Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks Unveils New Zetros 8×8 at Eurosatory 2024: The Ultimate Military Transport Solution

The Mercedes Zetros 8×8: A New Truck for Military Applications

At the Eurosatory trade fair, a Zetros with an armored cabin is also on display

From June 17 to June 21, 2024, Paris will host the leading European trade fair for Security & Defence. At the Eurosatory, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will showcase a total of six vehicles. Those who have served or are currently serving in the German Armed Forces are familiar with the ubiquitous presence of trucks bearing the Mercedes star, such as the Unimog.

Starting in 2025, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will expand its off-road truck range, the Zetros, to include a four-axle, all-wheel-drive (8×8) model in two different versions. The Zetros will be available in a variety of configurations, from two axles to four axles. The showcased Zetros 8×8 at Eurosatory is part of a major contract with the Canadian Department of National Defence, which involves delivering over 1,500 Zetros vehicles in the coming years.

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks at Eurosatory (2024)

Mercedes is showcasing a Zetros model equipped with an armored cabin at Eurosatory. This vehicle, featuring a secure cabin, will be available for direct delivery from the Wörth plant in the future. The complete range of the off-road capable Zetros, from the 4×4 to the 8×8, will be offered with the option of an armored cabin.

At booth D127 (EXTPe6b Outdoor), attendees will also discover additional military vehicles on display: a Unimog U5000 featuring a flatbed and canvas cover for troop transportation, an Arocs 6×6 equipped with a double winch serving as an armored tractor, a Zetros 4×4, and the adaptable FGA chassis designed as a tactical base for armored personnel carriers (APCs).

The latest model of the vehicle, featuring an 8×8 configuration, boasts a significant increase in payload capacity, accommodating up to 25 tons while maintaining its superior off-road capabilities. Additionally, the extended chassis provides more space for bodywork, enhancing the Zetros' versatility for a wider array of tactical and logistical operations.

Mercedes Zetros 6×6 featuring a protected driver's cabin

Already, the series is designed with an inline six-cylinder diesel engine OM 460, offering 265 to 375 kW (360 to 510 hp) and a maximum torque of up to 2,300 Nm from a 12.8-liter displacement for heavy-duty use. Drivers benefit off-road from the large approach and departure angles and the vehicle's ability to ford water, while switchable longitudinal and transverse differential locks can enhance traction and maneuverability depending on the driving conditions. Even with the Zetros 8×8, full off-road capability is maintained, while transport capacity significantly increases.

The new Zetros 8×8 model will be available in two configurations. The first configuration consists of four axles, with the front two being steerable. The second configuration offers a single steerable axle at the front and three axles at the rear, with the final axle being steerable to decrease the turning radius. Both models will be offered as a semitrailer tractor and as a carrier vehicle featuring ample body space.

Mercedes Unimog U5000 becomes simply

The new Zetros 8×8 is set to launch in two different configurations. The first configuration features four axles, with the front two being steerable. The second configuration is designed with one steerable front axle followed by three rear axles, where the final axle is also steerable to minimize the turning radius. Both models will be available as semi-trailer trucks and as carrier vehicles offering substantial space for body attachments.

The latest Zetros 8×8 model stretches a length of 11.15 meters, spans 2.60 meters in width, and stands at a height of 3.70 meters. It is propelled by the Euro V inline-six-cylinder engine OM 460, which boasts a displacement of 12.8 liters. This diesel engine generates a power output of 376 kW (510 HP). The vehicle's driving dynamics are enhanced by the Allison 4500 SP automatic transmission. Additionally, the tire pressure control system allows for in-motion adjustments to tire pressure, ensuring optimal performance on sandy or muddy terrains.

Further news from the Mercedes truck division:

The Zetros comes with an optional feature that allows it to traverse water up to 1.50 meters deep, enhancing its capacity to navigate challenging terrain. It's equipped with a hook lift system and a front spreader, which enables the swift loading and unloading of containers.

At the Eurosatory event, visitors can expect to see a Zetros model featuring an armored cabin, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks. The display will include a self-sealing tank developed by Lindner & Fischer in partnership with WEW Westerwälder Eisenwerk GmbH.

This signifies that when a liquid leaks, it interacts with the coating, which typically results in the sealing of the damaged area. The tank structure can be secured using interchangeable frames with twist-lock fasteners, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly within minutes.

Mercedes Zetros All-Terrain Vehicle

Another version in the Zetros series is the 4×4 Zetros, equipped with a Mercedes-Benz OM460 Euro III inline six-cylinder engine. It boasts a displacement of 12.8 liters, delivering a power output of 265 kW (360 HP). The displayed vehicle features a torsion-resistant flatbed with a tarpaulin and benches, designed for transporting both crew and equipment.

The Mercedes Arocs is designed to handle off-road missions thanks to its durable drive components and a sturdy chassis and suspension setup, even in tough weather and environmental conditions. At the Eurosatory exhibition, the company displayed an Arocs 6×6 equipped with the same engine found in the Zetros models: the powerful OM460, which delivers 310 kW (421 hp).

Six-Wheeled Mercedes Arocs Truck

Equipped with dual tires and a twin winch system, the semi-truck is designed for performing heavy-duty transportation in off-road conditions, such as serving as a tank tow truck. The dual-cable winch system enables the recovery of broken-down vehicles as well as the loading and unloading onto the flatbed.

Mercedes-Benz's Special Trucks division is also presenting a Unimog model. The "Universal Motor Device" has been a staple in the vehicle fleets of government armed forces for nearly three-quarters of a century. The showcased Unimog U 5000 is equipped with a Euro-3 OM 924 engine, delivering 163 kW (222 horsepower). The vehicle features a torsion-free flatbed designed for troop transport, supplied by EMPL Fahrzeugwerk GmbH.

Chassis designed for Mercedes-Benz's unique truck line.

The "chassis for protected structures" serves as the foundational structure for armored tactical military wheeled vehicles, known as Armored Personal Carriers (APCs), which accommodate protected compartments with a total permissible weight ranging from 9.5 to 14.8 tons. A multitude of specialized international military vehicle manufacturers utilize this chassis, which is derived from the Unimog, as the base for their vehicles.

The special chassis 14.8 is equipped with a powertrain featuring the Euro III six-cylinder diesel engine OM 926 LA, which delivers a power output of 240 kW (336 horsepower). This engine is paired with the Allison 3500 automatic transmission that has six speeds. The chassis includes mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic interfaces that can accommodate various body types.

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