Introducing the Actros
Built at Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa’s assembly plant in East London, the limited-edition trucks are based on Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645LS and 2652LS models. They have been enhanced with various 60th edition features and fitted with high-quality accessories.
While many of these accessories will be far more popular with drivers and truck owners, our favourite feature is the two-tone sound airhorn. Made from stainless steel and mounted on the roof of the cab, it is “designed to increase road safety through better acoustic perception by other road users” – which is all very sensible. However, we like them because they’re super loud and fabulously cool. They make driving the truck real fun (we blasted that horn as often as we possibly could).
The truck in a nutshell
The Mercedes-Benz Actros is one of the best-known trucks on the planet. Its success story can be traced back to 1996 when the first Actros was released.
Since then, four more generations have been released to the market and they’ve all been synonymous with innovation. They have boasted numerous technical milestones, such as the first emergency braking assistance system to react independently to obstacles, Sideguard Assist and the assistance system for semi-automated driving (Level 2), which all made their world debut in the Actros.
Over 1.4 million Actros trucks have now been sold worldwide and the vehicle was named International Truck of the Year 2020. Last year, the eActros made its debut. The first series-production electric truck with a three-pointed star designed especially for heavy-duty distribution haulage was presented to the public at the end of June 2021.
Exterior
There are lots of cool exterior features on the limited-edition trucks (which, incidentally, are only available in “diamond white”). For instance, they have bi-xenon headlamps, which provide improved visibility. Maximum light output is ensured by a high-pressure headlamp cleaning system with telescopic nozzles above the main headlamps, which clean the lenses while on the move.
These cutting-edge models are also fitted with chrome slats on the front grille. A black decal – which frames the Mercedes-Benz logo at the front of the vehicle – is fitted and is accompanied by a black front decal that sticks out from the diamond white colour of the vehicle.
The trucks have a prominent decorative foiled star on the side of the vehicle and they also boast stainless steel steps, which have anti-slip surfaces. They’re not only practical (the driver can enter and exit the truck safely) but they also look good.
Interior
The special-edition trucks come with the Interactive Multimedia Cockpit, which we have adored since it was first shown to the media a couple of years ago. It looks very good, and it is practical too (it is super easy to operate). The primary display has a size of 12 inches and permits a choice between two screen designs.
Then, befitting of a flagship Mercedes-Benz product, there is an illuminated star. The white LED light element – with 1.9 W power consumption – can be switched off if so desired. Speaking of lights, there’s also a Mercedes-Benz Star Welcome Light, which is projected onto the street as you enter or exit the vehicle. It is reminiscent of top-of-the-range luxury limousines.
Included also for the first time on the 60th edition vehicles is the Premium Comfort Mattress (top and bottom), which comes with interior curtains. The lower 750 mm wide mattress is especially great; it guarantees a great night’s sleep. And the curtains help too – because they really block out light.
Rubber mats bearing the specially designed 60th edition badge can also be found inside the cab. Once again, they look good and they’re also practical (they prevent the interior from becoming damaged or soiled).
Drivetrain
The engines fitted to these two limited-edition models aren’t new. Local operators know them well. The Actros 2645LS is equipped with the OM 460 Euro 3 engine while the Actros 2652LS boasts the OM 473 Euro 3 powerplant.
The former has been developed for use in the Actros, Antos and Arocs. It has a maximum output of 330 kW (449 hp) at 1600 rpm and maximum torque of 2200 Nm at 1100 rpm. This low-maintenance engine offers high torque at low engine speeds and across a wide engine speed range, low fuel consumption and high braking power.
The OM473 engine, on the other hand, is a six-cylinder in-line engine with a power output of 380 kW (517 hp) and two overhead camshafts. The camshafts are driven via a gear wheel drive that is located on the output side of the engine, thus contributing to a significant reduction in noise emissions. This engine also offers low fuel consumption.
Our test truck was the Actros 2645LS, so it was equipped with the slightly less powerful motor. We’ve experienced it many times before and it does a super job. However, were we to name a preference, it would be for the 2652LS because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want a more powerful truck?
Transmission
Both models are equipped with the G 281-12 transmission, an automated direct-drive gearbox with 12 forward and four reverse gears. It consists of a three-speed basic gearbox with a front-mounted unit (splitter) and a rear-mounted unit (range group). It is designed for a gross combination weight from 44 up to 68 t.
The electronic engine and gearbox control adapts the speeds of the main shaft and gear wheel. This dispenses with the need for a locking synchroniser. A transmission brake on the countershaft decelerates the rotating gearbox masses for upshift operations. When downshifting, the engine speed is boosted to ensure synchronism of the corresponding gear wheel with the countershaft.
Different driving modes are available to extend the gearbox functionality and permit individual adaptation of the gearbox to the respective transport task.
This transmission does a superb job; it can easily be used even by novice drivers.
Safety
While the special-edition trucks come with lots of safety features, the stand-out feature is the new Active Brake Assist 5, which affords greater safety for pedestrians. Active Brake Assist 5 is now capable of carrying out emergency braking when encountering pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or walking across. If Active Brake Assist 5 detects a risk of collision with a vehicle travelling ahead, a stationary obstacle or a moving pedestrian, the driver is alerted of the danger by a three-stage escalating warning system. This feature isn’t unique to the Actros 60th edition; it’s available on the regular, less blinged-up Actros too.
Like regular Actros trucks, the special edition also has lots of other “normal” safety features, including Stability Control Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Proximity Control Assist with stop-and-go function, an electronic parking brake with Hold function and Roll Control Assist. It also comes with MirrorCam, which replaces the conventional main and wide-angle mirror with a camera system. The MirrorCam improves safety and manoeuvrability; we LOVE this feature.
Verdict
The 60th edition trucks cost about R200 000 more than a regular Actros. Is this good value for money? Transport operators think so; the trucks are already all sold out. We agree. These trucks are a treat for drivers – and they could be a “carrot” to lure – and then retain – exceptional drivers. Plus, they will be highly sought-after in the used truck market too.
