The Wirtgen Group is focusing on three key trends at Bauma 2025: Stage V engines, autonomous machine control, and hybrid drive concepts. The group, which includes the brands Wirtgen, Vögele, HAMM, Kleemann, and BOMAG, is showcasing on 3,800 square meters of floor space how modern road construction and recycling machines respond to stricter emission regulations and the demand for automation. The innovations are clearly aimed at construction contractors who want to convert their fleets to EU Stage V while increasing productivity and operator comfort.
Stage V: Clean engines for milling machines, pavers, and compactors
All new pavers, cold milling machines, and compactors from the Wirtgen Group now meet the EU emission class Stage V. This means: particle filters, SCR catalysts, and intelligent exhaust aftertreatment are part of the standard equipment. The urea consumption is 3 to 5 percent of diesel consumption depending on the model. For the fleet, this means: AdBlue tanks must be included in maintenance planning, with intervals between 200 and 300 operating hours. The engines come from Deutz and Cummins, both optimized for low consumption with high power output.
Compared to older Stage IIIB machines, particulate emissions are reduced by 95 percent and NOx emissions by 80 percent. This is not only relevant for inner-city construction sites but also for projects in environmental zones and public tenders that require strict emission limits. Those who invest today are on the safe side regulation-wise for the next 10 years.
Automation: Machine control relieves the operator
The Wirtgen Group relies on three levels of automation: driver assistance, automatic leveling, and semi-autonomous workflows. On the Vögele Super 1800-5i paver, the "Niveltronic Plus" system handles automatic screed height control. The operator sets the target height, and the system regulates hydraulics and travel speed. The precision is ±3 millimeters over a 100-meter paving section. This saves rework and reduces material waste by up to 8 percent.
The Wirtgen W 210 Fi cold milling machine features automatic depth control with ultrasonic sensors. The milling depth is adjusted in real-time to the 3D model of the job site. The system communicates via telemetry with job site software and alerts the site manager to deviations directly. For the operator, this means: less stress, fewer corrections, higher throughput. Surface output increases by 12 to 15 percent compared to manual control.
The compactors from HAMM and BOMAG also use intelligent systems. The HAMM HD+ 90i VV-HF measures compaction in real-time via an acceleration sensor. The result is displayed color-coded on a display: green for adequately compacted, red for rework needed. This saves additional rolling passes and thus diesel, downtime, and wear. Payback period is 2 to 3 years, depending on usage intensity.
Electro-hybrids: First steps toward emission-free construction sites
The Wirtgen Group is also showcasing initial hybrid drives at Bauma. The Vögele Super 1603-3i Hybrid combines a diesel engine with an electric drive for the screed. During paving, the electric motor provides the power while the diesel engine only runs for travel and hydraulics. This reduces consumption by 15 percent and noise level by 5 dB(A). For night work and inner-city projects, a clear advantage.
Kleemann is presenting the Mobicat MC 120 Zi EVO2 mobile jaw crusher with an electric drive option. The machine can run either with a diesel engine or via a 400-volt connection. In grid operation, operating costs drop by up to 60 percent and CO₂ emissions are zero. Switching takes 10 minutes, and the electrical connection is standard. For stationary recycling yards and quarries with power connections, this is the most economical solution.
Telematics and fleet management: Data as a productivity lever
All new machines come standard with the Wirtgen "Fleet View" telematics system. The system records operating hours, fuel consumption, maintenance intervals, and GPS position. Data is transmitted to the cloud in real-time and can be accessed via app or web portal. For fleet managers, this means: transparency on utilization, timely maintenance planning, and theft protection.
Integration with BIM platforms is possible. Machine data can flow directly into job site planning. This reduces duplicate work and increases planning reliability. The Wirtgen Group offers interfaces to Trimble, Topcon, and Leica. License costs range from 300 to 500 euros per machine per year, depending on the scope of functions.
Positioning: Sustainability and efficiency as core message
The Wirtgen Group is clearly positioning itself at Bauma as a provider of sustainable and intelligent construction machines. The focus is on road construction and recycling, two areas facing high investment pressure due to stricter environmental regulations. The message: those who invest in Stage V, automation, and telematics today will save costs in the long run and meet regulatory requirements. For more details on autonomous control and Stage V implementation at Wirtgen Group, also read our article Wirtgen Group at Bauma 2025: How autonomous control and Stage V are transforming road construction.
Prices for the new machines are 10 to 15 percent higher than the previous models. A Vögele Super 1800-5i costs around 420,000 euros, a HAMM HD+ 90i VV-HF is around 180,000 euros. The higher acquisition costs are recouped through lower consumption, longer maintenance intervals, and higher productivity in 3 to 5 years. For companies with high utilization and long-term planning, this investment makes economic sense.
Conclusion: Wirtgen Group relies on proven technology with future options
The Wirtgen Group is not presenting revolutionary new developments at Bauma 2025, but rather a consistent further development of proven machines. Stage V is standard, automation is being expanded gradually, electro-hybrids supplement the portfolio. For construction contractors who need to modernize their fleet, the group offers solid solutions with clear payback. The focus on road construction and recycling reflects the strategic orientation toward markets with high investment needs. For further insights into paver automation, see our article Vögele: Three automation systems for pavers in use.
Those visiting the Wirtgen Group booth at Bauma 2025 should focus on technical details and practical examples. Salespeople are happy to calculate how higher acquisition costs are offset by lower operating costs. Fleet managers should take a closer look at the telematics systems and integration with existing software solutions.
