GXV Mercedes Unimog U500 :: Featured Classified

Working for Overland International, I see rigs ranging from a few thousand dollars to over a million, but in terms of expedition trucks, today’s GXV Mercedes Unimog U500 might be my favorite. GXV, or “Global Expedition Vehicles,” has forged a reputation for excellence and is widely considered the benchmark for luxury expedition vehicles. These no-expense-spared trucks are engineered from the ground up to be the ultimate expression of freedom, with vast amenities and multi-stage redundancy for weeks off-grid. Over the last two decades, the company has rigorously tested its vehicles in some of the harshest locations on earth and, in doing so, has fine-tuned every aspect of its build process and materials. This level of expertise is hard-earned in the field and allows the company’s technicians to recognize the difference between what works in theory versus reality. With this in mind, cue today’s GXV Mercedes Unimog, which is a testament to all of the above yet was merely the foundation for something greater. Henri, the owner, is an experienced overlander who cut his teeth exploring some of the world’s most remote destinations in a Land Rover 110. He has applied this wealth of knowledge to further uprate this already formidable rig for hardcore exploration, and the result is exceptional. It’s hard to put into words the time and effort invested into this rig, so I recommend speaking to Henri over the phone (or emailing). Make no mistake, this is the expedition truck you’ve been looking for, and it is turnkey ready.

From the Seller:

“This is a practically new expedition vehicle (15 tons max). It has rarely been used due to health reasons. It is EU-registered but was on USA plates until 2010. Originally imported to the USA by Freightliner/Mercedes, it was built in Missouri by Global Expedition Vehicles. So, it shouldn’t have to pay reimport taxes and because it’s mobile home registered no tachograph is needed at present (I’m not an expert, you’ll have to manage those 2 issues in your country). As for the truck itself, it’s a high-end Unimog U500 with almost all the optional extras from Mercedes-Benz (see specs below). It includes a fully equipped living module for long-term living and everything for long range expeditions with maximum amenities and ultimate autonomy. Everything is high-end, and essential systems (heat, electricity, hot water, etc) are redundant or in triplicate for total confidence in remote locations. It does not use gas to avoid incompatible systems from different countries. All the equipment is described in the specific attached sheets and the manuals [see original listing] for each and every piece of equipment. The vehicle can be seen in Southern Europe. If you are not planning to see the truck before buying, do not waste your/our time. It is a must-see truck. Many relevant improvements have been made to allow overlanding with this truck as a single person (crucial when dealing with a vehicle of this size, weight, and complexity).”

GXV Mercedes Unimog U500

The U500 is powered by a 6.4-liter, 6-cylinder, turbo-charged diesel motor that, in stock configuration, produces 260 horsepower and a considerable 700 pound-feet of torque. A powerful engine is matched with legendary capability thanks to permanent 4WD with front, rear, and center locking differentials, portal axles, front and rear winches, an uprated suspension with double shock absorbers on each wheel, and almost 18 inches of ground clearance. Inside, these impressive backcountry credentials are balanced with an exceptionally well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:

Air-conditioning
Intek CB radio and Kenwood TM-G7070
Webasto coolant heater Thermo 90 for engine and cab preheating
Cruise control
Exterior video cameras
AEG AR-4021 BT Bluetooth stereo
Suspension cab and seats
Heated mirrors
Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
VarioPilot to move driver position from LHD to RHD and vice versa

Distinguishing Features

This is one of the most impressive expedition builds we’ve featured and subsequently, the modifications are extensive. Below is a selection of highlights, but it’s essential to reference the original listing with attached PDF documents for full specifications:

Rear motorcycle carrier with electric winch
Special wheel separators for enlarged axles from 1.83- to 2.03-meters
Carrier Air V hot/cold air conditioner, Dometic Fan-Tastic 6600R fan, Webasto Air Top EVO 5500 D diesel heater
Recent AGM house batteries (630 amp-hours), BEP marine battery management system, Outback Tracking charge controller, solar panels, Outback Power Systems independent 125-volt and 250-volt chargers/inverters (2), Fischer Panda diesel generator, and more
220-volt, 125-volt, and 12-volt power outlets
Bathroom and shower with Thetford toilet
Cabin roof rack with work lights
Freshwater (100 gallons), with water filtration system and Indel hot water system
Pneumatic system with external sockets for tools
Torsion-free subframe and habitation box (full details here) with generous exterior storage and passthrough
Rear-mounted spare wheel with winch
Kitchen with Vitro-ceramic cooking plate, Webasto diesel cooker, microwave and grill General Electric JES1290, Vitrifrigo large capacity dual-zone refrigerator/freezer, and Elkay stainless steel sink with Flomatic Filter faucet
Michelin XZL tires with tire pressure inflation/deflation system
Comprehensive security systems, and much more

This GXV Mercedes Unimog U500 is listed for €295,000 and is currently located in Southern Europe. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.