222kms for $66,888). They clearly have to move stock even if they don't make a dime and rely on a manufacturer incentive and getting reimbursed for the 3 years free servicing.

    As a side note Private Fleet quoted me $75K for what I wanted and then there was approx. $$2,500 transport costs across the Nullabor on top of that.

    peace out

    • Jsoh255 on 02/06/2020 - 15:39
      -1

      I don't suppose you would mind saying which dealer in WA you got the deal with?

      • Gajic on 27/06/2020 - 00:05

        Westpoint Star, I understand both them and Diesel Motors are the same company. Not many left now.

    • Terra Australis on 29/06/2022 - 19:44

      congratulations friend. fast forward to present day and that x-class is EASILY 100k+++

      wishing you well fellow investor chad

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