Australia’s first mirrorless vehicle: Quick spin

The humble rear-vision mirror may well become a thing of the past as we discovered when we were invited to the drive the latest incarnation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros prime mover.

Among a host of other updates, the latest Actros will now be available with MirrorCam, a series of high-definition digital cameras that take the place of the regular mirrors which usually hang off the side of the trucks and cars.

In place of mirrors, two small stalks stick out of the bodywork of the truck above the doors and just behind the A pillar. These contain the cameras that send the live images to the screens mounted inside the cab on the A pillars. The screens are split and provide a wide angle and a realistic view of what’s happening behind the vehicle.

There are also a series of graduated lines on the mirrors that tell you where the end of the trailer is as well as showing 50 metres, 100 metres and 150 metres behind the truck so you know exactly how far behind other vehicles are on the road.

Climbing into the cab of the new Actros, the surroundings are familiar save for the rectangular screens adorning the front corners. They don’t take up much space and come on with the activation of the fob.

Related reading:
New Mercedes-Benz Actros: First drive
Will mirrors become a thing of the past?
BTS: Benz to launch mirrorless truck

The images can be adjusted by the door-mounted controls similar to those of regular rear-vision mirrors. The screens can also be customised to adjust the markers showing the end of the vehicle in the case rigid, single-trailer or B-double applications.

Easing the Actros out of the Mercedes-Benz carpark, I did find myself looking out the window for the mirror, but I soon got used to the screens and found I could actually see more of the truck and the rear wheels of the trailer than I could if I was looking at a real mirror.

Approaching the first T intersection, the big thing I noticed was the incredible increase in peripheral vision. The lack of mirrors outside the windows meant that the vast areas of glass were unimpeded and the safety aspects of this are self-evident.

On the freeway, the screens are fantastic. The view of the lanes and the vehicles behind is clear and precise. The distance markers make lane changing and planning a dream. And the fact that you only have to basically glance sideways rather than look out the window to get a view behind is bother safer and easier.

The cameras are heated and treated with a substance that repels water and road grime, so they stay clean and free of ice and water. The day of our test was a typically inclement Melbourne day and we drove through heavy rain squalls, mist and light showers and the cameras never showed a drop. It was truly impressive in conditions which would have had mirrors wet and possibly partially obscured.

Asked what maintenance the cameras needed, we were told that simple wipe-down with a cleaning cloth once a fortnight or so should do it – just as you would your external mirrors.

Potential owners can order the mirrorless Actros now for delivery early next year. Asked how many of the new trucks the company was expecting to sell and the spokesman we were with was circumspect but a figure of around 50 per cent mirror versus mirrorless was bandied about.

Certainly now that Mercedes-Benz has had ADR approval and the trucks are now on the road in Europe, there’s no doubt that other companies will follow suit, not only in the truck market but in the general car market and in LCVs as well.

The cameras and screens offer not only better rear vision, but enhanced peripheral vision and fuel savings due to reduced drag.

According to Mercedes-Benz the option for the MirrorCam comes in at “around a thousand dollars” so in the scheme of things, when you’re talking about a prime mover that costs in excess of a quarter of a million, it’s not much coin, and as demand increases, the price will surely come down.

Looking ahead, we’re sure to see fewer mirrors on vehicles around the world.

Specifications:
Model: 2653 LS
Application type: Regional Prime Mover
Weight: 26,000kg GVM with up to 70,000kg GCM
Engine type: OM471, 6-cyl. in-line, 12.8 litres
Engine output: 390kW (530hp), 2600Nm at 1100rpm
Emission standard: Euro VI
Cab: L cab StreamSpace (width 2.30 m) with 170mm engine tunnel
Wheelbase: 3250mm
Suspension: Rear air suspension
Wheels: 8.25 x 22.5, Dura-Bright, Alcoa
Tyres: 295/80R22.5