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While the G-Class SUV is often considered Mercedes' ultimate off-road vehicle, another more versatile option exists in their extensive lineup. The Unimog, initially produced by Boehringer from 1948 to 1951 before Mercedes took over, continues to be a force 75 years on. This adaptable truck can be customized for various uses, including specialized configurations for emergency scenarios.
For this year's FIREmobil trade show in Welzow, Brandenburg, Germany, Mercedes plans to showcase a total of six Unimogs. Described as "practically invincible," these special vehicles have been reconfigured as fire engines in both single-cab and crew-cab formats, based on the U 5023 model. Additionally, an ambulance version will be on hand, as well as a more compact and lighter U 530 model also outfitted as a fire engine.
Alongside the Unimogs, an Atego 1630 4x4 from the fire department of Weddingstedt (a locality in the Dithmarschen district of Schleswig-Holstein) and an Arocs 1842 from the German Federal Police will also be featured.
Mercedes-Benz lineup at FIREmobil 2023
It's notable that Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks offers over 10 different Unimog versions, ranging from the U 219 to the formidable U 5023 equipped with portal axles. Despite the decline in diesel engines, these Unimogs come fitted with either a 5.1-liter OM 934 or 7.7-liter OM 936 engines, offering up to 354 horsepower and a massive 1,380 Newton-meters (1,018 pound-feet) of torque.
Contrary to the G-Class, which is assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, the more robust Unimog is built in-house at Wörth am Rhein, Germany. These tailor-made fire engines and medical vehicles will be displayed at the 2023 FIREmobil event from September 14-16.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
