-B Amos ega Space
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• The four-step climb into the Actros cab is a daunting challenge for the athletically challenged—surely with this level of onboard electronics a lift shouldn't be too much to ask.
But once aboard the central floor area is large and uncluttered with plenty of headroom for dressing, although there's no mirror to help with hair combing and tie straightening. The gear lever housing powers out of sight at the touch of a button, in best Star Trek style.
The lower bunk is made up of three sections. The central section covers two well-engineered pull-out storage modules, one containing a steel strongbox and a small insulated box; the other
houses a fridge or coolbox and a pair of drinks can holders, with a document storage area on top. The outer sections cover large storage chests. There's a useful full-width shelf and another lockable box above the screen, while a generously sized tray on the dashtop looks after trouser pocket contents.
The top bunk has a simple but effective restraint net on a rigid pull-down frame and the end walls support four shelves, one of which has a lockable lid.
We were initially rather dubious of the three-part mattress, as early Actros models had a reputation for discomfort. Each section has a lift-and-pull function to increase the bunk width by 150mm; the
best use of space is achieved by extending the two top sections, leaving the feetend narrow to create the maximum space around the passenger seat. The sturdy combination upper bunk step and lower bunk safety rail needs a hefty tug to swivel between its two positions.
In the event, the improved mattress joints were not noticeable during the night, although drivers who like a properly made-up bed will be frustrated by the solid connection to the rear wall which prevents tucking-in. Without doubt, our main criticism of the Actros cab is directed at the curtains. As well as being too thin and light permeable, they gape at the top and the hanging hooks are far too
flimsy—some were already broken. The bunk curtain also has a 50mm gap at each end, and the whole arrangement lets down the Mercedes quality image.
The master heating and roof vent switches are mounted on the left wall of the bunk area, while the switches for cab and night lighting live at the rear of the gear lever housing. Although the night heater controls were not as shown in the instructions, once mastered they worked OK.
The radio on the centre of the dash is less of a stretch, and incorporates a selftimer. An alarm clock is mounted on the screen header moulding, but is removable for use at night. One major omission is the lack of a reading light in the bunk area.