Stuttgart / Wörth am Rhein (Germany) – The readers of OFF ROAD magazine chose Unimog and Zetros to take first place in their respective categories of Cross-Country Vehicle of the Year 2022. This shows that the traditional models of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks are the readers’ first choice in a work context and as travel companions.

This year, almost 40,000 readers voted on 167 vehicles. The Unimog made it to first place in the Special-Purpose Vehicles category, with 43.9% of the votes – for the 18th time in a row. In the category of Touring Vehicles, readers' votes put the Mercedes-Benz Zetros in first place. Dr. Ralf Forcher, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, is delighted on behalf of all his colleagues: “This award makes us particularly proud and gives us the impetus to keep pushing forward.”

Unimog: Seven decades of development work pays off

The Unimog is suitable for off-road operation and has portal axles and a torsionally flexible frame. In combination with the engageable all-wheel drive and the interaxle and differential locks in both axles, it guarantees the necessary traction and control even on difficult terrain. In addition, the tire pressure can be set at the push of a button while driving using the preset modes “Road”, “Poor Road” and “Sand”. Due to its fording capability, river crossings of up to 1.2 meters deep are also possible. With gross vehicle weights of 7.49 to 14.5 tons, the Unimog is suitable as a carrier vehicle for various types of bodies, making it ideal for reliable deployment in a work context, as an off-road camper or as an expedition vehicle.

Zetros brings travelers to their destination across any terrain and without detours

The luxury motorhome version of the Zetros was entered in the readers’ poll. As standard equipment, drivers and passengers enjoy the permanent all-wheel drive and differential locks on all axles. In combination with the large angle of approach and the powerful, two-stage transfer case, the robust vehicle enables movement across almost any terrain. The seat position behind the front axle ensures that even on extreme terrain through forests, deserts and mountains, the journey is still quite comfortable. With the Zetros motorhome, independent travelers can reach destinations that are otherwise only accessible to a few people – without making detours.