Unimog U 5000 6x6

Many discerning petrolheads might well include a Unimog on their lottery-win fantasy garage shortlist.

Of course, it’s doubtful that they would ever need the vehicle’s unique ability to get personnel and equipment to pretty much anywhere that they’re needed. But there is a select group of users who do so every day - those who work in the forestry, oil and gas or fire and rescue sectors, for example.

For them, there is now an even more versatile option, because Mercedes-Benz has just introduced a three-axle, 6x6 version of the Unimog U 5000.

Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5000 6x6 (2012) Front Side 1

Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5000 6x6 (2012) Front Side 2

Tipping the scales at 7.24 tonnes in chassis-cab form, the new arrival has an increased gross vehicle weight of 17 tonnes. So that leaves around ten tonnes which, combined with a distance between the front and rearmost axle of 5,300 mm (17’ 4”) and a rear overhang of 1,050 mm (3’ 5”), should allow for a wide variety of bodywork and payload configurations.

As with other U 5000 variants, power comes from a four-cylinder, 4,800 cc turbo diesel engine that develops 215 bhp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 810 Nm (597 lb/ft) of peak torque. The addition of BlueTec technology means that it’s compliant with Euro V emissions standards.

Drive is sent to all six wheels via a gearbox with eight forward and six reverse gears, although a special off-road transmission with eight forward and reverse ratios is available as an option.

Related post:
‘60 Years Unimog’ concept

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