When the G-Class is now not sufficient

By Wolfgang Hörner

The Unimog has all the time been the last word all-round workhorse. But, to mark its eightieth anniversary, the legendary utility machine reveals a really totally different facet. This one-off transforms the rugged icon right into a luxurious off-roader for many who have already got every part for tough terrain.

Constructed for extremes. That’s how Daimler Truck describes the Unimog. Whether or not serving with hearth brigades, catastrophe reduction items, winter providers, mining operations or as an expedition automobile in distant areas, it steps in when typical transport fails and even severe off-roaders attain their limits. It has executed so for eight many years.

Now these extremes lengthen past harsh climate and difficult terrain. The common motor machine enters the world of luxurious. This particular automobile is successfully a celebratory assertion for the mannequin’s eightieth birthday. To grasp it, Daimler Truck collaborated with German Unimog specialist Hellgeth in Wurzbach. For years, the corporate has created bespoke Unimog conversions starting from expedition autos to specialist business options. Demand is world, and discussions are already underway about turning this one-off right into a restricted sequence for purchasers who need one thing actually totally different.

Image the scene. As an alternative of a Bentley or an AMG G-Class, a silver Unimog arrives at a Monaco lodge or on line casino. Whether it is allowed in, that’s. The Unimog stays a business automobile with a gross weight of seven.5 tonnes and stands practically 2.9 metres tall, ruling out many city streets and automotive parks. Even stepping out requires effort. Climbing down isn’t any much less dramatic than exiting a low supercar, solely in reverse. There are not any retractable steps right here, simply conventional seize handles and high-mounted footholds.

Inside, nonetheless, the expertise is remodeled. The double cab, usually seating seven, now options 4 air-suspended heated particular person seats trimmed in quilted leather-based with ornamental stitching. The extensive centre console and break up headliner match the identical elegant end, creating an atmosphere paying homage to Maybach craftsmanship. Totally digital exterior mirrors improve visibility, supported by obligatory blind spot cameras. The elevated seating place affords a commanding view over surrounding site visitors.

The outside additionally receives a bespoke therapy. Revised bodywork, up to date LED lighting and a matte metallic end give the Unimog a particular presence, complemented by a sculpted rear mattress. Practicality just isn’t the precedence right here. That is about assertion and functionality.

And functionality stays intact. Beneath the posh lies genuine Unimog engineering. A brand new 7.7-litre inline six-cylinder engine produces 300 PS and 1,200 Nm of torque, greater than typical for this extremely succesful sequence. The output prompted engineers to undertake everlasting all-wheel drive moderately than the standard selectable system. An automatic hydraulic gearbox manages the eight ahead gears, which will be break up into 16 ratios with low vary. Drivers can nonetheless intervene manually, even deploying a fold-out clutch pedal when terrain calls for exact management.

With adjustable tyre stress methods, beadlock wheels and three differential locks, the Unimog continues to beat sand, mud and rock with ease. Its limits are few. Maybe solely the value units a boundary. The bottom automobile alone begins effectively past €250,000.