This was the most guarded premiere of this summer. Mercedes-Benz has taken great care to keep the details of the new Actros truck in the strictest confidence. The official premiere of the truck took place yesterday in Berlin.
Shortly before the IAA fair in Hannover, Mercedes-Benz decided to present the new Actros model to the entire world. The premiere model … does not have side mirrors. Their functions will be taken over by special cameras installed in the vehicle, which will also monitor the blind spot.
Active Drive Assist
The producer assures that the new Actros has been considerably improved with regard to safety and comfort. The most important and spectacular new feature is the new Active Drive Assist. Unlike systems which only work within a certain speed range, Active Drive Assist gives the driver access to semi-automated driving at all speeds for the first time in a series production truck.
What might save some lives is the new feature which brakes the truck if it gets too close to a vehicle driving in front and accelerates again until a set speed is reached. It also actively keeps the vehicle in lane. If the vehicle is leaving its lane unintentionally, Active Drive Assist intervenes and independently steers the vehicle back into its lane.
Photo: Daimler.com
Less fuel consumption
Compared to its predecessor, the new Actros consumes up to three percent less fuel on motorways and expressways. With mileage in long-distance haulage typically exceeding 120,000 kilometers per year, this again represents a significant cost reduction for the operator.
To further reduce fuel consumption there is a new standard ratio for the weight-optimised rear axle. The gear ratio has been reduced from i = 2.533 previously to i = 2.412. Thanks to the weight-optimised G211 transmission, the new gear ratio is now available for all new Actros models equipped with the second-generation, six-cylinder OM 471 in-line engine and 315/70 R 22.5 tyres, paying off both on motorways and when travelling on rural routes alike.
MirrorCam
Mercedes-Benz Trucks is the first series production truck in the world to have MirrorCam on-board.
Replacing the conventional main mirrors and wide-angle mirrors, this system works entirely with digital cameras and displays. The MirrorCam provides a considerably improved all-round view and its performance significantly exceeds legal requirements. In addition to increased safety, the omission of mirrors reduces fuel consumption, as the compact digital cameras bring considerable aerodynamic advantages.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz