Mercedes-Benz Trucks introduces new, fuel-efficient diesel-engine Actros L

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has taken the covers off the new diesel-engined Actros L heavy truck. Since its launch in June 2021, the Actros L has defined the premium segment of heavy diesel-powered trucks from Mercedes-Benz Trucks. This latest-generation model takes its flagship to a new level with futuristic vehicle design, optimised aerodynamics, numerous comfort features, efficient engines, high levels of driving dynamics, and the latest assistance systems. The new Actros L with ProCabin can be ordered from April 2024 and will go into production in December 2024.

Rainer Muller-Finkeldei, Head of Development at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “We always aim to provide our customers with the best vehicle solutions for all drive technologies. The traditional diesel-powered truck will also continue to be indispensable in the various regions of the world for some time to come. With the new Actros L, we have further optimized our tried-and-tested flagship in many aspects. This is already reflected in the revolutionary cab design.”

New aerodynamic design delivers fuel savings of up to 3 percent

The entire shaping of the ProCabin, first unveiled during the world premiere of the battery-electric eActros 600 in October 2023, has been completely designed for particularly efficient aerodynamics: From the pre-spoiler on the roof in front of the actual roof spoiler, to the A-pillar deflector panels around the side windows and the large, flat front-end flap of the cab to the optimized bumper with minimal air inlet openings for cooling and its new underbody panelling.

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The airstream thus meets an aerodynamically favourable front extended by 80 millimetres and continues to be guided around the vehicle as optimally as possible. This is ensured by a streamlined entrance, improved wheel-arch trim and optimized side trim. There are virtually no gaps or spaces left in favour of an optimised airflow. Extended side deflectors have been designed like sails to ensure a good transition between the semitrailer truck and the attached semitrailer. The use of various seals to decouple the engine compartment from external airflow rounds off the aerodynamic concept. All in all, this results in fuel savings of up to three percent in the new Actros L.

High level of driver comfort

With the new Actros L and its futuristic cab design, Mercedes-Benz Trucks simultaneously acknowledges the fact that, in addition to efficiency and cost-effectiveness, aspects such as an attractive exterior and comfort in the driver’s cab also play an important role in vehicle purchases.

In the interior, ProCabin, available in three variants – Stream, Big, or Giga Space – offers numerous comfort features such as optimized seat heating, new premium flat-woven seat covers, or bunks with full slatted frames and a new, thick premium mattress. The extended range of functions of the switch panels on the bunks as well as the ambient lighting and the additional gooseneck LED reading lamps are also new. In addition, there are other equipment features such as additional USB-C sockets in the side walls, a high-quality curtain in two-tone design, a second refrigerator, a 230-volt socket or the SoloStar Concept, which is now available in two new seat cover variants.

Third-generation OM 471 diesel engine drives further fuel savings

In addition to the aerodynamic optimization measures, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has further increased the efficiency of the new Actros L in combination with the third generation of the 12.8-litre OM 471 diesel engine. The OM 471, available alongside proven OM 470 and OM 473 diesel engines, is consistently designed to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) without compromising on performance, driving dynamics, or comfort in terms of fuel-efficient driving, reduced CO2 emissions, lower operating costs, and higher returns.

With the third generation of the OM 471, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has introduced two new turbochargers precisely geared towards the diverse needs of customers. In the variant destined for long-haul transportation, the focus is on achieving the lowest possible fuel consumption. In combination with the revised exhaust gas aftertreatment system, this exhaust gas turbocharger enables a maximum fuel saving of up to four percent over the previous generation.

Top-notch safety features

The safety features used in the new Actros L also reinforce the manufacturer’s position as one of the pioneers in the industry. In order to make an even better contribution to preventing accidents, Daimler Truck has developed a new electronics platform that enables an even larger view to the front and side with so-called sensor fusion, i.e. merging radar and camera data.

The electronics platform offers 20 times faster data processing, and the total of six installed sensors – four lateral short-range radars at the front and rear, both on the right and left, one long-range radar at the front in the centre and the multifunction camera in the windshield – can now cover an angle of 270 degrees around the vehicle. Thanks to the significantly enlarged viewing angle, the installed assistance systems can make even better use of their strengths.