Mercedes-Benz Econic

• Safe and driver-friendly with a low-entry concept

• Optimised cab

• Active and passive safety with assistance systems

• Tailor-made vehicle variants

• Environmentally friendly natural gas engine

Safety during municipal operations was a key factor even during the development of the Mercedes-Benz Econic. For this reason particular importance was attached to optimum all-round visibility and minimisation of the blind spot. Measures ensuring this include the low cab position, the large, panoramic window and glazed co-driver's door and a sophisticated mirror system.

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The Mercedes-Benz Econic has long been established as a standard vehicle for many tasks in the area of public services, collection and distribution operations. Thanks to its tailor-made design featuring a low-entry cab, the chassis with full air suspension and the automatic transmission, the Econic combines the high transport capacity of a truck with the agility of a van and the ergonomics of a low-floor vehicle.

Active and passive safety with assistance systems

The Mercedes-Benz Econic is equipped as standard with the assistance systems Active Brake Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, with adaptive cruise control available as an option. The Econic has already previously been fitted with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

New blind spot camera system

As a new feature, the blind spot camera system improves the driver's already good direct view from the Econic with an indirect all-round view using a monitor/camera system.

This system uses four cameras around the vehicle and a monitor in the cab. The front camera replaces the front start-off mirror, allowing an unobstructed view directly in front of the vehicle even when the sunblind is deployed. Two further cameras are located on the lower mirror arms to provide a rearward view to the sides, and the fourth camera is mounted at the top rear of the vehicle body.

In addition, lighting assistance systems available for the Econic include manoeuvring lights on the rear axle for low-speed manoeuvring in the dark, and automatic activation of the hazard warning flasher switch and rotating beacons/strobes when the pto is engaged. Rain and light sensors are also optionally available. To make reversing even safer, a speed limiter restricting the reversing speed to 9 km/h is also available.

Intuitively designed interior – new, improved entry

In addition to the powerful, environmentally friendly Euro VI engines, the Mercedes-Benz Econic is equipped with the Alu-Space-Cage cab. This cab made from lightweight aluminium combines low weight with a high level of safety. The high variant of the cab offers great freedom of movement thanks to side headroom in the standard cab of 193 cm, and plenty of space for the members of the crew. The low cab with side headroom of 146 cm is suitable for inner-city operations involving zones with low overhead clearance.

New features include the optimised entry and the improved cross-cab access, thanks to a modified engine tunnel. The driver's door is higher, the opening angle is larger and the operating force has been reduced.

Tailor-made vehicle variants

The Econic is available in the configurations 4x2, 6x4 and 6x2/4 with an electrohydraulically and progressively steered trailing and leading axle in permissible gross weight ratings of 18 and 26 tonnes. Custom variants are also optionally available. The two and three-axle vehicles come in different wheelbases from 3450 mm to 5700 mm.

Two six-cylinder engines from the OM 936 LA series are used for the Econic, with output ratings of 220 kW (299 hp) and 260 kW (354 hp) at a displacement of 7.7 l. In addition to exhaust-gas recirculation inside the engine, emission control takes place by means of the closed particulate filter, AdBlue injection and SCR catalytic converter. The BlueTec 6 filter systems installed in an exhaust box are controlled by an electronic system which controls treatment of the exhaust gases according to the prevailing needs by reference to a large number of engine-related and operational parameters.

To reduce fuel consumption, an optional Eco package is available which e. g. limits the vehicle speed to 85 km/h with constant acceleration, simulates a three-quarters load status and locks the kickdown function.

Stop-and-go traffic plays a major role in the daily operations of Econic users in the public service sector and also poses a special challenge for engines and transmissions. The six-speed automatic transmission from Allison proves effective in the frequent stopping and starting cycles involved in disposal services, for example.

Environmentally friendly natural gas engine

The Econic NGT (Natural Gas Technology) in Euro VI has now also entered series production. The CO₂ emissions are up to 22 percent below those of a diesel engine. Using biogas further improves the carbon footprint. Noise emissions are also audibly below those of a diesel engine.

The new M 936 G natural gas engine in the Econic is based on the OM 936 turbodiesel engine from the new BlueTec 6 generation with a displacement of 7.7 litres. As a mono-fuel engine (gas-powered only), it runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) and has an output of 222 kW (302 hp) while delivering maximum torque of 1200 Nm. Such figures, in combination with its impressive power delivery, place the single-stage turbocharged engine on a par with its diesel-powered counterpart.

Show exhibits

Mercedes-Benz is presenting two Econic models at the 2016 IFAT show. An Econic 2630 NGT 6x2/4 ENA chassis with a 3900 mm wheelbase can be seen in the hall, equipped with all the safety/assistance systems described above and featuring the facelifted cab. Special features include the larger door opening angle for convenient access on the driver's side, and the recess in the engine tunnel for more legroom.

A further Econic 2630 NGT 6x2/4 with a Faun body can be seen in the outside area and in action during driving demonstrations.