THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS: THE VERY DEFINITION OF A PREMIUM LONG-DISTANCE TRUCK

Stuttgart - Dubai - Cairo /

Brimming with innovation and emotion. Easier on the environment than other trucks. Aiming for the very top in terms of comfort, driving dynamics and economy. Boasting outstanding material and build quality as well as the lowest overall costs. Not to mention irresistibly good looks. Yet for all these superlatives, the most important aspect for those responsible at Mercedes-Benz and for customers is the fact that it has been tested like no other truck generation before it. It is the first all-new truck to have been developed uncompromisingly under the "Trucks you can trust" premise. Among other things, this means that the new Actros has undergone 2600 hours of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel, 50 million kilometres of engine testing on test rigs and in real-life operation, and 20 million kilometres on the road.

The concept: fully focussed on long-distance transport

The main rival to the new Actros is its predecessor, which has set a very high benchmark over the course of 15 years and several stages of development, with more than 700,000 units sold during this time. The new Actros is following in illustrious footsteps, but its new concept signals a different approach: all versions of the new premium truck are uncompromisingly designed for long-distance transport. It now covers all long-distance applications, whereas previously this domain was served by two truck series, namely the Actros and the Axor.

At the heart of the new Actros is a modular system conceived specifically for long-distance transport: seven spacious cabs, five of which have a flat floor; innovative interior ideas such as the separation of the working and living areas; a new cockpit that is both functional and attractive; a new, high-torque, clean and exceptionally economical six-cylinder in-line engine with additional torque reserves; a new frame and a dynamic chassis; further enhanced safety. The new Actros is a veritable showcase of innovations.

It is the first and, to date, only truck which has been developed rigorously to comply with the Euro VI emissions standard. The figures certainly stack up: fuel consumption in the optional Euro V variant is around six percent lower than for the predecessor model. In the case of the Euro VI version, the figure is around three percent lower, combined with a reduction in AdBlue consumption of around 40 percent. Maintenance and repair costs are even lower than before, as evidenced by low-cost service contracts. And on the bottom line, the Actros model in each of the emissions categories has lower overall costs than all its competitors.

Exterior: unmistakable, with "flow", aerodynamically optimised

The unmistakable design of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is as exceptional as the truck as a whole. Its look, developed specifically for a long-distance truck, is powerful, masculine and dynamic. At the front end, the face of the new Actros dispenses almost entirely with straight lines and flat surfaces. Curves along with contrasting concave and convex lines lend the new Actros an overriding aura of excitement and its own unique character.

The coherent form of the new Actros is particularly evident when viewed at an angle, as the full extent of the harmonious flow between the front section and the flanks can then be seen. The bumper, corner panelling and entrance form a single unit. Fluid lines are a hallmark feature of the new Actros – which is why designers often talk about "flow".

Much of the development work focussed on aerodynamics. The new Actros spent some 2600 hours in the wind tunnel – never before has a truck been developed and tested so intensively in a wind tunnel. Its aerodynamic design is one of major factors behind the reduction in fuel consumption compared to its already highly economical predecessor.

Interior: a living and working space like never before in a truck

A width of 2.3 or 2.5 metres, four roof variants and, without exception, the maximum length of 2.3 metres: behind these figures lies a modular system with a choice of seven different long-distance cabs. Whereas a flat cab floor was previously a hallmark of the exclusive flagship model in a truck range, no less than five of the seven cab variants for the new Actros now feature a flat floor.

The spectacular GigaSpace cab brings a whole new meaning to the word 'space', with a volume of 11.6 cubic metres, a flat floor, 2.13 metres of headroom and more than 900 litres of stowage space. At the heart of the interior is a concept which visually separates the easy-to-use cockpit from the comfortable living area using colour and geometric form. The functional area of the cockpit is finished in practical anthracite whilst the rear, ceiling and area around the co‑driver's seat are appointed in a light almond beige colour. High-quality surfaces, the luxurious driver's seat with optional massage function (from 2012), beds offering the comfort of home, a multifunction steering wheel, informative and attractive instruments, and asymmetrical roof stowage boxes are just some of the many aspects developed specifically for the new Actros.

Powertrain: powerful Euro VI engines with low consumption

The all-new heavy-duty engines for the new Actros likewise set standards. From the outset, the new BlueEfficiency Power engine generation offers compliance with Euro VI. The first member of the new engine family is the Mercedes-Benz OM 471 six-cylinder in-line unit developing 310 kW (421 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp) with a torque of 2100 to 2500 Nm. A high torque, even at engine speeds below 1000 rpm, and almost peak output at 1400 rpm make for excellent driveability.

Four valves per cylinder are controlled the two overhead camshafts. These are "composite" or "assembled" camshafts – a first for engines of this size. Another premiere arrives in the shape of the common-rail injection system with X-PULSE pressure booster. The maximum pressure in the rail, around 900 bar, is boosted to up to 2100 bar in the injectors. Charging is performed courtesy of a turbocharger with an asymmetric turbine housing, which improves response. The engine brake, a charged decompression brake, is designed to deliver maximum efficiency. This three-stage brake achieves a maximum braking power of 400 kW.

To meet the stringent requirements imposed by the Euro VI emissions standard, Mercedes-Benz has developed a complex emission-control system consisting of SCR technology with AdBlue injection without compressed air, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a particulate filter. Factors behind the engine's outstanding economy include its exceptional robustness and longevity as well as maintenance intervals of up to 150,000 kilometres.

In all models, the power is sent to the wheels through a third-generation Mercedes PowerShift fully-automated transmission featuring highly sensitive shift sensors for even faster and more precise response. Rear axles with longer ratios reduce the engine speed and, therefore, fuel consumption.

Chassis: feels more poised, more assured and lighter to drive than other trucks

The new Actros heralds a new area in driving dynamics for heavy-duty trucks. No other premium-category truck feels as poised, as assured and as light to drive, largely thanks to a new, wide and torsionally stiff frame designed specifically for on-road vehicles.

The fundamental design of the tried-and-tested axles remains the same as on the predecessor model; however, the developers have revised the axle control and suspension to enhance driving safety and ride comfort.

One of the decisive factors behind the exceptional handling of the new Actros is its new steering system, which delivers impressive precision and conveys excellent road feel, while the new retarder is more powerful as well as being lighter in weight.

Mercedes-Benz is once again ushering in a new era in assistance systems: the unique Proximity Control Assist system with stop-and-go function now even automatically controls starting and stopping in traffic jams – making the driver's job easier when driving through cities or in stop-and-go traffic.

Testing: 20 million kilometres on the road alone

Never before has a truck been as thoroughly developed and tested before its production launch as the new Mercedes-Benz Actros. The foundations for development were laid as far back as ten years ago, and Mercedes-Benz has spent five years testing the components and the complete vehicle. During this time, the new Actros clocked up around 20 million kilometres on the road, including intensive customer driving tests. On top of this, there were extremely rigorous tests on test rigs, torture-track tests and a series of other extreme examinations.

The real-life road tests covered all climatic conditions as well as extreme road conditions and gradients, ranging from an Arctic winter to an extremely hot desert climate. Real-life testing also included customer driving tests in the new Mercedes-Benz Actros.

Exterior and cab:
Premium truck in peak condition – the exciting curves of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros

• Powerful and dynamic appearance

• Distinctive headlamps are the "eyes" of the new Actros

• Excellent aerodynamic design of the new Actros saves fuel

• Cab shape has undergone intensive testing on computers and in the wind tunnel

• Perforated louvres, temperature-controlled radiator shutter

Sophisticated yet not overly fancy, powerful yet not overly aggressive – the unmistakable design of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is as exceptional as the truck as a whole. The designers of the new Actros have done everything possible whilst sticking to the strict requirements for a commercial vehicle. Form follows function: this especially important design maxim applies to the new Actros, but in this case form and function merge to create an exceptionally balanced design. Function in peak condition: the new Actros arouses passion and emotions.

Design incorporating the Mercedes-Benz brand values

Being a typical Mercedes-Benz, the new Actros is distinctive, durable and dynamic – not only when it comes to technology but also in terms of its looks. The main elements are grouped around the radiator grille, as on Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Dominated as ever by the Mercedes star.

The design idiom is clear and has a real edge to it, while the design itself incorporates the Mercedes-Benz brand values: safety, reliability, robustness and dynamism. Even if the star were not visible, an observer would be able to identify the new Actros as a Mercedes-Benz. Hallmark features of a Mercedes-Benz truck with its long product lifecycle include the absence of overly fashionable elements in the design idiom. Rather than succumbing to passing trends, the new Actros sets its own trends. It is a long-term investment – but one that is brimming with emotion.

Whilst the new Actros does pick up on the trends of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, it adapts them to the world of commercial vehicles, which has different rules, needs and product lifecycles.

Powerful and dynamic appearance with a smile

The unique design specifically for a long-distance vehicle produces a powerful, masculine and dynamic appearance. Oozing confidence, the Mercedes star is the central feature of the front section. Further prominent features include the V-shaped radiator grille with sportily perforated louvres, while the flank-encompassing swage line sharpens the vehicle's side contours.

Despite its powerful appearance, the new Actros still wears a smile. This part of the look is optimistically gentle, and the distinctive V‑shape of the louvres in the radiator grille tapers off upwards almost imperceptibly. At the front end, the face of the new Actros dispenses almost entirely with straight lines and flat surfaces. Curves along with contrasting concave and convex lines lend the new Actros an overriding aura of excitement and its own unique character. Hence the previous visual distinction between the upper and lower sections of the cab is gone, meaning that the cab now appears to be cast from a single mould.

At the same time, the positively styled, large grille contrasts with the opposed form of the smaller grille at the bottom. Together with the powerfully contoured corner bumpers, it lends the new Actros a confident, road-hugging appearance.

Meticulously designed right down to the last detail

The precise and detailed design of the new Actros also embodies the new truck's high quality. By way of example, the radiator grille overlaps the side components and the bumper centre section, so there is therefore no disruptive joint visible at this point. Other joints have deliberately been made part of the design, such as the slender joints beside and above the headlamps, which are integrated into the basic form of the new Actros.

This design quality is both consistent and practical: the corner panelling, for instance, does not look like it has been added on, rather it is perfectly integrated into the shape of the vehicle. The centre section of the bumper forms a step, while the raised roof protrudes a few centimetres forwards to enhance both stowage capacity and aerodynamics.

Distinctive headlamps are the "eyes" of the new Actros

Further hallmark features of the new Actros include the headlamps –its "eyes". Their shape resembles that of a boomerang, encapsulating the radiator grille. Main and dipped beam as well as the indicators and the daytime driving lights are integrated in the casing. As an option, the Actros can be equipped with bi-xenon headlamps. The optionally available fog lamps, the cornering light function and the daytime driving lights (optionally available in LED format with a chain of five LEDs) are integrated in the front apron.

The follow-me-home lighting illuminates the way ahead for the driver, even after he or she leaves the cab. What's more, when the driver is returning "home" to the Actros, the lights can be switched on remotely. An illuminated Mercedes star in the radiator grille makes the driver and truck stand out from other drivers and trucks. New features include optional LED tail lights. LED technology is also used for the position marker lamps in the roof and in the interior. LED lights not only look attractive, they also consume very little energy when illuminated and have an exceptionally long service life.

Harmonious lines give the new Actros "flow"

The coherent form of the new Actros is particularly evident when viewed at an angle, as the full extent of the harmonious flow between the front section and the flanks can then be seen. The bumper, door wind deflector and entrance merge seamlessly into one another to form a single unit. Fluid lines are a hallmark feature of the new Actros, which is why designers often talk about "flow".

One particularly prominent feature at the side is the door, which is drawn deeply downwards to enhance aerodynamics and safety. The optional side panelling for the semitrailer tractor blends in harmoniously with the cab and the wheel arch, its almost sporty form continuing the powerful lines of the new Actros rearwards.

Modular design suitable for all the cab variants

Given the large number of cab variants, the new Actros has a modular design. Whether 2.5 or 2.3 metres wide, whether the cab has an engine tunnel or not, and whether a flat roof, extra-high roof or one of the roof variants in between is fitted, the appearance remains coherent and harmonious, while the proportions are always just right. Quality, however, is not just reflected in the shape or in the narrow and sometimes even invisible joints: the new Actros also boasts outstanding build quality and high-quality materials. The fully galvanised cab, for instance, consists of high-strength panels.

Excellent aerodynamic design of the new Actros saves fuel

One of the top priorities during development of the new Actros was aerodynamics, in this case a special blend of the designers' flair and the engineers' know-how. This extensive development has paid off: good aerodynamic design reduces fuel consumption on the road, helps to preserve the environment and saves the operator lots of money straight away. The new Actros spent 2600 hours in the wind tunnel, equivalent to more than 100 days in a row. Never before has a truck been developed and tested so intensively in a wind tunnel. As a result, the aerodynamic design of the new Actros is one of the major factors behind the lower fuel consumption compared to its already highly economical predecessor.

However, in the case of aerodynamics in particular, conflicting requirements have to be met. The pronounced slant of the windscreen, for instance, improves both aerodynamics and fuel consumption. At the same time, however, it reduces the room available inside the cab, so stowage space and movement are restricted. Following extensive testing in the wind tunnel, the developers were able to find a solution that met both sets of requirements: the windscreen is tilted by an angle of 15 degrees to improve aerodynamics; and the larger Actros BigSpace and Actros GigaSpace cabs have an aerodynamic brow, thus creating the room required inside for a record level of spaciousness and a correspondingly large stowage area.

Cab shape has undergone intensive testing on computers and in the wind tunnel

The cab shape underwent intensive testing both on computers and in the wind tunnel. The corner panelling at the front left and right diverts the airflow at the cab edges around the cab so as to reduce dirt build-up and also lower the wind resistance. A similar function is performed by the wind deflectors on the roof of the new Actros, which are even available for bodies up to 4.6 metres in height. The cab side deflectors have likewise been optimised in the wind tunnel.

Perforated louvres, temperature-controlled radiator shutter

As well as looking good, the perforated louvres in the radiator grille of the new Actros increase the airflow. The on-demand cooling system features temperature-sensitive control of the radiator shutters: if a large amount of cooling air is required, they are opened for maximum airflow; when demand for air is lower, they are closed to optimise aerodynamics.

The door extensions cover all but the lowest step. On the one hand, this design enhances safety. On the other, it improves aerodynamics, as turbulence is prevented.

Attractive panelling optimises aerodynamics

Side panelling between the semitrailer tractor's axles not only looks impressive, it also improves aerodynamics. Alternatively, this space can be taken up by tanks available in cross-sections up to the vehicle width of 2.55 metres.

The underbody panelling for the semitrailer tractors even directs the airflow under the vehicle. What's more, the aerodynamics specialists at Mercedes-Benz Trucks have even optimised the spray guards in the wheel arches to reduce wind resistance.

TS

22.006.2011