Pricing for the V6 versions of the Navara-based Mercedes ute is out. Best sit down.

CONJECTURE that the highest-provisioned and most Benzed X-Class will not only be the most expensive one-tonne ute on sale but would, with just a few upgrades, breach the $90,000-mark has proven correct.

Release of pricing for the X350d, the only variant that swaps out Nissan four-cylinder drivetrain hardware for a complete set of Mercedes underpinnings, puts the entry Progressive at $81,205 and the top-flight Power at $88,325.

The latter assumes position as the country’s most expensive one-tonner, a title previously held by the similarly-provisioned Volkswagon Amarok Aventura, which also runs a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. The VW is now $2335 cheaper.

The Benz prices do not take on roads into account and can be further enhanced by options, which seem to range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars – enough to tip the balance.

Choices for both X350D variants range from a styling bar – a new type specificto the V6 in black or silver - a hard cover, hardtop, stowage box, load bed liner, load-securing rails in the load bed and an underguard.

As mentioned in our first drive report, the V6 model makes powerful impression when compared with the four-cylinder in the X220d/X250d.

Power has jumped by 50kW and torque by 100Nm, meaning peak outputs of 190kW at 3400rpm and 550Nm across 1400-3200rpm. Zero to 100kmh of 7.5 seconds is claimed, against 11.8s for the four-cylinder.

Fuel economy of 9.0 litres per 100km overall on the official cycle is claimed, along with CO2 emissions of at 137 grams per km.

This variant utilises the whole drivetrain from the GLE sports utility (and a Vito van) so, while a seven-speed automatic transmission remains, it’s but not Nissan’s but the 7G-Tronic Plus, slicker and also more sophisticated with have steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

On top of this, the X350d is also granted a 4Matic full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a 40:60 front-rear fixed torque split and, for off-roading, a centre and rear differential locks, as well as low-range gearing and hill descent control.

Beyond this, it’s also the sole X-Class with a Dynamic Select feature, which allows drivers to choose from five different drive modes: Comfort, eco, sport, manual and off-road (but doesn’t change suspension stiffness).

As has been reported, by the time the X350d lands, Volkswagen will have played its ace card of a new Amarok variant producing 10kW and 30Nm more than the Benz engine. The price for that edition of the Aventura has not been announced.