A later L 325 platform truck
In December 1948 the L 4500 model which had been produced throughout the war received an uprated payload capacity from 4.5 to 5 tonnes. Along with new payload came a new name: the L 5000. Not to be confused with the 1930s model of the same name and payload - those were the only similarities. As with the outgoing 4.5 tonne model, the L 5000 used the diesel OM 67/4 six-cylinder engine which produced 112 horsepower. Both the standard and tipper version had the same wheelbase of 4.6 metres, also available were fire engine, refuse truck, articulated tractor, and municipal chassis variants.

In 1952 the 120 hp OM 68/8 engine became available, and one year later at the 1953 Frankfurt International Motor Show Mercedes presented a further development of the L 5000, which increased the payload by another half-ton, therefore becoming the L 5500. Also revealed was the new medium duty L 4500, not to be confused with the 40s model of the same name.

The L 5500 name only lasted one year however, as in 1954 it was renamed to the L 325 in line with the entire range's new nomenclature. Although there were minimal visible exterior differences, the new model came with a new 7.3 litre OM 325 six-cylinder diesel engine which produced 125 horsepower. As with the previous models, the L 325 was available as a flatbed, tipper, and articulated tractor. The tipper variant's wheelbase was 4.2 metres, whereas the standard flatbed was 4.6 metres. A five-speed manual gearbox drove the rear wheels and the maximum gross weight was 11 tonnes, with the payload the same as its 5.5 tonne L 5500 predecessor. Cab heating was installed as standard.

Production of the L 325 lasted until 1957, but for another four years until 1961 Mercedes manufactured the same model under a different name, the L 330, as a model intended for the export market. This was fitted with the 8.3 litre six-cylinder diesel OM 315/II engine which produced the same power output as the OM 325 of 125 hp.