Unimog’s have long been considered one of the ultimate off-road vehicles, that is if you are not worried about going fast. I am not sure about you but I have long fantasized about loading up a Unimog with a bike, surf boards and a kayak and exploring the world on four wheels. The only problem is “I can’t drive 55”! Having an off-road vehicle with a top speed of 55 for me is like going to an alcohol free bar, what’s the point?! I do have to point out though for the rest of you that can keep your foot off the gas that these newly updated versions of the classic Unimog are pretty awesome!
Basically Mercedes has changed the Unimog to a mid-engine design to take advantage the torque and allow room for the additional engine assemblies required to meet the ultra strict Euro VI emissions standard. The engine has been updated to a OM934 “BlueTech 6” 5.1-liter four-cylinder diesel kicking out 231 horsepower with around 660 lb-ft of torque.
The Transmission is really the star in these vehicles offering eight forward and six reverse gears and there is also an optional off-road group for off-road use in the speed range between 1.5mph and 20mph. The transmission gearing properly utilizes the small engines strength in both torque when needed, and fuel efficiency when needed. The transmission can also be switched to power exterior equipment like water pumps for firefighters while driving or not.
These vehicles can go over and through pretty much anything! Rated for nearly 4feet of water Unimogs can climb a 45º grade without fail.
The frame and crossmember are tubular steel welded together allowing for 23.622 inches of flex all while maintaining its structural integrity. The standard drive shafts are replaced by “Torque Tubes” allowing 30º of independent articulation.
The Portal axles, which are basically adapters that let the axle be mounted above the center of the wheels, help the truck hit insane approach (44º) and departure (51º) angles. With a 34º breakover angle the Unimog is built to crawl over large rocks, dirt piles, and hills.
You don’t event need to climb out of the cab to lower tire pressure, you just flip a switch and you can inflate or deflate tires via the central “Tirecontrol” plus tyre pressure control system. You also can choose a preset “Road”, “Sand” and “Rough Terrain” mode if you like.
The classic cab design has added accouterments including a multifunction steering wheel, adjustable steering column, steering-column lever, multifunction buttons, instrument cluster with a large display, and an upgraded heating and ventilation system. Not to mention a little longer and the drivers position is a little taller for better visibility.
So I guess if you are going to be confined to a top speed of 55 this is the vehicle to do it in!
