Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks Expands Armored Vehicle Offerings with Factory-Installed Armored Cabs
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is broadening its product line by introducing the Zetros truck series with factory-installed armored cabs. The three-axle, all-wheel-drive Zetros (6×6) is now available as an armored vehicle. From 2025, additional variants of the Zetros series, ranging from the two-axle 4×4 to the four-axle 8×8, will also be produced with protective features at the Wörth truck plant. A Zetros 6×6 with an armored cab will debut at the Eurosatory trade fair in Paris from June 17 to 21, 2024.
Comprehensive Armored Off-Road Vehicles
The armored driver’s cab provides protection against bullets, mines, and booby traps without compromising the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. Previously, vehicles manufactured in Wörth were typically fitted with armored cabs by partner companies before delivery. Now, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will install the protected cab on the 2nd generation Zetros for specific projects, with Rheinmetall as the development partner and supplier.
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks handles the entire process—from development and testing to production and sales—offering customers complete vehicle solutions with integrated protection. As part of Daimler Truck’s special vehicle division, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks ensures high reliability, production capacity, and long-term service and spare parts availability. For some orders, they collaborate with bodybuilder partners/OEMs for protected variants.
Armored Cabs for All Zetros Models
Soon, the entire Zetros product range, from 4×4 to 8×8, will be available with factory-installed armored cabs. The cab, positioned behind the front axle, provides a structural advantage for weight distribution, preventing overloading of the front axle by the heavy armor on rough terrain.
Safety, ergonomics, and visibility were prioritized in the Zetros cab armoring development. The protected cab can seat up to three people with air-sprung seats and four-point seat belts. A large, one-piece windshield ensures a wide field of vision. Variable attachment points on the cab allow for additional equipment, and the use of common components between protected and unprotected versions enhances spare parts availability and interchangeability in mixed fleets.
Zetros: The Off-Road Specialist for Heavy-Duty Tasks
With the cab located behind the front axle, all Zetros variants offer a relatively quiet and comfortable driving experience, even off-road, protecting both crew and cargo. The independently opening hood allows engine access for maintenance without tilting the entire cab forward.
All Zetros variants feature the OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, providing up to 375 kW / 510 hp and a maximum torque of 2,300 Nm from a 12.8-liter displacement. The 16-speed gearbox, Allison automatic torque converter, two-stage transfer case, selectable differential locks, large slope and ramp angles, and fording capability ensure traction in challenging conditions. The permissible total weight ranges from 16.5 to 40 tons, with a gross combination weight of up to 120 tons, making the Zetros suitable for a variety of transport tasks.
A Zetros with a protected cab will be showcased at Eurosatory, featuring a self-sealing tank from Lindner & Fischer, built in cooperation with WEW Westerwälder Eisenwerk GmbH. The tank can be mounted and dismounted quickly using an interchangeable frame with twistlock fasteners. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will also display two other Zetros models, an Arocs 6×6 with double winch, a Unimog U 5000, and the FGA chassis.
