In the most unlikely of mash-ups, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks (a division of the Daimler giant) has revealed the most luxurious Unimog ever. If you don't know much about the Unimog, here's a quick recap. The name encompasses various multi-purpose all-wheel-drive vehicles, but the idea was conceived in 1944 when Germany was under occupation, and Unimogs have been produced since 1948. With its highly resilient power take-offs, as seen in tractors, for example, and its portal axles, the Unimog is practically unstoppable off-road. And yes, Unimogs have been used as tractors, as well as light trucks, snowplows, and more, but they're perhaps best known as military vehicles. The first Unimog with the Three-pointed Star arrived in 1953, and little has changed since then. Until now - the latest Unimog is by far the fanciest to date, and if it reaches production, only Maybach buyers will be able to afford it.
This Unimog is Not for Sale (Yet)
The one-off Unimog is a show car built in anticipation of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks' 80th anniversary next year. Built in collaboration with upfitter Hellgeth Engineering, this creation is based on the Unimog U 4023 (as 2022's Unimog expedition vehicle was) and boasts a flexible frame, portal axles, selectable AWD, and longitudinal and differential locks on both axles. The most luxurious Unimog is also the most powerful off-road Unimog yet, with the standard four-cylinder engine being replaced by Mercedes-Benz's incredibly reliable six-cylinder OM 936 turbodiesel engine, a 7.7-liter behemoth producing, in this case, 295 horsepower. Mercedes didn't reveal the torque figure, but the engine is capable of as much as 1,069 lb-ft. While described as a show vehicle, Mercedes says that "to gain valuable insights for a possible future development stage, the vehicle will be tested by a customer in real-world conditions next year." So if you have an affinity for brutish beasts that feel like five-star hotel rooms, stay tuned.
Sensible Upgrades for the Luxury Unimog
Outside, the matte grey bodywork boasts a MirrorCam system with digital cameras and monitors instead of traditional wing mirrors, which is probably for the best given how big this thing is. Aluminum beadlock wheels and modern LED headlights and taillights give the truck a more contemporary look without negating the off-road presence, while front bumper add-ons make the vehicle more intimidating. Side steps aid entry, and in the cabin, it's all about comfort, with premium leather surfacing (including the roof and floor mats), more ergonomic seating with colored stitching, and ambient LED lighting. A regular Unimog U 4023, if any Unimog can be called that, starts at around $225,000 for a very basic single-cab setup, so this four-seater with its luxury appointments will certainly cost buyers much, much more than if it ever makes production. Should it? Let us know in the comments section below.
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