Enter the Econic 05 June 2013
More fuel efficient, cost effective and comfortable. That's Mercedes-Benz's verdict on its new Econic, reports John Challen from Frankfurt
With the impending arrival of Euro 6 engine emissions regulations, Mercedes-Benz has taken the opportunity to refresh its entire commercial vehicle range. So, after the new Actros, Arocs, Atego and Citan vans, now comes the Econic and iconic Unimog 4x4 (see panel). And the new versions are impressive.
"Fuel consumption has gone down, and that's been confirmed by customers," states Stefan Buchner, head of trucks, adding that Econic operators can expect to use up to 4% less fuel, compared with the outgoing model. Further savings come from longer engine service intervals and a 40% reduction in AdBlue consumption – in line with all EGR/SCR (exhaust gas recirculation / selective catalytic reduction) Euro 6 designs.
In fact, the new Econics will be powered by one of two of Mercedes' OM 936 LA six-cylinder 7.7-litre engines. Power outputs are 299bhp or 354bhp, with peak torque of 1,200—1,400Nm and more available at lower rpm – reflecting the operational requirements of these hard-working vehicles. An Allison six-gear automatic transmission, with specially developed 'Eco-software' to help save fuel and improve comfort, completes the lower-revving powertrain.
Then, thanks to a double-paced decompression engine brake, 235kW braking power is available at 2500rpm – meaning drivers will notice better stopping performance. Clearly, that also translates to reduced operating costs, at least in terms of brake lining and disc wear. And Econic has leaned on its bigger Actros brother for the chassis architecture, which is lighter, so helping to offset the 300kg penalty imposed by the Euro 6 engine and its after-treatment package.
More power to weight and control then – but that's not all. Given the Econic's versatility, Mercedes has taken soundings from a range of industries. "The Econic is tailored to meet the needs of municipal applications, distribution, airport services and firefighting missions," explains Buchner. "So we have raised the bar even higher in this new model," he assures.
And that shows. For example, there are hole-patterns in the chassis side supports, which allow the rear cross member position to be adjusted to suit the required body and equipment. Also, the arrangement of the power units behind the cab makes mounting bodies easier and releases more space for equipment – made manageable by an increase in the maximum front axle weight to eight tonnes.
Econic will be available in 4x2, 6x4 and 6x2/4 axle configurations, with electro-hydraulically, progressive steered leading and trailing axles in both the 18- and 26-tonne vehicles. The two- and three-axle versions will also be available with multiple wheelbases, from a compact and manoeuvrable 3,450mm up to 5,700mm.
Interestingly, more than 12,500 low-entry Econic trucks have been built since 1998, so Mercedes-Benz understands the importance of this model. Hence the developments for the cab itself, which see the height reduced by 50mm and easier access from a single step, while the standard internal height is 1,295mm (a 1,745mm model is also available). This, claims the manufacturer, will help improve working conditions – the cab has also been upgraded in line with the rest of the Mercedes' family – and visibility for the driver.
Finally, planning for the future and recognising the need for operators to further reduce fuel costs and emissions, Mercedes says a natural-gas-powered version of Econic will be available in due course. Its NGT engine is to be developed from scratch, and the manufacturer has confirmed that testing is already underway on prototypes.
New Unimog unveiled
While introducing the new Econic range in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz also took the wraps off a 10-vehicle line-up of rugged Unimog trucks (U 216 to U 5023). Powered by four- and six-cylinder engines, with outputs between 156bhp and 354bhp, the new models, just like the Econics, are claimed to be substantially more efficient than their predecessors.
A drop in fuel consumption of 3% can be expected, says the manufacturer, not only due to the improved engine technology, but also helped by a new power hydraulics system that takes the place of the PTOs previously used.
Meanwhile, safety improvements include a larger panoramic windscreen and a front camera system, while Mercedes also claims improved off-road capabilities.
Author
John Challen
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