Unicat to Bring RAM-based B63X Rig to U.S. in 2025

Photo By: Unicat

Two names from the very early days of the overlanding industry are Unimog, and Unicat. Unimogs are the hulking Mercedes-Benz military/expedition/industrial vehicles that were converted into go-anywhere exploration vehicles when “overlanding” was a nascent part of the off-roading vocabulary. The Unimog, still in production today, serves as a foundation or inspiration for some of the purpose-built expedition vehicles we know today, such as the larger Earth Cruiser models, and are often seen at the Overland Expo events.

unicat, overlanding, Unimog, brilliant, RAM 550, diesel, camper, luxury overlanding,
Photo courtesy Unicat

In 1978, a young German, Thomas Ritter, rescued a Unimog U404 from decommissioning and laid the (fiberglass) groundwork (above) for what would become Unicat, one of the first modern dedicated expedition vehicle builders. Since that time, Unicat and Unimog have maintained a close relationship, building over 100 vehicles together over the decades. Now, Unicat is introducing a new line of overlanding trucks, called “Brilliant,” which are aimed at the U.S. market along with buyers in Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

unicat, overlanding, Unimog, brilliant, RAM 550, diesel, camper, luxury overlanding,
Image courtesy Unicat

Ritter had tried to build U.S.-based Unicat models in the past using a domestic chassis, but the venture didn’t work out. Now, he’s going to give it another go, and thanks to the RAM chassis, modern materials, and just life experience, the Brilliant offerings could be successful. The company is targeting the first U.S. deliveries for 2025, and pricing begins right around a million dollars, depending on options and exchange rates. In Europe, the starting price is set at about the €900,000 mark.

According to this in-depth video hosted by Unicat founder Ritter, the Brilliant models can be based on RAM 550 diesel chassis, a Unimog, or a Benz 6×6 platform. However, U.S. models will likely be based on the RAM chassis as the Unimog and 6×6 machines are not available in the U.S. market, and importing them can be both complicated and expensive. They will also be known as B63X models and, according to Ritter, will not require a special driver’s license in the United States despite their size.

Power will come from the workhorse 6.7-liter Cummins inline 6 diesel, which makes 360 horsepower and is serviceable around the world. Euro Brilliant’s will likely be a spread of RAM and Mercedes Unimog and 6×6 chassis. The camper section will be formed out of a vacuum-formed carbon/aramid composite material. The camper/hab will be 21 feet long and mounted to the chassis at three points that allow it to “float” to some degree during chassis flex that is common in ladder-framed vehicles this large as they traverse roadless territory.

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Ritter brought two of the Brilliant B36X RAM-based rigs with him to Overland Expo West – in model form, at least. He could be found most hours at Overland Expo West in the shadow of a massive, multi-million dollar MAN overlanding rig with a raised upper story and enclosed UTV storage, among (many) other impressive features.

unicat, overlanding, Unimog, brilliant, RAM 550, diesel, camper, luxury overlanding,
Image courtesy Unicat

The Brilliant’s floor plan renders look efficient and straightforward, with an enclosed dry toilet, U-shaped couch at the front of the camper enclosure, kitchen, storage closets, and other amenities. A large bed with room for two is positioned in the camper’s cabover section, which slopes down towards the front for at least some aerodynamic relief during transport. Two more travelers can rack out on a second large bed formed when the central table is removed. The top of the BL36X raises up to expand interior space once on site (bottom photo).

Amenities include a two-burner stove, 250-liter fridge with freezer, 2.4kW solar array up top, dual inverters, Miele microwave, 16.9kWh storage battery with expansion capability, 90 gallons of water storage, a hot water heater, and full connectivity options, including Starlink, Apple TV, and a 4K TV. A laundry set, UV water purification system, and more battery storage are among many, many options.

unicat, overlanding, Unimog, brilliant, RAM 550, diesel, camper, luxury overlanding,
Image courtesy Unicat

The RAM chassis itself will be prepped stateside before mating with the camper section, and will receive suspension changes, larger wheels and tires, steel bumper upgrades, additional lighting and skid plates to protect the drivetrain, among other tweaks.

Those interested should contact Unicat for more details and configuration.

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