Freightliner Business Class M2

The M2 100 and 106 were initially equipped with standard Mercedes-Benz MBE900 diesel engines, with the M2 106 offering Caterpillar engines as an option. The M2 112 was fitted with larger engines, using the MBE4000 as standard (with larger engines distinguished by a taller grille and a flatter hood).[8] Following the exit of both Caterpillar and Mercedes-Benz from on-highway diesel production in North America, the model line sourced its engines exclusively from Cummins. For 2017, the M2 106 introduced the Detroit DD5 inline-4 turbodiesel as a standard engine (a design derived from the Mercedes-Benz OM936).[11]

In 2006, Freightliner produced its first prototype of a diesel-electric parallel hybrid vehicle, using a M2 106 powered by a Mercedes MBE906 diesel and an electric motor integrated within the drivetrain.[12] The system was intended to move from a stop on electric power, with the diesel engine providing only supplemental torque.[12] The parallel-hybrid configuration entered production in 2008[13], with Freightliner targeting customers driving in urban environments.[14] In 2011, the 1000th M2 hybrid was produced.[14]

In 2009, Freightliner introduced the M2 112 NG powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).[15] The first CNG-fuel vehicle produced by the company, the 112NG used a Cummins ISL-G inline-6.[15][16]

In 2018, Freightliner introduced the eM2, a prototype of a Class 5 box truck. Developed for local use, the eM2 has a range of 230 miles.[17] Following field testing of limited-production vehicles by customers[18], the eM2 entered full-scale production in 2023 as a variant of the second-generation M2 Plus.[19] Two versions are offered: a single-motor Class 6 truck (180 miles of range) and a dual-motor Class 7 truck (250 miles of range).[19] The motor(s) are integrated into the axle (including a two-speed transmission), with the battery placed below the cab.[19]

In 2004, Freightliner released the M2 106V and M2 112V (V=Vocational) heavy-duty variants of the M2 model family.[23][24] Intended for applications where the vehicle powers auxiliary components, the 112V is equipped with a power take-off device (PTO), optional on the 106V. Both vehicles are designed with heavier-duty frame and suspension components and offer extended front frame rails (to package a PTO, or to fit equipment such as a snowplow).[23][24] Distinguished by their rectangular hood air intake, the 106V was fitted with a higher-profile hood and rectangular grille (the 112V was typically identified by its rectangular air intake).

2018 Freightliner 114SD tow truck

For 2012 production, the M2 106V and 112V were replaced by the SD-series (SD=Severe Duty), including the Class 7 108SD (set-back front axle) and the Class 8 114SD (set-forward/set-back front axle).[25] Along with replacing similar models within the previous FL-Series, the SD series was also introduced to replace market share lost by the 2009 closure of Sterling.[26] The model line adopted the cab structure of the M2 (reinforced by steel[25]), placing it on the chassis of the 122SD (the renamed Freightliner Coronado).[26] In contrast to both the M2 and the 122SD, the 108SD and 114SD were developed entirely for vocational applications.

Alongside the M2 Plus, the SD followed a similar redesign, becoming the SD Plus for 2024.[21]

Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus

Freightliner M2 106 cutaway cab bus

For bus applications, Freightliner has developed two variants of the M2. The C2 is a cowled chassis (bodied without a cab); for applications outside of school bus use, Freightliner designates the cowled bus chassis as the S2.[27]

Developed specifically for the Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus (assembled by Freightliner subsidiary Thomas Built Buses), the C2 departs from previous precedent in its higher parts commonality with its donor chassis. From the driver's seat forward, the dashboard is used in its entirety; though a revised windshield is used, the stock windshield wipers are retained.

The Freightliner S2C (S2 Cutaway) is a cutaway-cab variant of the M2 106.[28] Intended for commercial use (including shuttle and transit bus use[29]), the S2C has not been produced with a yellow school bus body. A variant of the S2C cab chassis known as the S2RV is also used as a platform for large Type C recreational vehicles (RVs).[30]

Freightliner M2 106 extended cab fitted with aftermarket pickup truck bed

Freightliner Specialty Vehicles (also known as SportChassis LLC)[31] is a manufacturer based in Clinton, Oklahoma that produces conversions of the Business Class M2 as consumer vehicles.[32] Several vehicles are available, including 5th-wheel tow vehicles and pickup trucks.

While similar in layout to the International CXT/RXT, these differ in that they are completed by a second-stage manufacturer.