The last member of the Mercedes-Benz truck family that underwent a complete makeover is the Mercedes-Benz Atego with Euro VI in 2013, now coming on stage to continue its career in the short-radius distribution segment from 6.5 to 16 t gross vehicle weight sector. This version of the Mercedes-Benz Atego retains its benchmark position in the light- and medium weight truck segment with regard to quality, reliability, repair and maintenance costs as well as durability. Indeed, this lead has now been extended even further by the introduction of numerous innovations in relation to the drive system, chassis and cab.
High-tech drive units bring significant improvements in economy
At the heart of the new Atego drive system are two completely redesigned BlueEfficieny Power Euro VI engines with state-of-the-art design features that mark them out as representing the absolute pinnacle in engine design. A total of seven new Euro VI engine variants can be combined with a wide range of transmissions in either manual or automated versions to suit all power categories, so ensuring that the ideal match will always be found for any specific requirement profile that may arise in short-radius distribution operations. In its light-duty variants, the Atego features the newly designed BlueEfficiency Power four-cylinder engines with a displacement of 5.1 litres from the OM 934 series, in a choice of four different power categories. These state-of-the-art four-valve engines with two overhead camshafts and adjustable exhaust valve timing perfectly cover the performance range from 115 kW (156 hp) to 170 kW (231 hp) needed in short-radius distribution. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Atego is available with a choice of three newly designed six-cylinder OM 936 common rail units with a performance range from 175 kW (238 hp) to 220 kW (299 hp) and a displacement of 7.7 litres.
Offering exceptionally high torque even at low revs, these extremely responsive Euro VI engines consume significantly less fuel, despite particulate and NOx emissions that have been reduced by 90 percent compared with Euro V, whilst also benefiting from longer service intervals. They meet the forthcoming emissions standard thanks to a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system and a compact exhaust box that neatly integrates an SCR system as well as a closed-loop particulate filter. The use of sophisticated BlueTec 6 exhaust treatment technology has led to a 50 percent reduction in AdBlue consumption compared with the engine’s Euro V predecessors.
ESP and automated transmissions as standard
The driving power of the new engines is transmitted via Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmissions with either six or eight gears – these are fitted as standard in Germany. The recently introduced eight-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 transmission makes automated shifting available even with the largest engines. Power-assisted manual gear shifting with six or nine gears may be ordered for the new Atego as an option. The control lever for the manual transmission is ergonomically positioned directly on the slope of the instrument panel, making it highly accessible.
The drive system configuration of the new Atego includes Stability Control Assist – the system known as ESP in passenger cars – as standard. A newly designed, two-stage high-performance decompression engine brake, which in the case of the six-cylinder engine is optionally available with a power rating of up to 300 kW, works in conjunction with the electronically controlled disc brakes on all axles to deliver optimum handling safety. Uniquely in this application class, Mercedes-Benz offers the wear-free permanent magnet retarder with 650 Nm of braking torque for the new Atego on an ex factory basis, so providing powerful additional support for the complete braking system.
Visually, too, a member of the new generation of trucks
With the arrival of the new Atego, the medium-duty short-radius distribution truck in the 6.5 t to 16 t GVWR segment, the new truck generation from Mercedes-Benz is now complete. In appearance, too, the new Atego fits neatly into a line-up that already includes the Mercedes-Benz Actros, Antos and Arocs model series. A new bumper design with integrated daytime running lamps (an LED version is available as an option) defines the characteristic face of the Atego and, for all its clear individual identity, marks it out immediately as a member of today’s Mercedes-Benz truck family.
Inside the Atego cab, the driver will find a completely redesigned interior with a cockpit design that, in terms of styling and functionality, has been aligned with that of the Actros, Antos and Arocs. The central instrument with its large, clear graphic display, a multifunction steering wheel as standard – optionally available in leather, seats in a new design featuring integrated head restraints and armrests (in conjunction with Mercedes PowerShift 3) and a one-piece
7-zone cold foam mattress as an option are just a few examples of what to expect in the new Atego. To cope with the challenges posed by the growing complexity of short-radius distribution operations, the new Atego offers the possibility of integrating multimedia devices, along with the added functionality provided by the new electric/electronics concept.
Broad range of variants for diverse applications
With a comprehensive range of improvements to its chassis, rear suspension and cab mounting, along with a new steering system, the new Atego sets new standards for driving dynamics, handling safety and comfort. A total of 42 different model variants, covering a wide range of wheelbase lengths, three cab lengths and all-wheel-drive versions, meet all customer needs and requirement profiles in the short-radius distribution segment.
Find used Mercedes Atego for sale at Truckpages…>