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right shining star
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At first glance, Mercedes' new Actros may not look that different. But it's all in the detail.. We look beneath the surface.
Words / Images: Brian Weatherley IT PROBABLY DIDN'T help Mercedes-Benz that when it unveiled its new Actros earlier this year, most truck journalists were already talking about the German truck-maker's nextgeneration Axor/Actros heavy truck prototypes, which were spotted at its test track last year (CM 22 November 2007). What's more, from the outside, the new Actros didn't look that "new" either.
And yet, with most mid-life revamps, it's about detail rather than in-your-face changes — and so it is with the Actros.
Although we've included it in this week's "First drive" section, we've not driven it. Not because we don't want to — it's just that the recent German unveiling didn't include driving, and the Actros driveline hasn't changed.
Under the cab is the same line-up of V6 and V8 SCR-Blue-Tec engines from 320-598hp (we'll have to wait until around 2010 for the new generation of HDEP straight-six engines to arrive ready for Euro-6). However, Mercedes has followed the example of Iveco and MAN (in the UK) by fitting a two-pedal auto gearbox as standard on all of what it calls its "road-going" Actros models — expect the new multi-wheelers to break cover around the Hanover show.
CM has already driven the 12-speed PowerShift2 auto in the Axor (CM 12 July 2007). However, such is the pace of change on vehicle electronic command systems that the Germans insist that PowerShift2 in the Actros has moved on in less than a year. In particular, its enhanced control software is said to improve driveability, especially when changing up under full-power to avoid cab pitch and roll. Mercedes calls it an "anti-jerk" function, although whether that refers to the actual software or a heavy-footed driver, we're not sure.
It's also got a built-in inclinometer for better change characteristics when hillclimbing. And, with a few exceptions (such as 6x4 tractors). all Actros PowerShift2 autos have a direct top gear in place of the previous overdrive ratio, that should aid fuel economy.
Mere has also introduced a new twostage water pump with less parasitic losses. There's also a lighter, computer controlled air management system that provides quicker-acting air suspension.
Perhaps the most useful change is the adoption of a battery-status indicator that monitors voltage drain, current strength and outside temperature and tells the driver how much electrical power is being consumed and, more importantly. if there's enough juice in the battery to start the truck the next day.
Further tweaks include a revised steering box and the option of various safety packages from Brake Assist (which is linked to the cruise control and provides emergency braking), lane-departure warning and stability controUroll damping.
To reinforce the "new" claim for the Actros, Merc's stylists have redesigned the front grille and the lower valance/ bumper above which sit new headlamps with separate headlamps that can be replaced without having to buy a complete (and costly) unit. An extra hockey stick-shaped moulding on the A-post should direct dirt and water away from the screen and side windows. Why it should be optional is beyond us.
On the outside, there's a new sunvisor, and the three-pointed star on the front of your Actros can be illuminated thanks to an optional LED backlight — we know what you're thinking.
Climbing into the cab and the layout seems familiar, although there's a new trim and a bit more bling around the dash, as well as an additional fold-out table, shaving mirror and new sunblinds. Mercedes has made great play on the fact that you can level the top bunk fore/aft using adjustable straps. It would make more sense to be able to level it from side-to-side considering how many drivers end up having to park their truck with one set of wheels on the kerb. Mercedes' plastic-tab sprung bottom mattress has also got a split base that allows the head section to be raised into a lounger, so you can sit up in bed (expect to see the same thing shortly on the new Volvo FH).
The seats can he tilted forward more easily to provide quicker access to the under-bunk lockers, too. And there's an in-cab compressed air outlet/gun for house-proud drivers. While the Continentals get a plethora of different cab trim and safety packs to choose from, the UK Actros spec has been harmonised around the previous Long Distance and MegaSpace cab options, with an Executive trim pack for the MegaSpace. if you're interested in the new Actros and plan to see it at the forthcoming NEC show — where it makes its UK debut — make sure you find out what is, and more importantly isn't, standard kit. •