The Mercedes-Benz X-Class. It’s not your typical pick-up truck, and it’s not your typical Mercedes. Honestly, hearing about a Mercedes-Benz pick-up truck feels a little like hearing of a new Subway deep-dish pizza. It’s just all wrong.

But … what if it was 100% right?

Sure, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is expensive for a pick-up, but it comes at the right time. Stalwarts from Ford, Toyota, and Mitsubishi once scoffed at the idea of adding creature comforts, instead announcing themselves as practicality-focused – nowadays, you’ll find them sporting the latest fittings and features.

And the Mercedes-Benz X-Class really raises the bar when it comes to fittings and features. A full suite of driver assistance and safety features comes as standard, including autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition, and the X-Class has managed to scoop five stars from Euro NCAP. Interior quality is similarly impressive, with high-quality surface materials and detailing. That said, stowage space for smaller items is scarce, so this isn’t quite the complete package.

As for capability, the X-Class neither impresses or disappoints in any major ways. A cargo payload of 1092kg means business users can reclaim the VAT. Rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive are both fine, and there’s admittedly plenty of power on tap. Drivers will choose between a 161bhp X220d or 187bhp X250d four-cylinder diesel and a 255bhp X350d Mercedes 3.0-litre V6.

You’ll select between six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic, and the V6 will come fitted with a sophisticated nine-speed automatic transmission. Acoustic packaging helps keep the cabin whisper-quiet, even when you’re travelling right up at 70mph. If you’re looking for your first truck, the X-Class’s car-like driving dynamics should suit.

So, should you buy one? There are better trucks available if you’re looking for pure backcountry performance or heavy-duty towing and carrying, but the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is going to fit around most needs. The thing is, it might not fit around most budgets. The test mode is priced at £34,100 plus VAT, meaning a retail customer will pay £40,920. Trucks do tend to be on the expensive side, but that’s still a big step up from rival models. You really need to ask yourself if the little Mercedes-Benz extras are worth it.

Ultimately, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is a fantastic and versatile light-truck, but only if you have the cash to pay for it.