When it comes to their heavy trucks, they are using the latest technology to improve efficiency, increase safety and make the job easier not only for drivers but for the operators who rely on these trucks every day.
The pinnacle of the Mercedes Benz heavy truck range is the Actros, and the German manufacturer has just launched their newest and most advanced version, the Actros L Procabin.
To discover more about this new truck MBNI Truck and Van invited Export & Freight to their Mallusk dealership to drive the Actros.
The test model was the Mercedes Benz Actros Pro Cabin 2553 LS , finished in the striking Crystal Green Metallic and fitted with the GigaSpace cab, which provides the ultimate in space for the truck driver. Mercedes Benz have designed and built their new Actros based on the three pillars of Comfort, Efficiency and Safety.
COMFORT
Climbing up into the cabin of the Actros you quickly realise a lot of work and attention to detail has gone into the layout and finishing of this truck. Mercedes Benz recognise this is not just a place of work but also a home from home for the driver, and therefore have engineered the highest quality materials and finish into the Procabin. From the sound and heat insulation, the new 150mm mattress and slatted bed base, to the introduction of the new Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2, Mercedes Benz have placed the needs of the driver first making this a truck the driver will want to call his own. A lower seating position and class-leading assistance systems are all designed to appeal to the driver and make their job – the cornerstone of the logistics industry – safer and more enjoyable. This cab is a really nice place to be, and everything inside here has been engineered to provide a comfortable workplace. The driving position itself is excellent and fully adjustable seat and steering wheel allow any driver to find the perfect driving position for their day behind the wheel.
EFFICIENCY
The new aerodynamic design of the Actros L ProCabin coupled with the more fuel efficient Mercedes third generation engine (which reduces fuel consumption by up to 4%) together reduce emissions and operating costs. The test model Actros has the 12.8 Litre, 6-cylinder in line producing 530bhp and 2,600nm of torque, which is fully HVO compatible for those operators who want to move away from diesel. One of the standard features on the new Actros is eco driver feedback, which constantly monitors how the truck is being driven and gives the driver notifications to help save fuel and reduce wear on the vehicle. The Procabin’s 80mm longer front end enables a completely new, even more aerodynamic design to divert the front air flow with as little drag as possible resulting in an efficiency increase of up to 3% compared with its predecessor.
SAFETY
Mercedes Benz has put safety as their top priority and the new truck is full GSR 2 specification. Among the host of standard safety features onboard include; Active Brake Assist 6, Front Guard Assist, Active Sideguard Assist 2 and Mirror Cam.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Everything about the new Actros L ProCabin is clever, and well thought out. And, as they always say the devil is in the detail such as the key which allows you to check all the external lights on your morning walk-around check and the latest Mirror Cam technology with blind spot warning and which also allows the driver to set a digital guide to mark the end of the trailer. Behind the wheel, and I must point out I was driving the tractor unit only, this is a very easy truck to drive.
The auto gearbox is smooth and precise and the power is instant and there is plenty of it. This is the third or fourth time I have encountered mirror cams and I must admit I’m getting to like them. They never get fogged or wet and even on a dull Mallusk Monday morning the images are clear as crystal.
On my test drive of the Actros L ProCabin 2553 LS I encountered busy morning traffic and some motorway driving where I had a chance to use the adaptive cruise, which is brilliant - informing you of the speed of vehicles in front and then slowing down when necessary. Another neat trick up the Actros sleeve is how it approaches a roundabout. When cruise control is active it slows down on the approach (provided you stay off the pedals) and if nothing is coming will navigate the roundabout at an appropriate speed and then accelerate back up to cruising speed once clear of the roundabout with the need for touching the pedals.
Other stand out features that make this truck so easy to drive, and live with include the controls on the multi-function steering wheel – the one at your right thumb controls your instrument cluster while the left thumb controls the multimedia and heating and cooling system. And for drivers living with the Actros the Mirror Cam switch on the bed is genius – allowing the driver to turn on his mirrors to check outside, if for instance they hear something during the night, ot while resting. To say there are too many other features, both for safety and driver comfort is putting it mildly but everything is designed and laid out so well that it all just works so well as a package.
With the new Actros L ProCabin Mercedes Benz has succeeded in making a truck that is safer (both for the driver and for pedestrians and other road users) than anything they have produced before, more efficient and more comfortable. The balance with producing any new truck must be a truck that appeals to the driver, but is also appealing to the operator and with the new Actros I think they have managed to cater for both.