Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Wörth am Rhein – A quarter-century milestone marks the anniversary of a true star in distribution haulage: the Atego Benz. Introduced in 1998 at the RAI International Commercial Vehicle Show in Amsterdam by Daimler-Benz AG, the Mercedes-Benz Atego quickly became the successor to the LK (“Leichte Klasse”; light class) model series after 14 years. The core objective driving its development was to create a versatile distribution vehicle capable of meeting the diverse needs of the light to medium-duty truck segment. This segment demanded adaptability, ranging from standard freight forwarding with tarpaulin or box bodies to construction-focused platform and tipper vehicles, municipal service models, and specialized platforms for a wide array of custom vehicle bodies.
The Atego Benz Debuts: A Model for Every Need
The initial Atego Benz range covered gross vehicle weights from 6.5 to 15 tons. To address the diverse market, Mercedes-Benz launched the Atego with an extensive lineup: 25 basic models, six power output categories, and four cab variants. Customers had the choice between the OM 904 LA series four-cylinder in-line diesel engines and the OM 906 LA series six-cylinder in-line diesel engines. These engines delivered power from 90 to 205 kW (122 to 279 hp), producing torque figures of 470 to 1,300 Nm from displacements of 4.25 and 6.37 liters, respectively, with maximum torque achieved between 1,200 and 1,600 rpm.
Alt text: Original Mercedes-Benz Atego truck model unveiled at the 1998 RAI Commercial Vehicle Show, Amsterdam, showcasing its innovative design.
From its inception, the Atego Benz aimed to redefine profitability in its class. Mercedes-Benz focused on maximizing fleet availability and minimizing operating costs. Key strategies included extending major assembly mileage to 600,000 km and significantly lengthening maintenance intervals.
Recognizing the increasing importance of driver comfort and workplace ergonomics, Mercedes-Benz engineers paid close attention to access and egress. Studies indicated drivers could enter and exit their vehicles up to 30 times daily in distribution operations. The Atego’s innovative frame concept was designed to facilitate easy entry and cross-cab access, crucial for drivers in urban and regional distribution. Four cab variants were offered, catering to different needs within the light and medium-duty segment, including compact versions for distribution and construction sites, and a version designed for light long-distance haulage.
Expanding the Range: The Heavy-Duty Atego Benz
Just six months after the initial launch, at the 57th IAA Commercial Vehicles Trade Show in 1998, Mercedes-Benz expanded the Atego Benz family with the “heavy-duty Atego.” Featuring a higher frame, a larger capacity, and the more powerful OM 926 LA six-cylinder in-line engine (7.2 l displacement, 240 kW/326 hp), this version targeted gross vehicle weights of 18 to 26 tons. It was offered in 17 basic types and two power output categories (170 kW/231 hp and 205 kW/279 hp, 1,300 Nm), bridging the gap to the heavier Actros model series. The Telligent maintenance system further reduced operating costs by scheduling maintenance based on actual vehicle usage.
Alt text: Heavy-duty Atego Benz model, displayed at the 1998 IAA Commercial Vehicles Trade Show, highlighting its increased size and robust build for heavier applications.
Award-Winning Innovation: Atego Benz – Truck of the Year and Sustainability Leader
The Atego Benz quickly earned industry acclaim, being named “International Truck of the Year 1999.” However, Mercedes-Benz continued to innovate. A significant facelift in 2004 introduced the groundbreaking G85-6 transmission with the Telligent automatic gearshift system. Combined with ABS, ASR, and Brake Assist (BAS), these features elevated ride comfort and enhanced safety, setting new standards for the segment. Engine upgrades and BlueTec SCR emissions technology were implemented to meet Euro IV and V or EEV standards. This system effectively reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by around 60% using metered AdBlue injection and incorporated a high-performance diesel particulate filter to capture soot particles. The cab options expanded to include distribution haulage, long-distance haulage, and Comfort variants, further tailoring the Atego to specific applications. The instrument panel was redesigned with a passenger car-like aesthetic, moving away from traditional commercial vehicle interiors.
In 2010, the Atego BlueTEC Hybrid 1222L marked another milestone as the first series-production truck with a diesel-electric parallel hybrid drive and EU homologation. This 12-ton vehicle combined a 160 kW (218 hp) OM 924 diesel engine with a 44 kW (60 hp) water-cooled electric motor. The electric motor enabled fully electric driving at low speeds, with the diesel engine engaging at higher speeds or under heavier loads. The electric motor also functioned as a generator, recovering energy during deceleration and braking, storing it in a lithium-ion battery pack for subsequent acceleration. This hybrid system reduced fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, averaging 10 to 15 percent in urban distribution, earning the Atego Benz the German Sustainability Award in 2010. The following year, it was again recognized as “Truck of the Year.”
The Second Generation Atego Benz: Euro VI and Enhanced Efficiency
2013 saw the launch of the second-generation Atego Benz, featuring Euro VI-compliant engines from the OM 934 LA and OM 936 LA series, which remain in use today. Power outputs ranged from 115 to 220 kW (156 to 299 hp). Despite stringent emissions regulations, engine developers reduced fuel consumption by approximately five percent compared to the previous generation. This efficiency was achieved through advanced common rail injection, replacing unit injector elements, high ignition pressures, and aerodynamic cab optimizations. AdBlue consumption was also reduced to 2 to 2.5 percent of diesel consumption. Design improvements ensured payload capacity was maintained, and maintenance intervals were extended to 120,000 kilometers, a 20 percent increase.
Alt text: The second-generation Atego Benz truck, introduced in 2013, showcasing its updated design and Euro VI compliant engine technology for enhanced environmental performance.
The PowerShift 3 automated transmission, already popular in larger Mercedes-Benz trucks, became standard in the Atego Benz, significantly improving driving comfort and efficiency. Available with six and eight gears and EcoRoll mode, it replaced the Telligent gearshift system. Manual transmissions with six or eight gears plus crawler gears remained optional, as did a five-speed automatic transmission for specialized applications. The introduction of ESP vehicle dynamics as standard significantly enhanced safety. The cab suspension system was also upgraded, bringing Atego comfort closer to that of the Actros. Customers could choose from four cab versions and three lengths, including the ClassicSpace S-cab, the L cab in Classic or BigSpace versions, and a crewcab option.
Mercedes-Benz Uptime and Future Safety Innovations
In 2019, Mercedes-Benz Uptime was introduced for the Atego Benz, further reducing operating costs and increasing vehicle availability. This service provides real-time vehicle status updates to operators and Mercedes-Benz Service, enabling proactive maintenance planning and minimizing unplanned downtime.
Alt text: Atego Benz model equipped with the latest Active Brake Assist 6 and Active Sideguard Assist 2 safety systems, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to advanced safety technology in commercial vehicles.
Continuing its commitment to safety, from April 2024, the Atego Benz features the latest safety assistance systems, including Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA6) and Active Sideguard Assist 2 (ASGA 2). These systems utilize a new electronics platform and sensor fusion, combining radar and camera data for enhanced front and side vision. ABA 6 can automatically brake for stationary vehicles, crossing or oncoming road users, and lane-changing vehicles at speeds up to 60 km/h, exceeding legal requirements.
After 25 years and two generations, the Atego Benz remains true to its original promise: delivering best-in-class comfort, convenience, and safety in the distribution haulage segment. It continues to be a cutting-edge product, meeting the diverse needs of fleets and operators.
