Mercedes-Benz X-Class review

From launch Merc offers a choice of two models, X220d and X250d. The former uses a manual gearbox, puts out 200g/km of CO2 and costs from £32,772. The latter uses a 7spd auto, emits 207g/km and is priced from £35,172. An equivalent Navara costs from £30,680, so we’re talking a 15 per cent uplift. For a 10 per cent better product. Plus the better badge.

Moving on. There are three trim levels, Pure, Progressive and Power, topping out at £40,920. Equipment levels are OK, but you’re not going to be getting rear screen DVDs and massage seats in here. Pure is the workhorse – it’s only available as a 161bhp manual and comes with manual seats, fabric trim and 17-inch steel wheels (which might just be the coolest choice of all). Progressive is £1,200 more and brings painted bumpers, aluminium trim pieces and alloy wheels. Power is aimed at SUV buyers, so offers standard electric leather seats, LED lights, keyless and so on for another £3,500 on top.

That CO2 output will cost you a pretty penny in tax, and the claimed 35.8mpg combined fuel economy figure doesn’t look too clever either. The upside is that if you take it steady you just might achieve it.