X-Rated Axor!
Forget about reality television and think realistically about fleet transport! That’s the message from our own, road going judge John Henderson who recently auditioned the new Mercedes-Benz ‘Axor X.’ After three hours on our initial impressions road test, read on to see if this new three pointed star really topped the charts. EVERY commercial vehicle builder in the business knows the importance of the retail distribution truck market and over the years their fleet specification tractor units have accounted for some pretty big deals, which in turn have made up a good percentage of the annual sales numbers total. Up until now smaller fleet operators and owner drivers wishing a similar truck to these bigger concerns, but perhaps with a few more subtle enhancements, have perhaps been dealt a short measure. However the arrival of this latest special edition Mercedes-Benz prime mover should go a long way to rectifying that issue. After harping on about the dearth of Mercs to test north of the border in various editions of Transport News over the last two years, I’m delighted to bring you our initial impressions road test of the new Axor X 2543 tractor unit. The Axor X has been quite rightly given a proper individual launch, with 21 demonstrator units rolled out to Mercedes-Benz truck dealers across the country. Finished in obsidian black paint with red and sliver detail, customers can order their Axor X in any colour they so wish and the relevant selling agents will also arrange extra painting or signwriting if required. Despite the fact this black beauty is a special edition, not a limited edition, I was quick off the mark on learning of its presence and had the honour of being first person to test the brand new Axor the day after its arrival at Western Commercial’s Broxburn premises. A useful trailer was on hand in the shape of Western’s ballast laden flatbed which is loaded strictly with MOT brake tests in mind. The dynamics of the cargo and my adjustment of the Jost sliding fifth wheel were perhaps not detail perfect and the first few miles running west on the M9 were all about handling acclimatisation! That being considered though, the Axor’s front steel parabolic springs and electrically modulated air bag group on the mid and drive axles got a good baptism of fire on our undulating roads with their frequent surface changes. The slightly uneven trailer loading tended to nod the 3,900mm wheelbase tractor occasionally, but the combination of double acting shock absorbers fore and aft, together with a stabiliser bar at the front end worked well to cushion the blows, while delivering rock steady handling. The conditions also put extra corrections on to the steering and again the superb set-up shone through with a performance of good graduation besides minimal fuss. Our trial route for the day was fairly straightforward, with a run right around the M9 to Dunblane then onwards to Perth, staying on the A9 dual carriageway. Once at the Fair City, we headed south on the M90 to the Forth Road Bridge via a lunch stop at Kinross. Having crossed back into the Lothians, the logical short hop via the M9 spur and Newbridge roundabout brought us back to Western Commercial’s Simpson Road premises. Three power derivatives are offered with the Axor X and buyers can opt for 360, 400 or 430hp variants. All are powered by the same base Mercedes-Benz OM457LA, 12 litre diesel, our steed came with the top choice output and despite being straight off the production line, the six cylinder in line unit performed magnificently throughout. Complemented by Telligent electronic management the motor has a smooth, torquey feel to it and it seems to be happiest when left to lug down low, to just shade below the 1,000rpm mark, even though the maximum torque figure of 2,100nm is produced just a shade up the dial at 1,100rpm. With a bore and stroke of 128mm and 155mm respectively, the ever crisp Euro 5 spec unit benefits from direct fuel injection and four valves per cylinder, to maximise potential of the combustion process. Behind this masterpiece a 430mm hydraulically operated, single plate dry clutch fed the Mercedes Powershift gearbox. As some years have passed since I last drove a Mercedes-Benz, the last one had electronic power shift, (EPS) it was a pleasant surprise to be introduced to the manufacturer’s latest two pedal, Powershift. Basically it’s a 12 speed constant mesh ‘box, which is controlled from a hinged lever adjoining the left hand side of the driver’s seat. A stubby main control lever is fitted with opposing push buttons for forward, neutral or reverse selections and a rocker switch behind this selects automatic or manual operation. I left the system in full auto for almost all of our trip, as the programming seemed precise and took into account the engine’s desire to lug away. Only occasionally on sections such as downhill motorway joining slip roads, where I could ‘see’ and the gearbox could not, was a manual flick up the gears required and realistically I was beating the auto choice by perhaps half a second. Uphill climbs demand good, clean and quick ratio changes and the Powershift duly delivered at all times, never once prompting criticism. With a top gear ratio of 1.00:1, single carriageway 40mph limits and undulating roads required a move to manual to prevent too many ups and down shifts between 11th and 12th, but this is just common sense fine tuning, not a major issue. All Axor Xs come with a rear axle ratio of 3.08:1, which with the standard 295/80R 22.5 tyres, equals 1,450 engine revs per minute at the limited 56mph. Although this special X edition comes with Mercedes’ high roof sleeper as standard, including two bunks, the general Axor range offers three other ‘office’ types in the shape of normal day, construction day and low roof sleeper. For something that’s intended as a straight shift distribution truck, our steed exuded great comfort levels and design features that would make even a few overnights a pleasure. I particularly appreciated the Grammer comfort driver’s seat and close proximity of all driving controls. Storage layout is exceptionally good and the low engine cover means moving around or getting in and out of the bunks is a breeze. As is to be expected with a Mercedes-Benz the quality and fit of the interior trim are first class and the respective finishes look long lasting, easy to clean and maintain. All electric switches are via the now almost standard can bus technology and the circuit breakers are accessed easily. Other ‘X’clusive refinements include Bluetooth stereo, CD box, driver’s side window blind, brushed steel effect trim and air conditioning. After the detailed in-cab inspection, the final downhill run to the River Forth crossing was all about keeping the truck’s speed in check on the long descent to almost sea level. First choice on any gradient drop was the two stage engine brake which is activated by the right hand stalk on the steering column. The first click brings in constant throttle, whilst the second initiates an exhaust butterfly and downshifts if in auto. I found this retarder well up to the job and generally pretty effective in assisting to keep the service anchors untouched and cool. The all round discs with ABS proved their mettle when a couple of private car users undertook surprise manoeuvres en route and the brake pedal bite and travel were constantly spot on and easy to gauge. Despite the extra goodies, the 6x2 tractor tips the weighbridge at a kerb weight of 7,565kg and this figure should prove attractive to a host of users. After three hours behind the wheel of a marque that I’d not driven for many years, I left the Mercedes-Benz Axor X unstressed and impressed about just how easy and comfortable my drive had been. This is undoubtedly a huge testament to the well known Axor strengths of quality design, build and reliability. Unfortunately we could not measure the fourth of those signature strengths economy, as the truck was brand new and no fuel or AdBlue consumption figures were available. True to form though, Mercedes-Benz’s staff at their Milton Keynes UK HQ, have promised us a similar motor for a full, measured Scottish test later in the year. This Axor does indeed have the X factor.