Mercedes forms the base of some of the toughest, most recognizable and most adventure-ready vehicles in the world: the Unimog, Sprinter camper vans, and most recently the Pure 5000 Zetros. Now the Mercedes X-Class, fierce and meaty as it is, is getting a makeover, camper-style. This creation by German company Matzker combines this luxury pick-up truck with an equally as plush yet hard-wearing camper box, creating one hell of an intrepid overlander.
The MDX starts with a Mercedes X-Class 250D 4MATIC, designed to be Germany’s take on a luxury pick-up truck, but don’t be fooled: this machine has got guts. It has 4WD, 19” wheels, and a seven speed automatic gearbox delivering 187bhp. The default truck comes with limited slip differentials anyway, but Matzker have beefed it up with a rear locking differential and higher suspension, so it can take on even the roughest of terrain.
To the pickup truck, Matzker have attached an angular camper shell, providing 2.9m x 1.75m (9.5ft x 5.7ft) of living space inside. With its shiny, dark grey exterior, roof rack with LED light bar and a vertical Gullwing-style door, there’s something incredibly Sci-fi-esque about this truck, like something straight out of an action movie.
The interior is somewhat utilitarian, neat and functional, with industrial brushed metal walls and dark grey and black furnishings. It features a pop-top roof for added ventilation, as well as windows on all sides to take in the view, and the cab and living quarters are adjoined with a curtain to divide the two.
A compact kitchenette occupies one wall, equipped with two gas burners which are integrated into the granite-effect worktop, which blends seamlessly with the sink and chrome tap. A small compressor fridge pulls out from below, and a second small refrigerator is accessible from outdoors through a hatch to the left of the entrance door. There’s plenty of storage for food and supplies, and the truck’s steely grey interior can be swapped for a warmer teak worktop and flooring (for an added €5800/$6550).
A cosy seating area at the rear converts into a bed, and there’s the option of a second roof-mounted bed if you have friends round to stay, but no toilet or shower sadly.
However there are a whole range of options, from a slimline roof-mounted solar panel (add €3795/$4285) to a hot water system to a spare wheel carrier and aluminium roof rack (add €2666/$3010). For getting out of sticky situations off the road, you can add in a pair of recovery boards, or two black fold-down anodised sand plates which can be mounted onto the side of the truck, and you can even throw in a larger diesel tank for added range for an extra €1485 ($1680).
This overlander is certainly at the luxury end of the scale, creating a balance between style and rugged ability, but that means it comes with a luxury price tag too. All in you’d be looking at €181,000 or $205,000, although seeing as the Mercedes X-Class alone starts at €93,000 ($105,000) that’s not a bad deal. If you want something rugged and functional, with a hint of class and elegance, then a Mercedes-based MDX camper truck could be joining you on your next adventure.
Source and image credits: Mercedes-Benz
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