- The Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks division has launched a new version of the Unimog.
- The U 219 Low features a special rear platform that sits 7.9 inches lower than standard.
- The lowered stance was designed to make loading and unloading easier for workers.
The Unimog has earned its
reputation as one of the most off-road capable vehicles
on the planet, thanks to its portal axles, compact overhangs, and extraordinary ground clearance. But, as it turns out, that impressive height isn’t always an advantage. To address this, Mercedes-Benz’s Special Trucks division has unveiled a new variant that sits lower to the ground: the U 219 Low.
Of course, the new Unimog
isn’t a sporty low-rider truck
. Instead, the U 219 Low is all about practicality. By dropping its ride height, Mercedes makes loading and unloading easier, which is especially beneficial for construction yards and municipal tasks. In these environments, workers need quick access to heavy materials like gravel and sand, and that’s where this lowered version shines.
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The U 219 Low is based on the entry-level
Unimog
, with a 2,800 mm (110.2-inch) wheelbase, and it features several modifications focused on reducing height. The chassis itself is lowered by 40 mm (1.6 inches), but the real change is in the rear platform, which sits a full 200 mm (7.9 inches) lower and is mounted closer to the frame.
This results in a loading sill height of under 1.2 meters (47.2 inches), which is surprisingly low by Unimog standards. To put this into perspective, the standard U 219 sits at a ground clearance of 339 mm (13.3 inches), while the Low version sits at 299 mm (11.8 inches). And yes, that lower clearance still comes with a retractable ladder on the tailgate for those moments when you’re feeling a bit too tall to climb.
Heavy-Duty, But Still Versatile
The rear bed is crafted by Eggers Fahrzeugbau GmbH and features a three-side tipper configuration. It measures 2.22 meters (87.4 inches) long and 2.1 meters (82.7 inches) wide, with configurable side and front walls to suit different job requirements. Despite the lowered stance, the truck retains the maximum permitted total mass of up to 10 tons (22,046 pounds) that the standard U 219 offers.
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For those wondering about wheels, the
truck
can be equipped with 295/60 R22.5 or 275/70 R22.5 tires, depending on whether you prefer all-terrain or road tires. Design and mechanical features remain unchanged, meaning it still boasts the portal axles with coil springs, just like the standard version.
Under the hood lies a 5.1-liter four-cylinder
diesel
producing 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque, which is mated to a permanent all-wheel-drive system.
Inside, the U 219 Low is equipped with the Uni-Touch operating system, which includes a touchscreen for most functions and the option for a multifunctional joystick. The current generation of the Unimog was introduced in 2013, featuring redesigned cabins and new powertrains, and it continues to offer a wide range of configurations for various work scenarios.
