The head of Mercedes-Benz Vans in South Africa claims that the new X-Class has “disrupted the bakkie scene”, calling on the public to “make up their own minds” about the double-cab pick-up.

Nadia Trimmel, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Southern Africa, made the comments as the local arm of the Stuttgart-based brand announced the launch of its upcoming regional “X-Class X-Perience Days”, which she says “were designed with a sole purpose: to let the bakkie do all the talking”.

“We want our customers who have not yet had the chance to get behind the wheel of what is billed as the Mercedes of bakkies, to do exactly that,” Trimmel said.

“The public will make up their own minds on just how stable the vehicle is on dirt roads, or how passengers forget they are in a bakkie – thanks to the luxurious interior – and how incredibly powerful the four-cylinder engine variants are.”

During the events, Mercedes says the public will “get to know the vehicle on all levels”, courtesy of a “comprehensive programme that includes a dynamic product overview and information on the bakkie’s features and benefits”, before getting behind the wheel.

“It is far more convincing for the X-Class do the talking, than for us to simply tell the public about it. I urge those who are unaware that the X-Class has disrupted the bakkie scene to come and experience it for themselves,” said Trimmel.

The first event will take place on 4 and 5 August at Zevenwacht Wine Estate in the Western Cape. Tala Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal follows on 11 and 12 August, with Zwartkops Raceway in Gauteng taking place on the same dates. Mercedes-Benz says those interested in attending have to register on the dedicated local X-Class website.

As a reminder, each of the six variants in the local range makes use of a 2,3-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (offered in two states of tune), borrowed from the Nissan Navara with which it shares its platform. The V6-powered X350d is expected to arrive in South Africa at a later stage.