The extremely robust off-road truck for military application.
The Mercedes-Benz Zetros is a truck you can trust. And it’s more than a truck – it is a symbol of reliability and strength. Forged from over 130 years of innovation and built at the truck plant in Wörth, it proudly carries the mark “Made in Germany”. Engineered with passion and precision, the Zetros is destined to handle extremes – on and off road.
With the proven Bonnet concept.
The Zetros features a bonnet design that provides less vibration stress through low seat height and a seat position behind the front axle. Its construction is approximately 50 cm lower compared to standard trucks, making it compatible with air and rail transport. This lower profile also offers a significant advantage for roof-mounted equipment such as antennas, communication systems, or jammers.
When you’re conquering rugged terrain with heavy loads, the Zetros stands its ground. Its reinforced ladder-type frame delivers high torsional flexibility and immense strength – even under fullload. The frame head is constructed to withstand high mechanical loads, enabling the Zetros to be lifted even when fully equipped.
- Permanent all-wheel drive with 2-speed transfer case and differential locks
- Reinforced dampers
- Torsion-free 3-point bearing cab
- Large angle of approach with 35°
- Cab behind engine for smoother ride with excellent off-road capabilities
- Balanced axle load distribution for safe handling regardless of load pattern and crew safety
- Option: Central tyre inflation system (CTIS) for better traction on a variety of surfaces
No matter how long the road is or where it leads – through sand deserts, ice deserts or other challenging terrain: the inside of the Zetros offers you a comfortable workplace that convinces with all the advantages of its bonnet concept, from the 3‑point‑mounted steel cab to the low design. In the Zetros, you are not only sitting behind the axle, but also around 50 cm lower than in comparable cab‑over-engine trucks.
- Torsion-free 3-point cab mounting for smooth ride and less vibration
- Low center of gravity for driving stability
- Reinforced steel cab for longevity under harsh conditions
- Driver seated behind axle for a better ride comfort on rough terrain
- Optional air-sprung driver’s seat
- Up to 1,400 litres of interior stowage for tools, personal gear, and equipment reserves
- Enhanced cooling systems for operation in extreme climates and conditions
- Spacious workplace with up to 3 fully-fledged seats
- Multifunctional steering
- On-board computer with integrated departure check routine
- Cruise control in standard
- Good all-round visibility
The Zetros offers a spacious, comfortable cabin with no engine tunnel, allowing easy access and room for up to three passengers. All full-size seats provide ample legroom. The adjustable steering column and multifunction steering wheel ensure an ergonomic driving position and quick access to key functions. The instrument cluster displays essential information clearly, while controls are intuitively arranged for ease of use.
The Zetros is a highly adaptable off-road vehicle designed to meet the diverse demands of modern defence missions. Its modular platform allows for a wide range of body configurations, making it suitable for troop transport, logistics, command and control, or specialized technical roles.
Built for extreme terrain and challenging conditions, the Zetros combines robustness, reliability, and operational flexibility – ready for deployment where it’s needed.
Configurations:
- Crane
- System Carrier
- Tanker
- Troop carrier/cargo/flat bed
- Shelter/platform
Permissible loads: 16.5–22 t
Permissible gross vehicles weight: 40 t
You want to improve your return on investment. With this in mind, the Zetros has been streamlined for efficiency. It boasts a high level of fuel economy and an innovative dual tank system, helping to keep costs down and reduce time spent refueling. It is easy to load, and it can transport either crew or cargo in line with your imperatives.
The Zetros delivers up to 375 kW (510 hp) of pure power – paired with a 16-speed manual transmission featuring cable-controlled shifting and shift assistance, plus a 2-speed transfer case with off-road ratio for all all-wheel-drive variants. An optional Allison automatic transmission, with or without integrated retarder, adds even more comfort. So you can stay focused on what really matters: your mission.
- Dual-tank system with large fuel volume for extended range
- Resistance to contaminated or low-quality fuel*
- Bonnet design for quick routine checks
- Highly efficient filter system due to additional cyclone filter
- Balanced weight distribution for good offroad traction and manoeuvrability
- Optional middle seat
- Low overall height for train and plane transportability
- Availability of numerous custom-tailored options
- Bodybuilding possibilities above the cab
* in alignment with NATO standards
Cyclone prefilter.
With an optional second cyclone prefilter installed on the air intake chimney and up to two fuel prefilters, your engine will give you the power you need. An activated carbon filter is available as an option to reduce dust and odour pollution in the cab interior.
Fuel tanks.
Long distances are no challenge for the Zetros. With up to two 500-litre steel fuel tanks on board – or an optional coupled double-tank system – it delivers the endurance you need for missions that go the extra mile.
Defence vehicles in hostile environments are jeopardised by bombs, mines and IEDs. Logistical tasks and peacekeeping missions have to be carried out nonetheless. It is essential to have vehicles that offer high protection to their crew, and operate reliably and with a high mobility in diverse climates and infrastructures. Protected Mercedes‐Benz Defence Trucks are equipped to meet these complex demands.
The Zetros, equipped with a robust 9-ton front axle load, is specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of military logistics. Its high payload capacity allows for the transport of heavy equipment and supplies, even in challenging terrain. The protected cabin ensures improved crew safety in hostile environments, making it suitable for operations in conflict zones or disaster areas. Combined with its off-road capabilities and modular design, the Zetros offers reliable performance and tactical flexibility for military missions.
- Cab with mine and ballistic protection is available
- 3 seats with 4-point seat belts
- Manually operated door mechanism
- Heated windscreen and side windows
- Tiltable roof hatch
- High degree of commonality with unprotected Zetros versions
- Available in different chassis configurations and with different superstructures
- Universal mounts on rear wall
The Zetros stands for reliable performance and low maintenance. The engine and roof of the Zetros can be reached quickly and easily. Thanks to the sturdy, separately opening bonnet, you don’t have to tilt the cab for maintenance or repairs. That’s hard work made easy.
- Engine access without cab tilting
- No requirement for special tools for fluid and filter changes
- Integrated access steps for maintenance work
- Walk-on cabin roof and hood for cyclone filter and screen cleaning
- Easy maintenance and repair thanks to the vehicle design
Vehicle models
A full portfolio of choice.
The Zetros family offers a wide range of vehicle configurations – with and without all-wheel drive – ensuring high flexibility for diverse applications. This modular approach enables high commonality and interchangeability of components, reducing complexity and enabling cost-efficient maintenance. The Zetros is designed to meet your operational needs.
High mobility
Tactical logistics, troop and equipment transport, weapon and sensor system carriers
Heavy-duty Logistics
Strategic logistics, tankers, containers & resupply, bridge-laying & engineering logistics
Special Purpose
Sensor, radar or drone carriers, heavy-duty mountain vehicles, mobile power and electricity supply units, airfield and fire-fighting vehicles
Daimler Truck offers far more than just vehicles. Our service portfolio ensures that your fleet remains operational worldwide.
Approximately 3,000 authorised workshops in over 160 countries. Worldwide spare parts availability guaranteed.
Full IPS/ILS and CLS capabilities. IPS/ILS packages incl. ISS. Requirements analysis & individual planning.
Field Service Representatives directly in the operational area. Long-term logistics support across the entire vehicle life.
Train-the-Trainer programme by Mercedes-Benz Truck professionals. Individual fleet management solutions & retrofit.
Do you need further information on our individual solution? It's best to talk to an expert. We analyse your requirements and put together a customised package.