Actros 2660: back in Black!

While the lion's share of the limelight at the Mercedes-Benz stand at this year's Brisbane Truck Show was reserved for the all-new fourth-generation Actros 2663 – the flagship of the new range – the event also saw the public premiere of the new Actros 2660 Black Series.

A high-spec iteration of the current-generation Actros 2660, in Black Series trim the truck sports a menacing look thanks to the extensive black colour scheme, with the black body complemented by black wheels and guards, black fuel tanks, and a range of other blacked-out components.

The interior has also received plenty of attention, thanks to the extensive use of black leather with contrast red stitching and an integrated sat-nav system moulded into the dash. An accessory light bar on the roof, meanwhile, only adds to the sinister allure.

So far five examples have been built, with most of the work handled locally here in Australia, but more will be produced to meet customer demand.

The Black Series trucks don't necessarily have to be black, either – "If a customer asks for one in red we'll be happy to accommodate that," says Mercedes-Benz Trucks Business Development Manager, Paul Fagg.

Only available in the Actros 2660, Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus General Manager, Justin Whitford, says the Actros Black Series offers numerous upgrades for little extra outlay.

"The Black Series is an enhanced edition of our Actros that is delivering a range of value-add extras and increased product specification to the industry at little extra charge," he said.

"It's part of the transition period over the next 12 to 15 months before the release of the new truck."

Mercedes-Benz says the Black Series attracts a premium of around $4000 over the existing standard Actros 2660, meaning the company has compensated for much of the added cost.

Other extras include a gloss carbon-fibre dash, electric sunblinds and auto climate control.

The Actros 2660 Black Series is powered by Mercedes-Benz's OM 502 LA engine – a 16-litre V8 said to produce 600hp and 2800Nm. The 6x4 prime mover features a 12-speed PowerShift 2 automated manual transmission, hypoid axles, and EBS disc brakes with ABS and traction control, among many other features.

To see the Actros 2660 Black Series for yourself, check out the following clip...