This Mercedes-Benz Unimog handles like it’s on rails

Unimog U 423 set to be unveiled in Berlin

This Mercedes-Benz Unimog handles like it's on rails

Not familiar with the Mercedes Unimog? It’s a beast of a vehicle. Seriously. The off road workhorse-cum-plaything has been taking humans to places where vehicles shouldn’t go since the 1940s – and it even does a good impression of a train.

Yup, the Unimog U 423 proves that the Mercedes 4×4 truck thing is the most versatile vehicle ever – with the latest version about to be revealed at next month’s Innotrans exhibition in Berlin.

Packing 231 hp, the long-wheelbase Unimog U 423 can tow an incredible 1,000 tonnes of train – thanks to its four-wheel-drive system and torque-converter clutch.

This Mercedes-Benz Unimog handles like it's on rails

Likely to be bought by rail companies for carrying out essential tasks like overhead cable maintenance, the U 423 features a elevating work platform – and it can even be driven remotely.

It also complies with strict fire regulations, available with a fire alarm and fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment so it can be used to carry out work in tunnels.

When it’s not pretending to be a train, it can also be driven on the road like a regular Unimog. OK, you might not want to use it for the school run, but its regular road tyres are up to the job of carrying out any tarmac-related duties you may have for it.

The new Unimog U 423 will be shown at the Innotrans exhibition in Berlin on 20-25th September.

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Andrew Brady
Andrew Brady
Web editor at MR. Drives a 2005 Toyota MR2. Has a penchant for the peculiar.

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