The L 10000 was introduced in 1935 as the heaviest vehicle in the range. The new model was the successor to the N 56 / L 8500 3-axle chassis of 1928 and was powered by the 150 horsepower 12.5 litre OM 54 diesel engine. As the name indicates, the model had a rated payload capacity of 10000 kilograms, or 10 tonnes. The wheelbase was 5.75 metres in length with the load platform at seven metres.
1938 saw the OM 54 engine replaced by the equally powerful six-cylinder OM 57 diesel which had a smaller displacement of 11.2 litres. Also in 1938 the wheelbase was slightly decreased to 5.5 metres although the load platform remained at seven metres.
