Mercedes-Benz Turns the Unimog into a Massive Yet Ultra-Luxurious Pickup

This month, the legendary Mercedes-Benz Unimog turns 80, and to celebrate, the German automaker is taking its colossal utility off-roader into entirely new territory. In collaboration with Hellgeth Engineering, a one-of-a-kind show vehicle has been created, adding a touch of luxury to the famously rugged truck.

This unique vehicle combines the signature Unimog engineering with high-end materials and striking design, intended to impress both on off-road trails and in front of upscale hotels. Beneath all the flashy exterior, it’s still a U 4023 Unimog, featuring portal axles, a flexible frame, and three locking differentials.

The biggest mechanical upgrade is a new 7.7-liter inline-six diesel OM 936 producing 300 horsepower, replacing the standard 5.1-liter four-cylinder engine with 231 horsepower. According to Mercedes, the six-cylinder provides better traction and smoother transmission operation while fully retaining the Unimog’s legendary off-road capabilities.

The vehicle’s appearance strikes a balance between raw power and boutique-style showmanship. Borrowing cues from SUVs, it features a reworked grille, new bumpers and side skirts, and custom bed panels.

A matte gray paint job, 20-inch beadlock wheels, and a unique LED lighting package give the truck a modern, aggressive look.

Traditional side mirrors have been replaced with a MirrorCam system featuring digital displays. Mercedes says this improves visibility both off-road and in tight urban spaces while allowing the driver to catch admiring glances without turning their head too far.

Inside, the four-seat cabin is trimmed in high-quality leather with contrast stitching, LED ambient lighting, and leather floor mats. The result is a surreal mix of luxury and utility—like a five-star hotel room grafted onto a mountain rescue truck.

That said, since Mercedes has released only a few interior photos, it’s safe to assume the cabin still feels closer to a truck than a limousine.

The Unimog’s story began in postwar Germany as an agricultural machine, with Mercedes taking production under its wing in 1951. Since then, Unimogs have been used by public services, rescue teams, the military, and even Dakar Rally teams, with luxury never being a priority.

However, Mercedes emphasizes that this “civilized” Unimog is more than just a styling exercise. Next year, the show vehicle will be handed over to a customer for real-world testing, providing data for potential future development.

If demand arises, this luxury off-roader could help spawn a new branch of the Unimog lineup. For now, it stands as proof that there’s virtually nowhere a Unimog can’t go.