Test Drive: New Mercedes-Benz Actros Struts its Stuff

[kscarbel2]

Steve Brooks, Trade Trucks AU  /  September 1, 2016

Could the 2658 be the best Benz model to ever hit the Australian market? Steve Brooks thinks so

Whatever your opinion of Mercedes-Benz trucks – good, bad or indifferent – prepare yourself for change.

A big change, because the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is showing all the signs of being the best Benz to ever grace the Australian market.

That’s the unequivocal conclusion after recently putting a 2658 model through its paces on a B-double run from Sydney’s northern outskirts to Brisbane via the Pacific Highway.

After four years of testing and refining every piece of the product puzzle for Australian conditions, this is a truck that looks and sounds different to any Benz before it.

There’s no question the new Mercedes-Benz stands out in a crowd with an external appearance that is unquestionably strong and aggressive.

Too aggressive in this ‘softly, softly’ world? Maybe, but appearances are an individual thing and standing just shy of 4m in height and 2.5m wide, the big Benz certainly stands tall and proud.

Interior Comforts

Indeed, it may well be the loftiest of all climbs into a cab-over but there are at least ample steps and grab handles for trips in and out of the cab.

Importantly, the big cab also provides large locker bins on both sides.

On the inside there’s a lot to like. It’s a supremely comfortable cab and after almost 900km, there was not the slightest hint of a bent back or numb bum.

The cab interior is fresh and clean, and the switchgear controlling the various functions are gratefully simple compared to some continental competitors.

Among the main control items, a foot-operated pedal under the left side of the dash allows a wide range of steering wheel adjustments while a wand on the right-hand side of the steering column provides fingertip control of multi-stage engine retardation and transmission shift modes.

Likewise, a wand on the left side controls indicators and wipers.

Admittedly, both wands are hidden from view under the arms of the steering wheel but familiarity comes quickly.

Internal storage space is adequate with overhead lockers and shelving under the centre of the dash.

Under the bunk there are also two large slide-out bins, the one nearest the driver being a good-sized fridge easily reached from the driver’s seat.

Without doubt though, the stand-out attractions of the cab are the flat floor, the standing room and the bunk.

Combined with a quality inner-spring mattress affording plenty of stretch and wriggle room, they deliver the best sleeper compartment of all European cab-overs on the market today; a fact verified by six hours of superb slumber.

This particular truck also had a fold-up second bunk but it’s hard to see why anything other than a two-up operation would want it.

Its removal would obviously provide even greater internal room and ultimately, Mercedes-Benz would be wise to design hanging space for clothes and the like.

Performance

As for road work, the 2658 did not disappoint.

The 2658LS model carries a gross combination mass rating of 90 tonnes and is powered by the 15.6-litre OM473 in-line six cylinder engine using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for Euro VI emissions compliance.

Peak outputs are listed as 425kW (578hp) at 1,600rpm and a potent 2,800Nm (2,065 lb-ft) of torque on tap from 1,080 to 1,400rpm. 

Performance feeds through Daimler’s PowerShift 12-speed direct-drive automated transmission into the group’s own hypoid drive tandem running a fast 2.533:1 final drive ratio.

Rear suspension is Daimler’s airbag assembly while up front are long two-leaf spring packs.

Stopping power comes from disc brakes on all axles supported by ABS anti-lock and ASR anti-skid systems. In fact, braking performance is brilliantly smooth and strong, aided by an impressively effective three-stage engine brake.

Fuel capacity on this particular unit was 1,050 litres in single tanks on each side with a 110-litre AdBlue tank on the passenger side.

Unfortunately, the spec sheet supplied with the test truck offered no indication of tare weight which was surprising given its V8 predecessor’s reputation for being heavy at both the weighbridge and the bowser.

However, as several Mercedes-Benz sources have confidently stated, the in-line six cylinder configuration allows far better weight distribution over the front axle than the V8 engine of its predecessors.

There’s a deep-throated burble about this engine that is entirely unique for a Mercedes-Benz product and best of all, it’s a burble that blends impressive standards of performance and efficiency.

Fuel economy was, in fact, outstanding for a truck running at a gross weight of 58.6 tonnes, with less than 2,000km on the clock and for a large part of the trip hammered by a thumping westerly wind.

At the end of the run, average fuel consumption recorded by the truck’s on-board computer was a remarkably thrifty 50.3 litres/100km (1.99km/litre) or 5.6mpg. 

As far as performance goes, the big bore Benz did its job with consummate ease, digging deep into rich reserves of torque and coping comfortably with everything the Pacific put in its path.

Yet as good as the test truck was, it wasn’t without a couple of quirks.

First, the mirrors. They’re big and electronically controlled but mirror vibration at highway speeds was annoying and certainly not up to the standard of a premium linehauler.

Second, shifts through the PowerShift 12-speed box were undeniably smooth but all too often the transmission would drop two gears on modest grades when one shift would have comfortably sufficed.

Verdict

Still, it is easy to suggest a future where Mercedes-Benz will soon by supplying the armament to take the fight to any heavy-duty cab-over competitor.

Sure, it’s a big statement and Daimler and its commercial colleagues will need to be fully prepared to back the new Benz with the highest levels of service and support.

In fact, nothing less will suffice if the truck is to realise its significant potential to once again put the Mercedes-Benz marque forefront in the minds of truck operators far and wide.

.

[mrsmackpaul]

I wonder if the HP ratings are like the old Benz trucks of the 80's they all sound good but were only Shetland ponies as opposed to the US Cummins Mack and Caterpillar that had Shire draft horse 

The older Benzs looked good on paper but never had any balls dunno much about these new ones you dont see many new Benzs on the roads any more or at least not in the numbers you once did 

[kscarbel2]

24 minutes ago, mrsmackpaul said:

I wonder if the HP ratings are like the old Benz trucks of the 80's they all sound good but were only Shetland ponies as opposed to the US Cummins Mack and Caterpillar that had Shire draft horse 

The older Benzs looked good on paper but never had any balls dunno much about these new ones you dont see many new Benzs on the roads any more or at least not in the numbers you once did 

Paul, the 15.6L OM473 in this truck is the Mercedes-Benz branded brother of the Detroit Diesel DD16. There are a few differences, but the same basic engine.

To date, the 14.8L OM472 (DD15) has been targeted at the US market.

The 12.8L OM471 (DD13) is used worldwide.

The US market hasn't gotten the 10.7L OM470, which replaced the less efficient old 12L OM457.

 

[kscarbel2]

New Actros launched by Benz in Australia

Trade Trucks AU  /  October 21, 2016

Mercedes-Benz has officially launched its new Actros model in Australia at an event in northern Queensland.

Unveiled to an audience of 260 customers, dealers and media, the new Actros hits the market on the back of an 18-month local trial involving 20 trucks, 1 million kms and 35 customers.

"We are excited to introduce the next generation Mercedes-Benz truck to our key Australian customers," Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus director Michael May says.

"They have helped us put together a fantastic line up of trucks that will deliver new standards of efficiency, reliability and comfort."

Available in four engine variants ranging from 11-litre and 13-litre options to a 16-litre powerhouse, the Benz will suit metro, regional, B-double and road train work.

Originally launched five years ago in Europe, the Actros collected the 2012 International Truck of the Year for its in-line six-cylinder engine, fuel savings, AdBlue consumption reduction, safety improvements and automated transmission.

The new model arriving in Australia also includes modern technology advances such as Proximity Control Assist adaptive cruise control with stop/start function, Active Brake Assist, and a 6.1-inch touch screen truck sat-nav unit and sound system.

Mercedes-Benz says it has already received strong interest in the new truck and is offering a 500,000km/5 year’s free scheduled servicing offering on all new Actros prime movers.

The new models will be followed in mid-2017 with rigid variants and all-wheel drive versions slightly after that.

.

[kscarbel2]

New Mercedes-Benz Actros launched in Australia

Prime Mover Magazine  /  October 20, 2016

Five years after the official European launch, Mercedes-Benz has now rolled out the new Actros heavy-duty model in Australia.

The company’s new flagship model was presented to more than 250 key customers, dealers and the media at a launch event in Northern Queensland this week.

As reported in Prime Mover magazine, the new model had to undergo a lengthy 18-month evaluation program before Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Australia found it fit for the demanding Australian on-road market.

The test reportedly involved some 35 customers and 20 trucks covering more than one million kilometers in preparation for the official unveiling – with one trial vehicle clocking up more than 400,000km alone.

“The feedback from our evaluation program indicates our key customers are very impressed by the trucks we have developed for our market and many have already placed orders,” commented Mercedes-Benz’ Sales Manager, Andrew Assimo.

According to Assimo, driver comfort will be a key selling point for the new model, which targets “key mainstream applications” during the first stage of the roll-out.

“[Our launch] models focus on metro, regional, B-double and road train work,” he said. “We will introduce rigid models in the second quarter of 2017, while all-wheel drive models will follow later that year.”

Key updates include locally sourced inner-spring mattresses for increased comfort, long range fuel tanks and a 6.1-inch touch screen truck sat-nav unit and sound system.

Arguably the biggest change for local customers has occurred in the engine department, though. The V8 and V6 engines that have powered the Actros for more than a decade have been replaced with new 11-litre, 13-litre and 16-litre six-cylinder engines designed around the Daimler platform that shares its DNA with the current Detroit Diesel.

Steel rather than alloy pistons are used to reduce friction and extend engine life. What’s more, Mercedes-Benz in-house asymmetrical turbochargers are able to maintain the same pressure at the turbine wheels throughout the rev range.

Various ratings are available, including a 13-litre version rated at 530hp and a 16-litre one with 580 or 630hp. Mercedes-Benz is promising fuel economy improvements of up to seven per cent over the previous engine range, with AdBlue consumption down 40 per cent despite the engines all complying with Euro VI emission standards.

Also on board will be Daimler’s third generation Powershift Automated Manual Transmission, which is expected to deliver up to 20 per cent quicker shifts than before.

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz has already sold more than 200,000 units of the next generation truck and customers have already covered an estimated 12 billion kilometers – indicating just how high the hopes are for the new Actros in Australia.

And according to Mercedes-Benz, early signs are promising, as two of the trucks that were part of this week’s launch found new owners on the spot – with a black unit going to Shane Blakeborough of SBL Logistics in Geelong, which was involved in the evaluation process.

[kscarbel2]

Test drive: New Mercedes-Benz Actros hits the NT

Steve Brooks, Trade Trucks AU  /  October 27, 2016

Mercedes-Benz is on the cusp of an entirely new era in the Australian truck market following the much anticipated release of an extensive range of bold new models.

Launched in Far North Queensland last week following intensive test programs with Australian operators, along with what is said to be a thorough shake-up of Daimler Trucks service and support systems, the new trucks have the distinct potential to put the Benz brand squarely back in the spotlight with Australia’s truck buyers.

Over the past decade and more, Mercedes-Benz has struggled for market prominence with the previous Actros range largely failing to strike a chord with the majority of truck operators in this country.

However, with four new in-line six cylinder engines from 7.7 to 10.7, 12.8 and 15.6 litres spanning 350 to 630 hp, and four well-equipped cab variants, this new line-up has next to nothing in common with the former Actros family other than the three-pointed star on the grille.

Indeed, early impressions after short stints behind the wheel of several models between Cairns and Townsville left no doubt that these trucks represent an exciting and hugely positive dimension for Mercedes-Benz.

Predictably, top-shelf 630 hp models were completely untroubled towing loaded B-double sets but the lively and determined performance of  a couple of demo units powered by the 10.7 and 12.8 litre engines were the real surprise packets on the short run down Queensland’s far north coast.

Meantime, company executives are making strong claims for enhanced fuel economy across the new range, citing a seven percent improvement over the V6 and V8 engines in the superseded Actros range.

While Mercedes-Benz is initially focussing on the introduction of prime mover models, rigid units will become available in the second quarter of 2017 with off-road derivatives to follow later in the year.

The importance of the new range to the current and future aspirations of Daimler Trucks Australia was emphasised by managing director Daniel Whitehead immediately after the introduction of the boldly styled range to customers, dealers and media in Cairns.

"There’s no question, this is the most important range of trucks for us in more than a decade," Daniel enthused.

"This is the moment we’ve been working towards for four years. In the cab-over prime mover market, we can now compete with anyone. And I mean anyone," he asserted.

As for sales expectations, a determined Daniel Whitehead said, "When you think Volvo currently has more than 15 percent of the heavy-duty market, and I’m absolutely convinced their trucks are no better than what we’re now introducing, then surely our goal can’t be anything less than 10 percent in the relatively near future.

 "All the way along," he continued, "we’ve been determined not to make the mistakes of the past, particularly bringing new trucks into this market without an extensive Australian test program, and in the process taking a long, hard look at our own service and support systems."

According to Mercedes-Benz executive Andrew Assimo, 20 trucks and 35 customers accrued more than one million kilometres of local evaluation on every major freight highway in the 18 months prior to the launch of the new models.

Backing the company’s confidence in the new line-up, every truck in the range other than a couple of models aimed at extreme-duty roadtrain roles comes with a two-year bumper-to-bumper and 800,000 km driveline warranty. For the next 12 months, Mercedes-Benz is also offering 500,000 km/five years free scheduled servicing on the new trucks.

"I know we’ve taken the long road in bringing these trucks to the Australian market but we weren’t prepared to take shortcuts even though the trucks have been doing really well in Europe," Daniel Whitehead commented, pointing out that the new range was first introduced in Europe around five years ago following a test program said to be the longest and most intensive in the commercial vehicle history of Mercedes-Benz.

"We’ve been something of a sleeping giant in this country for a while now and like I said, we’ve taken the long road to make sure we had the new trucks right. But today’s the start, the moment we set a new standard and where the changes become tangible."

Model Range

The new range is perhaps best revealed by the different configurations starting with …

4x2 Prime Movers

This group starts with the 1835 model, powered by the 7.7 litre OM936 engine with peak outputs of 260 kW (354 hp) and 1400 Nm (1033 lb ft) of torque. It is a Euro 6 engine stirring through an overdrive eight-speed PowerShift automated transmission.

The 1835 comes with what Mercedes-Benz calls the M-ClassicSpace cab which is a low roof 2.3 metre wide structure with a 320 mm high engine tunnel. It is the only non-sleeper cab in the range but like all models comes with standard features such as electric mirrors and windows, central locking, air-suspended driver’s seat, automatic wipers and headlights, air horns and a driver’s side airbag.

Predictably, stopping power in all the new models comes from electronically controlled disc brakes with ABS anti-lock, ASR anti-skid functions and a raft of standard safety features. Vitally, all new models also come with what Benz says is a ‘high performance engine brake’.

After the 1835 come single-drive models called the 1840, 1843 and 1846, all sporting a GCM rating of 45 tonnes and each powered by the lively 10.7 litre OM470 Euro 6 engine with respective outputs of …

290 kW (394 hp) and 1900 Nm (1401 lb ft).

315 kW (428 hp) and 2100 Nm (1549 lb ft).

335 kW (455 hp) and 2200 Nm (1623 lb ft).

While these models share the same axles, brakes and driveline components as the 1835, they instead use a 12-speed direct-drive PowerShift automated shifter.

They’re also available with two cab types – the M-ClassicSpace or the L-Classic Space. The ‘L’ is basically a sleeper cab version of the ‘M’, with the same standard features except for the addition of a 750 mm bunk.

6x2 Prime Movers

Also punched by the 10.7 litre OM470 engine are a pair of 6x2 models, each called the 2543 and differing from each other only in the choice of either the non-sleeper M-cab or its bunk brother the ‘L’.

Powered by the 315 kW (428 hp) version of the 10.7 litre OM470, they also run the 12-speed direct-drive PowerShift transmission.

6x4 Single Trailer Regional Prime Mover

This is where the new Benz range gets particularly busy and where Daimler will be striving to make significant inroads in shorthaul and regional single trailer roles.

There are three distinct models in this group – the 2643, 2646 and 2651, and like their 6x2 counterparts, each is available with the 2.3 metre wide ‘M’ cab or the ‘L’ sleeper cab.

While the ’43 and ’46 are powered by the 315 and 335 kW (428 and 455 hp) versions of the OM470 engine, the 2651 uses the 12.8 litre OM471 engine with 375 kW (510 hp) and top torque of 2500 Nm (1844 lb ft).

All three members of this group have a GVM rating of 26 tonnes but GCM capacities vary with each model’s power output. The 2643, for instance, has a GCM of 45 tonnes whereas the 2646 and 2651 are rated to 62.5 and 70 tonnes respectively, suggesting this latter two could also be suitable for PBS truck and dog roles and shorthaul B-double duties.

Behind each engine is a 12-speed PowerShift direct-drive transmission while under the rear is a hypoid drive tandem sitting on an eight-bag air suspension.

6x4 B-double Prime Mover

In linehaul terms, this is the big end of the business and Mercedes-Benz appears to have done its homework very well with a versatile model range supported by an extensive options list.  

For starters, there are two versions of a model called the 2653 which have the 12.8 litre OM471 engine boosted to peak outputs of 390 kW (530 hp) and a gritty 2600 Nm (1918 lb ft) of torque.

Separating the two models is the choice of cab; there’s a version of the 2.3 metre wide L-ClassicSpace sleeper with the engine tunnel protruding just 170 mm into the cab or there’s the higher and wider top-shelf L-StreamSpace cab with a completely flat floor.

Whatever the cab choice though, both 2653 models have a GCM rating of 70 tonnes and stir through a direct-drive 12-speed PowerShift automated shifter.

Up the scale are the 2658 and the 2663, both with standard GCM ratings of 90 tonnes. Each model comes with the premium 2.5 metre wide cab and each is powered by the 15.6 litre OM473 engine, the only power plant in the new range available with the choice of Euro 5 or Euro 6 emissions standards.

Peak outputs of the 2658 are 425 kW (578 hp) and 2800 Nm (2065 lb ft) while the 2663 delivers 460 kW (625 hp) and a hill-crunching 3000 Nm (2213 lb ft) of torque.

Coping with the potent torque outputs of the 15.6 litre engines is a heavy-duty overdrive PowerShift transmission.

6x4 Roadtrain and Heavy-Duty

With standard GCM ratings of 106 tonnes and one unit – the 2763 model – capable of being rated up to 160 tonnes, the three models in this group are obviously the heavy hitters of the Benz bunch.

They are the 2663, the 2763 and the 3358, with all powered by the OM473 engine stirring through a 16-speed double-overdrive derivative of the PowerShift automated box.

Obviously enough, the two ’63 models are punched by the 460 kW (625 hp) version of the 15.6 litre engine whereas the 3358 gets the 425 kW (578 hp) rating.

Both the ‘63s have the premium StreamSpace cab while the 3358 has the 2.3 metre wide ‘L’ sleeper with the 170 mm engine tunnel height.

These three are the only models in the new range fitted with hub-reduction rear axles.

Future Focus

Yet the arrival of the new Benz models also fuels speculation that Freightliner’s Argosy has just a few years to run before Daimler Trucks North America shelves all investment in cab-over production to concentrate solely on an entirely new range of Cascadia conventionals, including dedicated righthand-drive models.

Asked if the new Benz range will be the only premium cab-over offering from Daimler Trucks Australia within two or three years despite the fact that Argosy still accounts for up to 30 percent of Freightliner sales in Australia, a cautious Daniel Whitehead said simply, "My expectation is that the new Mercedes-Benz range will be our only cab-over flagship sometime in the future."

On the relatively poor market penetration of Daimler’s three brands (Freightliner, Fuso and Mercedes-Benz) in the heavy-duty truck segment compared to corporate rivals Volvo Group Australia (VGA) and Paccar, he conceded that current results are less than satisfactory.

"Sure, I’m not satisfied with Daimler’s overall percentage but I’m absolutely convinced this new Mercedes-Benz range is the first step in turning that around," he said firmly.

"But as we all know, it’s not just about having good trucks. Service and support are critical and while we’ve made sure we have the new trucks right, we’ve also spent a lot of time and effort improving the after-sales aspects of our business with programs like ‘Elite Support’.

"It’s a complete dealership and workshop initiative and the intention all the way along has been to ensure we’re providing the best service to our customers nationally.

"It all starts now with these new trucks," Daniel Whitehead concluded.

.

Video – https://www.tradetrucks.com.au/product-news/1610/new-mercedes-benz-actros-launch

.

[kscarbel2]

Commenting on the video in the above post, Steve Brooks, I feel, is the best heavy truck journalist in the world......bar none. With almost 40 years in the truck industry, few journalists know trucks as well as Steve. When you watch his videos, he presents in a courteous, respectful and professional manner, and his truck knowledge is immediately evident. Steve is a super human being who genuinely is 100 percent sincere. He never bad talks anyone or any product, because he's one of a dying breed of journalist whose integrity is above doing that. 

And of course, we in the video witness the efficient "B-double" trailer combination in use.