[Auto] X-Class will live in the next facelift of the Nissan NP300 Navara

[Dr.Drako]

As you well know, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class was a failure for the German firm and was not withdrawn from the market for nothing. Remember, it was derived directly from the Nissan NP300 Navara, only it had some deep differences.

It is true, Class X shared an assembly line at the plant in Barcelona, Spain, but the German truck had technical improvements with the intention of making it more worthy of the star it carries on the front. Thus, we can suddenly list, a more rigid chassis thanks to the use of additional reinforcements, as well as a more complex suspension scheme.

When the X-Class was introduced in Chile for the first time, for what was the Avant Premiere of the model in the region, Mercedes engineers were very emphatic in the improvements they had made in terms of reinforcements and calibration for their truck. In fact, we chatted with the engineers ourselves, extensively tested the trucks, and checked some parts on our own. Even the brake pads were signed by Mercedes, which meant that, although the base was that of the Navara, Mercedes had put his hand in it, which means that the X-Class showed superior performance and was able to receive a more powerful engine, like the V6 of the X 350d 4MATIC that was launched in Chile.

What will the facelift inherit from the NP300 Navara?
What it will inherit, mainly is its chassis, which we know there are two main specifications, one for Nissan and Renault, plus a second variant that is the Mercedes. This variant includes some exclusive added parts and reinforcements, as well as some reinforcing beams and a bar behind the firewall that will help to stiffen the cabin and to mount more equipment. The X-Class had wider axles, although that won't hold.

With this, the new Navara will show a stronger body, with greater torsional rigidity and safety. We'll see if Nissan intends to use other attributes of the X-Class, such as its well-achieved soundproofing and if these changes will also be taken by Renault for the Alaskan. It remains to be seen.