Mercedes-Benz, renowned for its luxury vehicles, showcases its engineering prowess extending far beyond passenger cars. The Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks division, a part of Daimler Truck, specializes in vehicles for the defense sector, proving their capabilities are on par and beyond competitors like BMW, Lexus, and Audi in different domains. While the versatile Unimog is a familiar name, their lineup boasts an array of heavy-duty trucks, and the latest addition is this impressive 6×6 Mercedes truck.
The International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi is currently hosting Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, where they are presenting the Arocs 4042 AS 6×6 model, equipped with robust twin rear tires. This vehicle is engineered for demanding off-road transport, a true mastodon designed to handle tasks like hauling heavy tanks and recovering disabled vehicles with its powerful double cable winch. Its sheer size is undeniable, measuring a substantial 322.8 inches (8200 millimeters) in length, 98.4 inches (2500 millimeters) in width, and 137.7 inches (3500 millimeters) in height.
The Arocs 6×6 truck features a wheelbase of 165.3 inches (4200 millimeters) and boasts a permissible gross weight of 40 metric tons, distributed with nine tons on the front axle and 16 tons on each of the two rear axles. Furthermore, this 6×6 Mercedes truck claims an impressive gross combination weight of 250 tons. The specific version on display at IDEX includes features tailored for military applications, such as a roof hatch, a tire pressure control system for varied terrains, and blackout lights to minimize visibility in tactical situations.
Powering this Mercedes-Benz military giant is a formidable inline-six diesel engine, known as the “OM 460,” with a massive 12.8-liter displacement. This engine delivers 416 horsepower and is paired with a 12-speed Powershift 3 automatic transmission that also offers a manual mode for enhanced driver control. The sheer weight of this six-cylinder diesel engine is comparable to a Mazda Miata, weighing in at 2,237 pounds (1,015 kilograms). Interestingly, for the Arocs range, an even larger 15.6-liter engine (“OM 473”) is available, pushing output to a staggering 617 hp for even more demanding tasks.
Alongside the Arocs 4042 AS 6×6, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is also presenting the Zetros 3351 AS 6×6 at the exhibition, designed for transporting wheeled and tracked vehicles. These two robust 6×6 models are joined by the Zetros 2036 A 4×4, a material and troop transporter, further demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to providing a comprehensive range of military and heavy-duty transport solutions.
