For work or for leisure – the natural habitat of the new Unimog U 4023 and U 5023 starts where roads finish. New engines and a lot of new features are put this biggest Unimog on the top of all 4WD vehicles.
Finally, Euro 6 engines are available also for Big Mog – there are a lot of European companies who are waiting it. Despite the complexity required to meet the Euro 6 standard, Mercedes-Benz is promising to customers of the new Unimog, that low fuel consumption has been reduced by up to three percent with lowered emissions, great reliability, a long life expectancy and long maintenance intervals. Alongside cooled exhaust gas recirculation within the engine, emission control features a successively switched system comprising a closed particulate filter, AdBlue injection and an SCR catalytic converter. Simultaneously with introduction of Mercedes-Benz diesel engines Euro 6, the extreme off-road version of the Unimog also underwent a complete redevelopment to feature a mid-engine design. The engine has been shifted a meter to the rear, which helps not only accommodate the assemblies that Euro 6 made necessary, but also enables direct power take-off from the engine. This means that devices can work independently of the vehicle being driven. Transmission power take-off also remains possible.
The new high-torque OM 934 BlueTec 6 engine; a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of 5.1 l offer an output of 170 kW (231 hp) and a higher torque of 900 Nm, which is available consistently over the entirety of the principal driving range from 1200 rpm to 1600 rpm. the new Now, the engine brake is a double-speed decompression brake which, in the case of the OM 934, develops braking power of up to 180 kW. Each cylinder in the engine has its own engine brake unit. So, safety has also well been improved. Unimog’s outstanding handling characteristics in difficult terrain are well known. In the new generation, these have been improved even further, thanks to the altered position of the engine.
One of Mog’s specialties is the transmission. And that has been remarkable optimized and uprated, resulting in shorter shift times whilst also extending its service life. As in the previous version, eight forward and six reverse gears are available and there is also an optional off-road group for off-road use in the speed range between 2.5 and 35 km/h. The transmission is operated from now via a steering-column lever, which is also used to control the electronic quick reverse (EQR) function. About transmission, we must say that the biggest differences between the two models U 4023 and U 5023 come in the form of the portal axles (and frames), which thus affect the axle loads and gross vehicle weight. In the case of the U 4023, this is a maximum of 10.3 t, for the U 5023 a maximum of 14.5 t.
Portal axles, the low centre of gravity and extremely good angles of approach and departure (44 degrees at the front, 51 degrees at the rear), as well as the ramp angle (34 degrees) and its slope-climbing ability (45 degrees) all add up to make the Unimog an extreme off-roader. In addition to this there is the maximum fording depth of 1.20 m and a lateral inclination angle of up to 38 degrees. Driving in extreme situations with the all-wheel drive system engaged is supported by the selectable differential locks and the tyre pressure control system. The Tirecontrol plus tyre pressure control system has been completely redesigned. The preconfigured tyre pressure for the type of deployment can now be set simply and conveniently on the display by selecting the appropriate programmes. “Road”, “Sand” and “Rough Terrain” modes are preset.
Finally, the cab it is also new. Ok, it is a classic since it looks very similar to first one, from 1974! But the new version of the cab is now 120 mm longer than its predecessor and it is also slightly higher. The Unimog cab can be tipped to simplify maintenance and repair tasks. Together with the relocation of the transmission controls from the centre console to the steering-column lever, this results in substantially more generous space conditions inside the cab. Inside, the Unimog benefits from a new range of equipment including a multifunction steering wheel, adjustable steering column, steering-column lever, multifunction buttons, instrument cluster with a large display, and an upgraded heating and ventilation system, all of which create optimum conditions for the driver. The changed position of many controls in the overhead console makes it much easier to move across from the driver’s to the co-driver’s seat. Also, because the seats are mounted in the low-vibration area, behind the front axle, together with the new cab mounting concept, driving becomes very comfortable, particularly off-road. All in all, the driver and passengers can enjoy real truck comfort in the new Unimog, which is not something to be taken for granted in a specialist vehicle of this type. It is a Mercedes-Benz anyway! If desired, a new camera monitoring system can also optimise all-round vision.
On the outside, the dynamically designed radiator grille and the new bumpers featuring state-of-the-art lights clearly indicate that a new Unimog generation is in operation here. Or there. Or everywhere!
News Source: http://mercedesblog.com/official-mercedes-benz-unimog-u-4023-and-u-5023-euro-6/
