The Mercedes-Benz Actros is a heavy goods vehicle introduced at the 1996 Commercial Vehicle IAA in Hannover as the replacement for the SK. It is used for long-distance haulage, heavy distribution and construction work.
Mercedes-Benz Actros at a glance
| Introduced | 1996, IAA Hannover |
|---|---|
| Replaced | Mercedes-Benz SK |
| First generation | MP1, 1996–2003 |
| Second generation | MP2, from 2003 |
| Third generation | MP3, from 2008 |
| Fourth generation | New Actros, from July 2011 |
| Engine | turbocharged and intercooled inline-six diesel |
| MP1 engines | OM 501 LA V6 and OM 502 V8 |
| Gearbox | 16-speed manual or 16-speed automated |
| Chassis | two, three or four axles, air suspension optional |
| Aerodynamics | drag reduced by 17 per cent |
| Euro 3 | added with the MP2 in 2003 |
This article is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Mercedes-Benz Actros.
History of the Mercedes-Benz Actros
The first Actros appeared in 1996 and was built until 2003. It brought electronically controlled air brakes, disc brakes on both axles, CAN technology for chassis and drivetrain, an electro-pneumatic gearbox circuit and the new OM 500 V6 and V8 diesels with Telligent engine control. It was the first truck developed jointly by designers and aerodynamic engineers, which cut flow resistance by 17 per cent. The chassis could have two, three or four axles with optional air suspension, and wheelbases from 3,300 to 6,300 mm; construction versions ran from 3,300 to 5,100 mm. The engines were mated to a 16-speed manual or a 16-speed hydro-pneumatic automatic gearbox, and fuel was fed by a pump-line nozzle system with a separate injection pump for each cylinder.
The second generation arrived in 2003 with a revised interior and exterior, bi-xenon headlamps, Euro 3 compliance and a lighter rear axle. A Black Edition of 250 units used the 450 kW (612 PS) OM502LA V8. Its Telligent gearbox used a computer and a load sensor on the fifth-wheel coupling to choose gears, with an automatic mode like the Tiptronic system of Mercedes-Benz cars. The third generation of 2008 brought mirrors from the special editions, a battery indicator and rain and light sensors, a first for a truck, and was the first in its class to offer an automatic gearbox as standard. The OM 501 six-cylinder engines ranged from 310 to 480 PS.
The fourth generation, called the New Actros, was launched in July 2011. The MP3 generation ended production that year, although there were plans to keep building it in Asia until 2020.
Design and features
- Electronic brakes: controlled air brakes with discs on both axles from the first generation.
- CAN electrics: a network for chassis and drivetrain in place of separate wiring.
- Aerodynamic cab: developed with aerodynamicists, cutting drag by 17 per cent.
- Automated gearbox: standard from the MP3 generation.
Mercedes-Benz Actros versions
- Actros MP1 (1996–2003): the first generation with OM 500 engines.
- Actros MP2 (2003): Euro 3, bi-xenon lights and the Black Edition of 250 units.
- Actros MP3 (2008): automatic gearbox as standard.
- New Actros (2011): the fourth generation.
- Construction version: shorter wheelbases, leaf or air suspension and drum brakes on 4×2.
The Actros replaced the SK and works alongside the lighter Atego and the Axor. More trucks are in the Mercedes-Benz collection.
Video: Test: Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 Big Space
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- Mercedes-Benz Actros, English Wikipedia: generations, engines, chassis, gearboxes
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