The Mercedes model competing in the lightweight category, in the UK the Atego is designed primarily for operation between 7.5 and 16 tonnes – heavier duties are looked after by the Antos and the Actros. A reliable workhorse, if not ideally suited to operation at 7.5 tonnes if payload is a major consideration, the Atego comes into its own as a 10 or 12 tonner.
These trucks do stand the test of time, if maintained correctly should provide years of service in their second and third life.
The Atego took over from the outgoing LK range just before the turn of the century in the light truck category from 6.5 to 16 tonnes GVW. A massive choice of variants, thanks to the number of different wheelbases, cab types and engine outputs
Relatively short lived, but Mercedes saw the need for a lighter, smaller truck than the Actros serving the higher weight range. The heavyweight Atego chassis was the precursor to the Axor which was launched just a year later.
With a totally new appearance, thanks to a revised front section of the cab and a new interior, this was more than a facelift for the lightweight Atego. The Telligent automated gearbox was introduced as an option for these Euro 4 trucks.
No more heavy weight Ategos, as Mercedes sought to expand their truck range with the introduction of the Axor that separated the Atego from the Actros.
Launched two years ahead of schedule, 2007 saw the Atego available as a Euro 5 truck. Compared with the previous Euro 4 emissions standard, this means a further 43% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) for the Atego using SCR technology. Customers could still buy Euro 4 versions.
Also launched in the September of that year was the Atego Hybrid truck as a 12 tonner with a 44kw electric motor helping the 218hp Euro 5 diesel engine.
A revised front to the cab to bring the design in line with the premium Actros styling and a new steering wheel. The Atego was the last in the Mercedes model line up to get EEV standards on the OM 924 LA and 926 LA engines. The EEV standard reduced particulate emissions by about a third compared to the Euro 5 limits.
A totally new cab plus new Euro 6 engines ranging from 156 to 299hp and Powershift3 transmissions was much more than a facelift. Lightweight construction techniques keep the weight out of the truck designed for the 6.5 to 16 tonne market, but despite this, service intervals were increased to an impressive 120,000kms.
The cab followed the design cues set down by the revolutionary looking Actros in 2011. As you would expect with a new cab, there was also a new interior. This truck is totally different to the earlier version.
Well worth spending the extra on in the used truck market.
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…
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