
The Econic. Taking responsibility.
Towns are growing. As too are the demands placed on mobility, logistics, the environment and quality of life. Our answer to this is a commercial vehicle which is up to the challenge. It is powerful and efficient whilst also delivering the greatest possible safety for all road users. It delivers sustainable solutions to the growing emissions burden in urban areas and makes for optimum working conditions for driver and crew alike.
The Econic takes responsibility. With powerful powertrains, the bodybuilder-friendly truck offers decisively better safety with its unique DirectVision cab featuring panoramic glazing and clever assistance systems. With ergonomic entry and exiting and intuitively arranged instruments, you can enjoy unrestricted access to environmental zones. Looking to the future together.
Note: Some of the information provided and images displayed on this Site are European. Vehicle features and performance may differ under Australian conditions. Contact Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific for information on Vehicles available in Australia.
Features

The cabs for the Econic are produced in a lightweight aluminium design and available in two different variants – a high-roof and a low-roof cab. Both variants meet the European crash test standard, ECE R29/2. Thanks to the low-floor concept (low access height, level cab floor and low frame), effective, safe and energy-saving work processes begin the moment you get into the Econic. That goes for the driver and for the team of up to three passengers who can all fit comfortably in the cab.

In the Econic’s cab the needs of the driver and team are the main focus: the continuously level floor and a headroom of 193 cm in the high-roof cab provide plenty of space for up to four people. Each occupant has a secure seat on the move. Plenty of shelves and stowage compartments make excellent use of the Econic’s spacious cab, e.g. for a change of clothes or tools. The low-floor concept and the 620 mm wide pneumatic folding door provide a safe and comfortable exit and entry. The cab has generously proportioned panoramic windows – providing both optimum heat protection and the best possible ventilation.

Employee protection has been made number one priority thanks to the lower entry - not only is it ergonomic, it's also safe and gentle on the back and joints. The low entry with just two steps also makes work processes much quicker, especially when the task at hand requires plenty of frequent stops. The walk-through cab even allows the driver to conveniently enter and exit the cab from the traffic-free side of the road using the inward-opening folding door. That's not just practical, it also prevents accidents.
Advantages at a glance:- Low entry with just two steps
- Entry and exit through the folding door on the side of the road furthest away from the traffic
- Shock-absorbing full air suspension
- The vehicle features a raising and lowering function on both axles
- Depending on the intended field of work, either a high or a low cab height can be selected

Active health and safety at work thanks to low entry. On every journey. Good work starts with a comfortable workplace. And that's exactly how the Econic has been designed - to provide perfect support to the driver. The low entry is a great example of this: simple entry, comfortable standing room in the cab interior and an inward-opening folding door which allows users to enter and exit the vehicle on the side of the road furthest from the traffic - all of which relieve strain on the driver during their daily work. What's more, an ergonomic seat, intuitively arranged instruments, a steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a clear dashboard all make for health-conscious working conditions.

The optimum basis for fixed and demountable bodies - with the Econic’s air suspension you have all the advantages on your side. The standard-specification electronic level control automatically adjusts the air bellows pressure to match different load conditions. It also enables the ground clearance and angles of approach/departure to be set individually as required (depending on the application and weather conditions).

The Econic’s low-frame concept has significant advantages: the two-part design means that the frame allows a particularly low cab access height. The rear section of the frame ensures the greatest possible flexibility for bodies. In addition the vehicle has a lower centre of gravity and therefore outstanding roadholding.

With the optional electronically/hydraulically steered leading and trailing axles, active steering of the wheels ensures a minimum turning circle. The light steering improves handling when stationary, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight spots. These axles not only improve manoeuvrability, but also increase the Econic’s payload. Like all the Econic axles, the leading and trailing axles come equipped with disc brakes and air suspension as standard.

Waste disposal is an important aspect of the modern closed-loop economy. It is hard work and requires great care, attention and power. Discover more about the Econic in municipal applications.

The technical and economical potential of biogas as an environmentally friendly energy mix has not yet been fully exploited. This potential is huge. All fermentable waste is suitable as raw material when producing biogas. The high proportion of methane produced makes biogas energy rich and viable as a CO2-neutral fuel for vehicle propulsion systems.
- CO2-neutral
- Unrestricted driving in environmental and prohibited zones
- Exceptionally quiet: Ideal for night-time operation
- Up to 50% lower fuel costs

The demands on an engine that powers special vehicles like the Econic are big in every respect – such as in stop-and-go traffic or with frequent use of a power take-off unit. The Econic – with the choice of a BlueTec® EEV diesel or NGT gas engine – meets these demands and goes beyond them to make a valuable contribution towards a better environment. In addition the long maintenance intervals and the sparing transfer of power though the standard-fit automatic transmission add up to even greater cost effectiveness and low wear.

Diesel engines
- OM 926 LA straight-six engine (7.2 litre, 175 kW (238 hp) power, maximum torque: 810 Nm / 1200 rpm)
- OM 926 LA straight-six engine (7.2 litre, 210 kW (286 hp) power, maximum torque: 1100 Nm / 1250 rpm)
- OM 926 LA straight-six engine (7.2 litre, 240 kW (326 hp) power, maximum torque: 1300 Nm / 1300 rpm)
Natural-gas engine
- M 906 LAG straight-six engine (6.88 litre, 205 kW (279 hp) power, maximum torque: 1000 Nm / 1400 rpm)

The Econic is fitted as standard with the tried-and-tested HL7 drive axle. The HL7 features a robust, reliable design and long servicing intervals. The geometric positioning of the axle's assemblies ensures optimum ground clearance, particularly with low frame heights, allowing body capacity to be maximised. The standard-specification differential lock and ASR acceleration skid control ensure optimum traction, even in challenging conditions.

The Allison automatic transmission with push-button gear selection ensures the most effective possible power transmission in constant stop/go urban operation. The 6-speed automatic transmission with
- torque converter
- lock-up clutch
- close-ratio forward gears with overdrive
- and touch-key gearshift
provide a solid, reliable and low-maintenance basis for safe, relaxed, stress-free driving.