The front section was redesigned, with new H7 clear-glass headlamps, high-set white-glass indicators, wind deflectors and new exterior mirrors.

The interior of the four different cab variants was also completely redesigned, with the cockpit more grouped around the driver and a new climate control system which was more similar to the heavy-duty Actros models.

In 2005, a 12-ton payload-optimised model was introduced, which had a low chassis, 17.5-inch tyres and a new 160 kW (218 hp) four-cylinder engine.

In 2006, dump truck versions of the Atego were fitted with high-performance disc brake technology on all axles.

[8] From March 2010 the entire Mercedes-Benz Atego series was made available with EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) compliant engine versions.

The 4,250 cc inline-four OM 904 LA with 130 kW (177 hp) power, 675 N⋅m (498 lb⋅ft) torque, 17.75 to 1 compression ratio, and Unit-Pump System (UPS) technology single-nozzle fuel-injection pumps.

Both variants with Unit-Pump System technology with single-plunger fuel-injection pumps and centrally arranged 6-hole injection nozzles.

It consisted of a two-piece modular frame with two symmetrical Z-profile members on front end and straight, untapered, U-shaped longitudinal flange at the rear which were interconnected by means of riveted gusset plates.

With regards to the interior, a multifunction steering wheel was made standard on all versions of the Atego, the instrument cluster was redesigned and seats received new fabrics.

[10] The Atego BlueTec Hybrid was premiered in November 2007 at the opening event of the "Shaping Future Transportation" initiative in Stuttgart.

The initial hybrid truck was based on the 12-ton Atego 1222 L EEV and featured a 160 kW (218 hp) OM 924 LA turbodiesel engine and a 44-kW water-cooled AC permanent magnet electric motor.

According to Daimler the Atego hybrid could achieve fuel savings of around 10 - 15 percent compared with an equivalent conventional diesel-powered vehicle.

The cab area and dashboard on the coach conversions are identical to those used in the Atego goods vehicles.

The engines conform to the Euro VI emissions standard and feature common rail injection, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, an exhaust box with an integrated selective catalytic reduction system and closed particulate filter.

Ludovic Faure won the FIA European Truck Racing Championship in 1998 using an Atego Renntruck.