In 1955, Daimler-Benz built the first Unimog S of the 404 series. It had a long wheelbase and was designed for military use.
The German army’s enthusiasm for the Unimog S
The Bundeswehr, founded in 1956, was involved in the project from the outset. The Unimog S was built for a full quarter of a century, through to 1980. The German army remained a key customer for this model, which went on to become the best-selling Unimog of all time. Thanks to its outstanding off-road capabilities, the Unimog S earned high praise from armed forces around the world.
The Unimog S and its petrol-only powertrain
The Unimog S features the oval grille typical of Daimler-Benz commercial vehicles of that era, with its enclosed round headlights.
Its cab has a timeless design. Compared to the original Unimog, the wheelbase was extended by roughly one metre, first to 2,700 mm and then to 2,900 mm.
Under the bonnet of the Unimog S, there was no diesel engine as in the original Unimog, but a modified petrol engine sourced from the passenger car range. The six-cylinder M 180 engine from the 220a saloon initially produced 82 hp from a 2.2-litre displacement, before being replaced by the 2.8-litre M 130 developing 110 hp.
Over the years, the Unimog S attracted not only uniformed customers but civilian buyers as well.
In 1975, the 435 series was created to succeed the Unimog S.
Variants and model codes
| Model | Name | Cab type | Wheelbase | Power (hp) | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 404.111 | U80 | Optional | 2700 mm | 80 | M 180 |
| 404.113 | U82 | Optional | 2900 mm | 82 | M 180 |
| 404.114 | U82 | Optional | 2900 mm | 82 | M 180 |
| 404.115 | U82 | Optional | 2900 mm | 82 | M 180 |
| 404.117 | U60 | Optional | 2900 mm | 60 | OM 615 |
| 404.010 | U82 | Optional | 2900 mm | 82 | M 180 |
| 404.011 | U82 | Optional | 2900 mm | 82 | M 180 |
| 404.012 | U110 | Optional | 2900 mm | 110 | M 180 |
| 404.013 | U110 | Optional | 2900 mm | 110 | M 180 |
Photo credits: Mercedes-Benz AG