Engine
Available in four ratings from 310 kW (420 ps) to 375 kW (510 ps), the new Actros delivers outstanding fuel savings of up to 7% at Euro V (compared to their already frugal predecessors). Just one of the impressive credentials of the OM471 12.8 l in-line engines, this impressive figure can be attributed to the X-Pulse common-rail high-pressure injection system which injects fuel into the cylinders at up to 2,500 bar. Engines are available in three different emission levels – Euro V, EEV or Euro VI.
In addition to saving on fuel, the new truck engines will save in other areas with reduced AdBlue consumption (up to 40% reduction with Euro VI), reduced maintenance costs, and increased design life.

Front Axles
Available with a dropped beam and ventilated disc brakes, the range of front axles on the new Actros can be specified to suit long distance applications precisely.
Axle ratings of 7.5t, 8.0t and 9.0t are available depending on model, with a range of leading and trailing axles to suit different applications.
Rear Axles
Light, economical and reliable – the range of Hypoid rear axles on new Actros offer not just reliable power transmission, but also a very wide range of closely spaced ratio choices, to allow the most economical driveline for your operation.
Equipped with a differential lock as standard, along with ventilated disc brakes and an oil temperature sensor for the maintenance system, the range of rear axles offer ratings of up to 13t.
The best chassis Mercedes can offer.
Wheel Configurations
|
Rigid / Drawbar |
Tractor Unit |
4x2 |
Y |
Y |
6x2 / 2 |
|
Y |
6x2 |
Y |
|
The chart above shows the standard Axle configurations initially available on new Actros. As well as being available in both left and right hand drive, many of these configurations are available in different variants:
- Standard Height
- Low Frame
- LowLiner
In addition, our Custom Tailored Trucks (CTT) service can provide vehicles to special order in an even wider range of configurations to suit your application precisely.
Frame
Designed without compromise for long distance transport applications, the new frame is wider and stiffer to provide improved roadholding and a better ride. The complete hole pattern, spaced at 50 mm intervals, makes for fast easy fitment of bodies and other equipment.
In addition, the new Actros provides an enlarged range of wheelbases and overhangs as well as free choice in positioning of rear cross members.
Suspension
Standard fitment across the new Actros range is a newly developed 4-bag rear air suspension system, offering improved roll control and handling on rough roads. In addition, many models are available with front air suspension, for the ultimate in ride comfort and chassis height control.
The new rear axle guide, standard on 4×2 vehicles, offers even better roadholding and steering precision due to the wider spread mounting points.
Fuel Tanks
New Actros offers a wide range of fuel tank sizes across the range in four different profiles to suit the vehicle and its application. Wide tanks are available for maximum fuel capacity, with narrower tanks on offer to allow fitment of side skirts for aerodynamic improvements. A choice of AdBlue tank sizes is also available on certain models, both as separate tanks and as combined fuel and AdBlue tanks.
Fuel capacity of up to 1300 L is available from the factory on 4×2 tractors, with an array of combinations making it easy to specify the layout you require.
Electronic Brake System
The Electropneumatic Brake System (EPB), incorporating Anti-lock braking (ABS) and Anti-slip regulation (ASR) is standard across all new Actros models. Controlling the brake system electronically and braking each wheel individually (making the most of available grip and minimising stopping distances), EPB integrates secondary braking, whether Engine Brake or Retarder, to improve safety and reduce wear.
In the event of a hard brake application, the system automatically switches on the hazard warning lights to warn following traffic, providing vital extra seconds to assist in preventing multi-vehicle accidents.
High Performance Engine Brake
Standard across all new Actros models, the engine brake uses the engine as a compressor to provide wear-free retardation and helps to improve safety whilst reducing wear. This is available to the driver in three stages, controlled by the steering column stalk to give full control of the braking power as required. The standard system offers up to 300 kW of braking power.
In addition, a high performance engine brake can be specified, offering up to 400 kW of braking power (depending on vehicle specification) thus providing more opportunity to keep the service brakes fresh.
Water Retarder
Available as an option, the secondary water retarder is a wear and maintenance-free auxiliary brake that can be used to perform up to 85% of all braking operations. The retarder uses the water of the engine cooling circuit, which means that there is no need for an additional oil circuit with oil cooler. The heat produced by the system is dissipated via the engine cooling system, whereby the cooling temperature is permanently monitored.
The secondary water retarder offers a high braking torque in combination with a compact, weight-saving design, around 20 kg lighter than previous oil retarders. The braking power of the retarder is also independent of selected gear or current engine speed. A gear change does not result in any interruption in the retarder braking action and the retarder braking power depends only on the current driving speed.
The braking power can be controlled precisely in five stages using the right-hand control stalk on the steering column, and combines with the standard engine brake to provide a maximum braking torque of up to 3,560 Nm.
PowerShift3
Standard across the new Actros range, the Mercedes-Benz PowerShift 3 12-speed automated transmission immediately and efficiently transmits the requested power to the rear axle through precise gear selection and fast gearshifts. The technology constantly measures the conditions surrounding the truck – from the inclination of the road and accelerator position to the combined weight of the vehicle – and takes these into account when selecting a gear. If a situation demands it, the driver has the option of intervening manually.
The controls for PowerShift 3 fall easily to hand and are located on the right hand steering column stalk along with Engine Brake and Retarder thus leaving the cross cab access free. The controls are simple to use – with a rotary switch to select direction, simply push or pull the lever to manually shift gear.
EcoRoll and Creep mode are engaged automatically, but are easily and quickly switched off should conditions demand it.
The gearbox offers a choice of two modes in every case – an Economy mode to make the best use of fuel, and a mode to provide a more dynamic drive. On request, a Power mode is available, for high weight operations. A Creep mode is available with PowerShift 3, providing incredible control at very low speeds.
The innovative interior of the new Actros has been specifically designed to make a driver’s working day easier. Because a more relaxed driver is a safer driver. Each unique in-cab feature has been specifically designed to provide optimum comfort for working, living and sleeping.
Multi-function Key
The multi-function key adds to the functions of the remote control key with many features that aid driver comfort, convenience and safety. Recharging itself whenever the vehicle is driving, the rugged key displays through a 4.6 cm TFT display, and offers remote control and monitoring of many systems at a range of up to 30 m. A few examples include:
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Suspension level control
- Sound system controls
- Window and sunroof controls
Seats
All of the seats in the Actros have been completely redeveloped for optimum driver comfort, with a 40 mm wider seat, increased adjustment range and a wide range of finishes available. The standard Comfort seat with Velour cover in our Long Distance Cabs is impressively comfortable, and Leather or Dinamica Star covers are optionally available. In addition to options such as a heated and ventilated seat, the new Actros also offers an optional Massage function seat.
Storage
The new Actros offers more interior space than ever before, not just for living and working, but for storage too. All cabs cover the necessities for long distance transport – space above the windscreen, below the dashboard, under the bed and in many pockets and trays around the cab allowing everything to be put in its place. With the StreamSpace cab (pictured), space need not compromise economy, offering the optimum solution for driver and operator alike.
Beds
The beds in the Actros are completely new, and offer a 110 mm thick cold foam mattress as standard, with optional PremiumComfort memory foam mattress. The standard bottom beds are a full 750 mm wide regardless of the cab chosen, and are 2000 mm or 2200 mm long depending on cab width. All bottom beds have an adjustable backrest to make the midnight reader more comfortable.