A Hard Actros To Follow
As Mercedes-Benz prepares to launch version three of the hugely successful Actros, Oliver Dixon gets the low-down on the latest updates. IT DOESN’T seem to be 12 years since Mercedes-Benz launched the first version of the Actros. But it is, and now we’ve arrived at version three. Despite the fact that the 1996 vintage Merc was not without its teething problems, the Actros has proved to be popular amongst truck buyers. Over 550,000 units have been placed with operators in over 100 countries, and, whilst the ‘idea’ of a single global truck is still just that, the Actros must be a contender for the world’s most widely marketed heavy commercial vehicle. We’ll put our hands up straight away and say that we were unashamedly fond of Actros version two. From a simple driving perspective, it suited us down to the ground, and so any changes are almost inevitably going to be viewed with some suspicion; after all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Perhaps updated is a better word. At first glance, new Actros demonstrates a clear familial resemblance to the outgoing MP2 version. But some subtle exterior design changes have been made; the sun visor appears to be split into three parts with a bright metal centre, the grille louvres have been reduced in number and increased in size, and the overall effect is, we feel, rather pleasing. It’s certainly not a dramatic change, but one that is an improvement. Of new things – you can opt for an illuminated Merc badge should you feel so inclined and the mirrors are now housed in a single unit, which could well prove to be a pricy replacement. Neither is there much by way of dramatic change in terms of driveline. The new Actros carries over the existing choice of six power ratings, from 320hp to 476hp in the six cylinder form and from 510hp to 598hp in V8 guise. However, for UK purposes, Mercedes-Benz is now standardising on Euro 5, which becomes mandatory in October of next year, and is also claiming to be the first manufacturer to offer an automatic transmission as standard across all European markets. Whilst the universal adoption of the 12-speed Powershift ‘box may well be a European first, Iveco has offered its take on ZF’s AS-Tronic for some time now as standard in the UK. By now, readers may be wondering just what is new about Actros version three. The answer, according to MB, is that there are 37 new features. WHAT’S NEW Adding to the Telligent on board diagnostics system, new Actros gets a battery status indicator as standard, meaning that the driver can check the battery charge level before, during and after every trip by going into the instrument cluster menu and calling up a bar chart displaying various parameters. This bar chart also indicates the expected lifetime of the battery. The system measures the battery voltage, current strength and outside temperature on a continuous basis. It then uses an algorithm to produce a reliable estimate of the vehicle’s starting capability. This feature will be rolled out on the first models, due to land in the UK in 2009. The E-APU (Electronic Air Processing Unit) fitted as standard and integrated in the electronic data exchange network via CAN bus is a further new development that has a positive effect on fuel consumption in air suspended tractor unit models. This system increases pressure in the brake circuits, and additional air pressure is stockpiled during braking. Thanks partly to the omission of a separate pressure vessel in the spring brake circuit, the system reduces weight by around 20kg. Due for introduction in 2009, and initially confined to the 435hp engine, a two stage control water pump should offer a claimed fuel saving of 0.7%. A special Linnig clutch has been introduced to enable the pump to operate more efficiently; under partial load it runs at a lower operating speed and consumes less power. During full load operation, meanwhile, the clutch is rigidly connected by electromagnetic means and thus achieves the desired, full delivery rate. That’s pretty much it for the outside, but, whilst not a whole lot appears to have changed, it is worth remembering that lurking around the corner is the European version of Daimler’s global Heavy Duty Engine Platform, or HDEP. Whilst Mercedes-Benz is being somewhat cautious in terms of discussing plans for the new engine, due in part we suspect to the possible draw forward of Euro 6 in Germany. It seems probable that HDEP will launch in Europe during 2010. It has already been unveiled in US form, and Japan seems likely to get its version some time next year. With the arrival of the new engine, the Actros will be a fully renewed product, but, as with most other OEMs, Mercedes-Benz now prefers to stagger the introduction of new cabs and drivelines. Whilst this may detract from the so called ‘wow’ factor, it does seem to be an eminently sensible approach, in that it allows for a process of debugging to take place. COMFORT Inside the cab, driver comfort has obviously remained at the top of the agenda. Mercedes-Benz is keen to point out what it terms its ‘infinitely variable level control system with retaining straps’, which means, according to our estimates, that the top bunk should remain horizontal when the vehicle is parked on a slope. A useful feature no doubt, but one that we seem to remember from an old F12 from a previous life. The bottom bunk receives a makeover too with a gadget allowing the pillow end of the bed to be raised up slightly to aid lying down with your head up. Access to storage bins has been improved, and, whilst the overall impression is one of little by way of huge change, the few niggles that existed with the MP2 Actros have been addressed. New items include a shaving/make up mirror, and an optional fold out table, both fitted to the passenger side of the truck. Mercedes-Benz will offer the new Actros with a number of complete option packs. The top safety package consists of every safety feature currently on offer within the Actros - Active Brake Assist, Telligent Proximity Control and Lane Assistant – and, in Germany, vehicles thus equipped will receive an €800 discount from insurer Allianz. German operators also get the choice of an Economy pack, which includes adjustable air deflectors, automatic fuel cut out and a Voith retarder. You’ll have to wait to well into 2009 to get your hands on a new Actros. Production is due to start during the third quarter of 2008, and the truck will be formally launched to the public at the IAA Show in Hanover. Will it be worth the wait? We like what we see; there was much to commend the outgoing MP2 model, and version three builds upon a solid set of foundations. The arrival of the new engine range will be hugely significant, but we can see much to recommend the new Merc as it stands today.