Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 6×6 vs. Unimog 4×4.

Unimog – at home on every terrain

The "Universal Motor Platform" Unimog is a problem solver par excellence. Developed for agricultural usage 70 years ago, the all-wheel drive vehicle has developed into a popular universal talent for a vast range of different jobs. Yet all of the model variants have one thing in common: they can handle difficult terrain, treacherous surfaces and are at home beyond the bounds of sealed roads. The Unimog reigns supreme where other vehicles fail. The U 5030, modified by Hellgeth, provides even more performance, comfort and terrain capabilities than its standard counterpart and can handle even the most difficult conditions.

Sprinter 6x6 – the versatile exotic

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 6x6, built by Oberaigner, is almost unstoppable. Permanent all-wheel drive, a raised air intake and special off-road tires make the van a true all-terrain vehicle. The entire underbody around the exotic 6x6 powertrain has been redesigned and is robust enough to handle the demanding conditions of even the most difficult terrain. The increased payload of up to four tonnes enables the van to be fitted with almost any imaginable body design – from a classic flatbed with a high payload to a fully equipped fire-fighting vehicle for inaccessible regions.

A duel between the superlatives

Shooting this extreme test takes the camera team to an off-road park near Germany's capital of Berlin. The location features sand, steep inclines and mud pits, creating a challenging environment in which vehicles can demonstrate their capabilities. Pyrotechnics experts create a powerful atmosphere along with an impressive backdrop using smoke effects. After dark, the team illuminates the scene with Bengal fire and flares so that the vehicles can keep on driving. The vehicles create an entertaining show as they tackle steeper and steeper inclines. Roaring engines echo through the otherwise quiet forest.

The king of the hill

After two days of shooting, both vehicles have a real "off-road look": the hoods, windscreens and wheel arches are covered in dirt and mud. But despite their hard-use look, neither the Unimog nor the Sprinter submit to the difficult terrain. In the end, the true winners are the drivers themselves, who tested their vehicles under these extreme conditions.

Only the Unimog's headlights are visible in the dense fog.

Every detail of the Unimog is designed for all-terrain capability. This includes the exceptionally large and wide tires.

The Unimog is an impressive sight on loose terrain.

The Unimog powers over a hill. Off-road it is simply unstoppable.

The camera vehicle is prepared for the shooting.

Shortly before the end of shooting, both vehicles are parked in the dark forest, completely covered in mud.

Flares light up the two vehicles for the final scene.

The pyrotechnic experts create a wall of fog for the Unimog to drive through.

First pyrotechnic tests illuminate the forest with a red light.

Dawn the following day shows the marks the previous night has left in vehicles.

The Sprinter 6x6 with permanent all-wheel drive can handle any hill no matter how steep and any surface no matter how loose.

The Oberaigner Sprinter is loaded with almost one tonne of additional weight for greater off-road stability.