Actros, the Mercedes-Benz Trucks flagship. The Actros was presented for the first time at the IAA International Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles in 1996 and represents an entire series of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. In long-distance transport, it includes the Actros, the Actros L, the Actros F, the Actros for loads up to 250 tonnes, not to mention the Actros with semitrailer tipper for the construction sector, the Actros in short-radius distribution haulage and, of course, the eActros.
The history of the Actros
25 years ago, it represented a completely new development in many areas. Above all, the introduction of comprehensive electronic systems in commercial vehicle construction was driven forward by the Actros. It became the benchmark for reliability in the commercial vehicle sector.
Innovations at the time of the model launch included the networking of the control units in the vehicle, the electronically controlled air brake system, and the further development of the electro-pneumatic gearshift EPS into the Telligent gearshift system with new transmissions. Also appearing as innovations were the new 500 series engines (V6 and V8) with "Telligent" engine control and the flexible "Telligent" maintenance system.
The OM 500 engine series was deployed in the Actros for the first time and was given the following designations:
Almost all of the Actros engines benefit from the use of common parts. This was intentional and was taken into account in the model series concept phase.
The fuel injection system uses the "pump-line-nozzle" (PLD) principle, with each cylinder having its own injection pump driven by its own cam on the camshaft. This is an improvement on the principle of the unit pump which was in use for decades.
The issue of safety has always been of special importance in the Actros. With the introduction of the Actros, new safety systems were also introduced
The Actros is built in the Wörth am Rhein plant. The location is not only a production site, but also a global centre of competence for the Actros. The plant was founded in 1963 and has a long tradition in the manufacture of trucks. It is Daimler's largest truck production site in the world.
The Actros L in long-distance haulage
The premium class of Mercedes-Benz Trucks: the Actros L. It stands for high levels of safety, driver comfort, efficiency and reliability. The standard version already comes with a comprehensive range of equipment, such as Active Brake Assist 5 which can, under certain circumstances, carry out an emergency braking application in reaction to stationary and moving objects. This makes it possible for the Actros to autonomously brake in various degrees ranging from a partial to a full application of the brakes in the event of pedestrians in its path. In this way, it can reduce accident severity or even prevent an accident altogether. Equally standard are Stability Control Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist and follow-me-home lighting.
The Actros L is not just a truck, it's also a workplace. Comfort is thus of great importance, especially in long-distance haulage. Freedom of movement and a pleasant ambience take on a whole new meaning, without compromising the driver's everyday occupation. The Actros L is modern, ergonomic, practical, motivating and, last but not least, efficiency-increasing.
In the interior, too, the driver is the focus of attention: everything is designed to make work easier and the breaks as pleasant and relaxing as possible. A clear division between the workplace and the living space can be seen. Whether in the colour concept, the interior lighting concept, the placing of sufficient stowage space or the 750 mm wide and up to 2200 mm long comfortable beds, the Actros L is a premium workplace in long-distance transport. Furthermore, there are three cabs available.
The Actros L stands for one thing: greater efficiency. A truck for particularly high economic efficiency thanks to trustworthy, fuel-saving vehicle technology, low costs and high yields. The economy of a truck includes low fuel consumption and thus lower overall costs.
The Actros for long-distance haulage and short-radius distribution
The Actros can do both heavy-duty short-radius distribution and long-distance haulage, plus it meets the ever-increasing demands for increased economy, unique comfort, particularly high safety and exemplary reliability.
Its family resemblance to the Actros L is unmistakable. They differ in the area of sleeping comfort, as the Actros does not feature the optionally available SoloStar Concept found in the Actros L. Like its bigger sibling, the Actros also takes to the road efficiently thanks to its reduced fuel consumption. However, the Actros features four displacement classes instead of three. The Actros for short-radius distribution is available in variants from 18 to 26 tonnes.
Advantages of the long-distance haulage Actros L and Actros, and those of the short-radius distribution Actros
Safety
Comfort
Working and driving comfort:
Interior:
Sleeping comfort:
Exterior:
Efficiency
Low fuel consumption
Predictive Powertrain Control:
Reliability:
The Actros F in long-distance haulage
The Actros F is also available for long-distance transport applications as the entry-level model in the world of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. It can be used with great versatility – be that on out-of-town roads, motorways or on the yard of a logistics provider. The Actros F performs well in any environment. With its minimalist, functionally oriented equipment, it will become an indispensable companion for daily work and focuses entirely on its strengths and cost-efficient equipment.
The aerodynamic StreamSpace (optionally also BigSpace) L cab is being introduced with the Actros F as a new variant from Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Thanks to its width of 2500 mm and its 120 mm low engine tunnel, the cab is generously spacious, while its low, 3-step access allows the driver to reach their workplace particularly comfortably. The Actros F covers the most diverse requirements with a total of 17 different model variants.
The Actros F is functional and efficient, without neglecting the necessary comfort for long-distance haulage. It relies on trustworthy functional equipment elements with a specific utility such as the tried-and-tested Classic Cockpit or the standard mirrors. Additional features such as the retarder, Active Sideguard Assist and Predictive Powertrain Control round off the Actros F.
The Actros for loads up to 250 tonnes in long-distance haulage
The Actros for loads up to 250 tonnes is ready to accept the challenge of moving very heavy and large loads. Its tractor unit was consistently developed and built with this purpose in mind. Its extremely sturdy drive system delivers the exact output needed for the everyday work of the heavy duty transport sector. This enormous output requires a particularly robust design of suspension, springs and the frame, so that even at full load the power delivered can be transferred to the road. As a heavy-duty transport truck, it sets new standards in terms of comfort, vehicle performance and flexibility. There are two cab variants to choose from – the GigaSpace and the BigSpace – which offer the exact working and living comfort you need in heavy-duty transport.
Advantages of the Actros for loads up to 250 tonnes at a glance
The on-road Actros semitrailer tipper for construction haulage
The Actros semitrailer tipper takes the economical long-distance haulage Actros one step further with the addition of special reinforcements for use off-road and optimisations for construction site operations. This makes it a specialist for transporting bulk materials and for occasional off-road use.
Its greater ground clearance due to the installation of a straight front axle predestine the Actros semitrailer tipper for use on construction sites and rough terrain. With its bumper featuring steel corners and the optionally available pivoting access steps, it is more robust and offers greater freedom of movement than the long-distance haulage Actros. Thanks to the bigger approach angle, its off-road handling capabilities are also enhanced. With the innovative MirrorCam and the new Multimedia Cockpit, the driver has everything in view from all angles, thus ensuring an optimum all-round view when manoeuvring, turning or changing lanes.
When needed, the Actros semitrailer tipper obtains additional power for briefly increased traction requirements thanks to the Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive (HAD). This system kicks in and provides additional traction assistance whenever the drive axle threatens to lose its grip. When starting off with up to 450 bar hydraulic pressure, the system delivers additional power to the front axle via the wheel hub motors. Subsequently, the pressure is regulated steplessly according to the situation. The Hydraulic Auxiliary Drive combines the benefits of all-wheel drive and a regular drivetrain. On long journeys it is hardly noticeable, as it is up to 350 kg lighter than an engageable all-wheel drive system. What does make a noticeable difference, though is that it saves up to 6 % more fuel compared with a vehicle featuring engageable all-wheel drive and 8 % over vehicles with permanent all-wheel drive.
The eActros
The eActros is the first fully-electric truck from Mercedes-Benz Trucks and is sustainable, future-oriented, innovation-driven and quiet. However, new mobility solutions also require new services, so that in addition to classic truck servicing, new eConsulting and further innovative digital solutions are also offered.
The eActros is available in two variants: with three or four lithium-ion batteries, with a capacity of approximately 105 kWh each. The eActros thus has a total battery capacity of approx. 316 kWh or 420 kWh respectively. This enables it to achieve a range of up to 300 km or 400 km respectively. Naturally, depending on the individual operation, these figures can vary according to topography, load, handling behaviour, temperature and vehicle body.
Charging is as intuitive as possible thanks to the eActros' standardised charging system: apply the parking brake, connect the automatically-locking CCS Combo-2 plug to the vehicle's charging socket and charge. The eActros variant with three batteries can be charged from 20 % to 80 % in a little more than an hour, while the variant with four lithium-ion batteries is charged within about an hour and a half. Then all that has to be done is press the stop button next to the charging socket to end the charging procedure. The eActros is then unlocked again.
Powerful, immediate acceleration is ensured by the Mercedes-Benz Trucks-specific axle with two motors: 330 kW continuous output and 400 kW peak output. A two-speed transmission and a low centre of gravity round off the stunning driving experience.
Of course, the eActros comes as standard with tried-and-tested assistance systems from Mercedes-Benz Trucks which support drivers, especially in urban use: from Stability Control Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist and Sideguard Assist to Active Brake Assist, tyre pressure monitoring and Roll Control Assist. The Multimedia Cockpit and MirrorCam are likewise standard equipment.
Advantages of the eActros at a glance
Around 125 years ago, we founded the modern transport industry with our trucks and buses. With the Daimler Truck Group, we are now one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. We employ more than 100,000 people at over 40 locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America and numerous sales and service points in most countries around the world. In China we have a 50% stake in BFDA. The joint venture with the Chinese partner Foton manufactures trucks under the Auman brand.
The focus of our activities is on the commercial vehicle business. In our global network, we develop and manufacture heavy, medium and light trucks and buses, which are marketed under the brands BharatBenz, Freightliner, FUSO, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Setra, Thomas Built Buses and Western Star. With Daimler Truck Financial Services, we can also offer our customers a complete package of vehicles and financial services that is perfectly tailored to them.
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