Mercedes-Benz's new Actros tractor unit, debuted in Berlin last week, spent 2,600 hours in the wind tunnel, endured 50,000,000km of rig-based engine testing and covered 20,000,000km in real-life operation.
Why? The German trucks giant says this time around its taken a different approach, and that all new premium trucks are now designed for long-distance – instead of that role being split between Actros and the Axor.
Making the point, there are now seven spacious cabs in the range, five of which have a flat floor. Additionally, the working and living areas are now separated throughout with a new cockpit that is both functional and attractive.
As for the power plant, you're looking at a new, high-torque, clean (Euro 6) and economical six-cylinder in-line engine, with additional torque reserves. And there's a new frame and a dynamic chassis, as well as enhancements around safety.
Mercedes claims this is the first and, to date, only truck developed from the ground up to comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard.
The figures certainly stack up: fuel consumption in the optional Euro 5 variant is around 6% better than for the Actros' predecessor. And even the Euro 6 version boasts around 3% fuel advantage, combined with a reduction in AdBlue consumption of around 40%.
Additionally, maintenance and repair costs are claimed to be even lower than before, as evidenced by the low-cost service contracts being offered.
And as for the bottom line, the Actros model in each of the emissions categories is claimed to offer lower overall costs than its competitors.
