It is a capable mid-sized pickup that takes on the Ford Ranger Raptor and the rare Mercedes-Benz X-Class in drag, roll, and brake tests.
CarWow on YouTube are back with another drag race – this one between three pickups, and starring the Ford Ranger Raptor which is the most powerful pickup for sale in the UK.
That’s right unfortunately, those on the other side of the Atlantic don’t get the Ford F-150 Raptor R or Ram 1500 TRX. In this installment of airfield-based speed tests, the Ranger goes up against pickups not available in the US.
The Nissan Navara-based Mercedes-Benz X-Class and Volkswagen Amarok take on the Ranger in tuned form, to see if the snappy 10-speed ‘box of the Ranger is enough to win in a series of races and brake test.
We Wish The Mercedes X-Class And Volkswagen Amarok Were Available In The US
The US loves pickups – they are the top-selling vehicle after all, with the Ford F-Series being the top-selling brand for the last 40 years or so – and new models have to prove their worth against tried and tested favorites.
Ford’s Ranger actually stopped getting produced for the US and returned recently, proving the need for a light pickup in the States. Mercedes-Benz’ X-Class didn’t work and got cancelled, perhaps due to it price and status as a rebadged Nissan.
VW’s Amarok also didn’t get sold in the US but is also similar in size to the Ranger. Whereas the Ranger comes with a gasoline-powered 3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and 292 hp / 427 lb-ft, the X-Class and Amarok get tuned, 3-liter turbo diesel engine with 300 hp / 516 lb-ft and 430 hp / 567 lb-ft respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz X -Class got tuned by ‘Deranged’ that includes an ECU remap, new intercooler and other upgrades, as well as air suspension and an overhauled, black and copper interior.
Does Diesel Torque Win In A Race Against A Gasoline Engine?
As for the Volkswagen Amarok, it comes with a raft of upgrades including a new turbo, intercooler, exhaust and more. Both machines look imposing for mid-sized pickups but lack the panache of the off-roading-ready Ford Ranger Raptor.
From the first race from a dig, all vehicles pull away seemingly equal, but the Ford Ranger’s power and torque shortfall makes itself known, and it cannot compete with the other trucks – except in a rolling race where it beats-out the Mercedes.
In a brake test, the Mercedes wins, the Ford loses, but overall, the Volkswagen proves to be a capable machine at least in these conditions, far from being off-road. Based on the Ford Ranger chassis, we like the look of the Amarok as an alternative to the Ranger, although it won’t get sold in the States.
This tuned version from Darkside Developments is a beast, and with something like a V8 under its hood would be the ultimate head turner on the trail or road, considering its unknown status in the US. When the first ones finally become 25 years old, in 12 years, you can import your own.
