BharatBenz 1617R

The BharatBenz 1617R is a true game-changer in the medium-duty commercial vehicle segment in India. The 1617R is designed to redefine the standards of reliability, efficiency, and driving experience. With exceptional power and performance, the 1617R from BharatBenz is engineered to excel in various applications. 

Equipped with a high-performance and proven 4D34i model BSVI-compliant diesel engine, the 1617R is one of the perfect medium-duty trucks suitable for urban and regional transportation needs. Fitted with top-class safety features which include a seat belt reminder, demister and rear camera, this medium-duty truck is one of the best.

Additionally, to improve driver productivity and performance, the vehicle also features a music system, power windows and a heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC). Apart from these, to improve durability and reliability, the truck also comes with an all-weather-resistant chassis and UV-resistant cabin paint.

With standard 10.00R20-sized radial tyres, the truck has superior resistance to aquaplaning and higher traction required for driving on rough terrain conditions with ease. Priced at Rs. 26.89 lakh which goes all the way up to Rs. 27.77 lakh (prices indicated are ex-showroom) the BharatBenz 1617R is also an affordable option in the medium-duty truck segment.

BharatBenz 1617R Performance:

The BharatBenz truck is powered by a 4D34i model BSVI-compliant diesel engine which is engineered to churn out 167.6hp at 2500rpm and 520Nm at around 1200-1600rpm. This high-performance and reliable diesel motor is paired with an improved G85 model 6-speed manual gearbox for smoother power delivery.

The 1617R also features an intake throttle valve for optimal air input into the engine and better thermal and emission management to improve fuel efficiency, a diffuser tailpipe for a reduction in the throw of dust and standard anti-roll bars for stability while carrying heavy loads.

Other than these performance improvement-oriented components, the vehicle also equips an improved air drier to reduce power drawn from the air compressor to lower the load on the engine. This ensures better production of higher fuel efficiency according to BharatBenz.

BharatBenz 1617R Specifications:

The 1617R is a 16200kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) haulage truck. It comes in three-wheelbase options- 5100mm, 5900mm and 6700mm and three loading spans 6185mm, 7400mm and 9580mm, respectively. The truck has a ground clearance of 270mm and equips a 215-litre fuel tank for longer operations and fewer fueling intervals.

BharatBenz 1617R Features:

The BharatBenz 1617R comes equipped with multiple features necessary to improve driver productivity and safety. These include a central locking system, a heating, ventilation & AC (HVAC) system, a music system, an all-new instrument cluster, a tilt and telescopic steering system, a rear camera and a reverse parking assistance system, among others. 

Apart from these, the vehicle also equips a fuel theft protection mesh at the mouth of the fuel tank to prevent the theft of diesel, an advanced aerodynamic cabin for the reduction of drag, an optimised rear axle for better fuel efficiency and a solar windshield which is coated with multiple layers of infrared absorbing materials to reduce heat penetration into the cabin.

BharatBenz 1617R Rivals

The BharatBenz 1617R is regarded as one of the best medium-duty haulage trucks in India, suitable for multiple applications such as two-wheeler carriers, white goods, e-commerce, and more. It competes with other popular heavy-duty trucks in India, including the Eicher Pro 3015, Tata 1512g LPT, and Tata T.16 Ultra, among others.

Overview

BharatBenz, a division of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) is one of the prominent players in the Indian truck market. The company has an array of products in various categories like heavy-duty haulage, medium trucks, tippers, and tractors. One of its popular offerings in the heavy-duty cargo trucks category is the 1617R. It is powered by the company’s Profit technology that blends world-class technology and a rugged build which makes it best suited for Indian rugged roads and maximizes the profitability. Its superior power, gradeability, and torque make it capable of handling any work and terrain. The 1617R truck is best suited to carry FMCG products, agricultural goods, market loads, small machinery, crates, and boxes. Offered in 17 different variants and three different wheelbases, the BharatBenz 1617R starts retailing with a price tag of 13.88 Lakhs (ex-showroom price ). There are two color schemes to choose from - Arctic White and Golden Brown.

Specs

Engine - 4D34i, four-cylinder, 3907cc

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - 16.2 tonnes

Rear axle ratio - 5.57

Minimum ground clearance - 270mm

Maximum gradeability - 21.5 percent

Power steering - yes

Engine and performance

It draws power from a 3,907cc, 4D34i, four-cylinder, BS-IV engine which churns out a maximum power of 165.2 bhp at 2,500 rpm and a peak torque of 520 Nm between 1,500 to 2,000 rpm. This power is transmitted to the wheels through a G85-6F+1R, mechanical synchromesh setup, using a six-speed gearbox. The power delivery is smooth and consistent to elevate the truck’s performance. It can clock a top speed of 80kmph and has a fuel tank capacity of 200 liters. The maximum gradeability of the 1617R is 21.5 percent.

Vehicle build and load capacity

Like any other Bharat Benz truck, the 1617R poses a strong build quality. The truck is suitable for long runs and can easily handle the rugged Indian roads. The base model comes with a wheelbase of 5,100mm. It is 8,600mm long, 2,440mm wide and 2,600mm high. The minimum ground clearance is 270mm. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the 1617R is 16.2 tonnes.

Handling and suspension

It comes fitted with hydraulic power-assisted steering to assist the handling. Suspension duties are performed by semi-elliptic leaf spring with shock absorbers at the front and semi-elliptic laminated leaf spring at the rear. An optional anti-roll bar (front and rear) is also available.

Braking and safety

Braking responsibilities rest with pneumatic, foot-operated, dual-line service brakes and pneumatically operated spring parking brake. ABS is offered as standard. Other safety features include fog lights, hill hold, tubeless tyres, and seat belts for both driver and assistant.

Design and comfort

The 1617R poses a simplistically designed modern looking cargo truck, which is apt for carrying FMCG products, agricultural goods, market loads, small machinery, crates, and boxes. It is easy to get inside the tiltable sleeper cabin with a berth, using a single step. Inside the cabin, you will find an AC, 3-way adjustable seats, armrests, seat belts for both occupants and an informative instrument console.