by In 2026, the legendary Mercedes-Benz Unimog will celebrate 80 years. For this occasion, a special Unimog U 4023 has been presented — the most luxurious in the model’s history. It received a double cab, an upgraded engine, and an impressive set of options previously unimaginable for a Unimog.
The history of the Unimog dates back to November 1946, when the abbreviation Universal-Motor-Gerät (Universal Motor Machine) appeared. The actual development and production started in different years, but this name became the starting point for the vehicle’s evolution. The anniversary of the series will also be celebrated by the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks division, which currently also produces the eEconic and Zetros.
The anniversary U 4023 was created in partnership with Hellgeth Engineering. It was presented well in advance because next year the vehicle will be handed over to a private customer for comprehensive testing. If the tests show successful results, small-scale production of such luxury Unimogs is not out of the question.
The exterior modifications are a real shock for fans of the “utilitarian” all-terrain vehicle. It features a widebody kit made of steel and plastic, a shortened cargo bed with a protective roll bar, and cameras instead of mirrors, the images from which are displayed on large monitors inside the cabin. At the front, there are additional LED lights; on the roof, a “chandelier” light bar; and under the wheels, 20-inch rims with beadlock rings for challenging conditions.
The interior surpasses all stereotypes about the Unimog’s instrumental cab: four comfortable seats, two-tone quilted leather on the seats, wall panels, and even on the floor and ceiling. The atmosphere is enhanced by new LED ambient lighting. With such decor, you’d definitely think twice about taking it into the mud.
The most serious upgrade is under the hood. Instead of the standard 5.1-liter OM934 turbodiesel, a 7.7-liter inline-six OM936 engine with approximately 300 hp and 1200 Nm of torque is installed here. The transmission has been recalibrated for it. Acceleration figures are not disclosed, but it’s obvious that dynamics have improved. The top speed of the standard version is a reminder: 89 km/h — and no more.
The price of the anniversary Unimog U 4023 has not been officially announced. However, considering the price of the base model and the scale of the modifications, it can be assumed that this project costs around half a million euros.
