Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has broadened its acclaimed Zetros product line with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 8×8 truck, reinforcing its commitment to providing cutting-edge Benz Military Truck solutions. The Zetros, already recognized for its robustness and off-road prowess, will now be available in two-axle, three-axle, and four-axle configurations, and crucially, with an optional factory-integrated protected cab. This expansion positions Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks as a comprehensive provider for military logistics and support vehicles, offering a complete range of benz military truck options from a single, trusted source.
The unveiling of the Zetros 8×8, alongside a Zetros equipped with a protected cab, took center stage at Eurosatory, a leading defense and security exhibition. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks further showcased its diverse military vehicle capabilities with the Zetros 4×4, the versatile Arocs, the Unimog troop transporter, and the adaptable FGA chassis, all presented at stand D127 (EXTPe6b Outdoor).
Franziska Cusumano, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, emphasized the strategic significance of this product line expansion: “By extending our portfolio, we now offer our customers the complete spectrum of the Zetros high-mobility truck series. The new Zetros 8×8 delivers a highly mobile and robust logistics platform with substantial payload capacity for demanding military operations. Furthermore, the availability of the Zetros with a protected cab directly from our factory provides a significant advantage for our customers. And, importantly, all of this is ‘made in Germany’, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability for benz military truck applications.”
Enhanced Payload and Body Space with the New Zetros 8×8 Benz Military Truck
The newly developed 8×8 variant of this benz military truck significantly boosts payload capacity, reaching up to 25 tons, while maintaining the Zetros’s legendary off-road performance. The extended vehicle frame also provides increased body space, making the Zetros 8×8 exceptionally versatile for a wider array of tactical and logistical missions.
Caption: The new Mercedes-Benz Zetros 8×8 benz military truck, designed for heavy payloads and demanding terrains.
The Zetros series, powered by the dependable OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, delivers between 265 to 375 kW (360 to 510 hp), and a formidable torque of up to 2,300 Nm from its 12.8-liter displacement. This powertrain is specifically engineered for heavy-duty applications in challenging environments. Off-road driving is optimized by generous slope and ramp angles, substantial fording depth, and engageable longitudinal and transverse differential locks, ensuring maximum traction and maneuverability in diverse operational scenarios for this benz military truck. The Zetros 8×8 effectively combines enhanced transport capabilities with uncompromised off-road agility.
Two 8×8 Configurations for Varied Benz Military Truck Requirements
The Zetros 8×8 benz military truck will be offered in two distinct configurations to cater to diverse operational needs. The first configuration features two front axles and two rear axles, with both front axles steerable for enhanced maneuverability. The second variant incorporates one steerable front axle and three rear axles, with the last rear axle also steerable to minimize the turning radius, crucial for navigating confined spaces. Both 8×8 variants will be available as both tractor units and carrier vehicles, providing extensive body space for various equipment and cargo.
Factory Protected Cab Option for the Entire Zetros Benz Military Truck Range
Complementing the launch of the Zetros 8×8, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks now offers a factory-integrated protected cab option. This critical feature provides vital protection for the vehicle crew against ballistic threats and landmines. Initially available for the Zetros 6×6, the protected cab will be progressively extended across the entire Zetros high-mobility series from 2025 onwards, available on a project-specific basis. This development allows Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks to deliver complete benz military truck solutions, including protected cabs, directly from the factory, streamlining procurement and ensuring component harmony. Customers benefit from a single point of contact, a unified manufacturing process, and comprehensive service and spare parts support. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks also maintains collaborations with specialized manufacturers of protected driver cabs and cells to accommodate specific customer requirements and national defense standards, ensuring flexibility and customization within their benz military truck offerings.
Caption: The Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 benz military truck, now available with a factory-protected cab for enhanced crew safety.
Eurosatory Display: A Showcase of Benz Military Truck and Defense Vehicle Capabilities
Eurosatory 2024 served as the platform to showcase the breadth of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks’ benz military truck and defense vehicle portfolio.
Zetros 8×8 with Container: Highlighting the new flagship model, the Zetros 8×8 on display, finished in military camouflage, measured 11.15 meters in length, 2.60 meters in width, and 3.70 meters in height. Powered by the Euro V OM 460 six-cylinder in-line engine producing 376 kW (510 hp) and paired with an Allison 4500 SP automatic transmission, this benz military truck exemplifies power and agility. Features like the tire pressure regulation system, adjustable on the move for optimal performance in sand and mud, and a 1.50-meter fording depth underscore its off-road capabilities. Equipped with a hook lift system and front spreader, it demonstrated rapid container loading and unloading functionalities.
Zetros 6×6 with Protected Cab and Self-Sealing Tank: The Zetros 6×6 with a protected cab, also presented at Eurosatory, featured a self-sealing tank from Lindner & Fischer, developed in collaboration with WEW Westerwälder Eisenwerk GmbH. This innovative tank technology enhances operational safety by automatically sealing leaks, minimizing fuel loss and environmental impact. The tank body, secured by an interchangeable frame with twistlock fasteners, allows for quick mounting and demounting, showcasing the vehicle’s adaptability.
Caption: The versatile Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4×4 benz military truck, configured for personnel and material transport.
Zetros 4×4 Flatbed / Tarpaulin: Another member of the Zetros family on display was the 4×4 variant, powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM460 Euro III six-cylinder engine delivering 265 kW (360 hp). This benz military truck was configured with a low-torsion platform body, tarpaulin, and bench seats, illustrating its utility in transporting both personnel and equipment.
Arocs 6×6 Semitrailer Tractor with Double Winch: Demonstrating heavy-duty capabilities, the Mercedes-Benz Arocs 6×6, sharing the robust OM460 engine (310 kW/421 hp) with the Zetros, was showcased as an armored tractor unit. Equipped with twin tires and a double winch, this vehicle is designed for demanding off-road transport, including the recovery of damaged vehicles using its powerful double cable winch system.
Unimog U 5000 Flatbed / Tarpaulin: The legendary Unimog U 5000, a mainstay in military fleets for nearly 75 years, was also presented. The displayed Unimog U 5000 troop transporter, featuring a Euro 3 OM 924 engine (163 kW/222 hp) and a torsion-free flatbed body from EMPL Fahrzeugwerk GmbH, highlighted its enduring relevance in modern military operations.
FGA Chassis: Completing the display was the FGA chassis, designed as the foundation for armored tactical military wheeled vehicles (Armored Personnel Carriers – APC). This chassis, derived from the Unimog and utilized by numerous international military vehicle manufacturers, offers exceptional off-road capability and robustness. The FGA chassis on display featured a Euro III six-cylinder OM 926 LA diesel engine (240 kW/336 hp) and an Allison 3500 automatic transmission, emphasizing its adaptability for a wide range of protected superstructures.
Mercedes-Benz Benz Military Truck: Setting New Standards in Defense Logistics
The expanded Mercedes-Benz Zetros range, particularly with the introduction of the 8×8 variant and factory-protected cab option, underscores Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks’ leadership in the benz military truck sector. These vehicles are engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern military operations, providing unmatched payload, mobility, protection, and versatility, all backed by Mercedes-Benz’s renowned quality and global support network.
