Mercedes-Benz Econic: the low-entry working truck

MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes-Benz Econic 2629
Mercedes-Benz Econic 2629. Photo by ToprakM, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Mercedes-Benz Econic is a low-entry truck introduced in 1998. It comes in weights of 18 and 26 tonnes and uses a turbocharged, intercooled six-cylinder inline diesel engine.

Mercedes-Benz Econic at a glance

Mercedes-Benz Econic key facts
Introduced 1998
Type low-entry truck
Weights 18 and 26 tonnes
Engine six-cylinder inline, turbocharged and intercooled
Main uses refuse collection, fire and emergency services, airport ground service
Facelift 2014, with new headlamps and a revised grille
Cab low entry, so crews can step in and out quickly

This article is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Mercedes-Benz Econic.

History of the Mercedes-Benz Econic

The Econic was designed for work that involves frequent stops and crews getting in and out: refuse collection, fire and emergency services, and airport ground services. Its low-entry cab brings the floor close to the ground over the front wheels, which is why it became a common sight as a refuse truck in European cities.

Mercedes-Benz Econic at Nufam 2025
Mercedes-Benz Econic at Nufam 2025. Photo by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

It is offered at 18 and 26 tonnes gross weight with a six-cylinder turbo diesel. In 2014 the truck received a facelift with new headlamps and a revised front grille. Battery-electric versions have since joined the range.

Design and features

  • Low-entry cab: easy access for crews who leave the truck many times a day.
  • Two weights: 18 and 26 tonnes.
  • Six-cylinder diesel: turbocharged and intercooled.
  • Specialist bodywork: refuse bodies, fire appliances and airport equipment.

Mercedes-Benz Econic versions

  • Econic 18 t: the lighter version.
  • Econic 26 t: the heavier version.
  • 2014 facelift: revised front and headlamps.
  • Electric version: battery-electric Econic for city work.

The Econic is a specialist truck alongside the Atego and Actros. More in the Mercedes-Benz collection.

Video: Mercedes-Benz Econic (2014)

Video by YouTube on YouTube.

Sources