Mercedes-Benz announces new diesel-powered Actros L

The new cabin is called the ProCabin and is shared with the eActros 600, the new electric Actros with a claimed 600km range.

However, the Actros L will not be electric. It will feature a 15.6-litre six-cylinder OM473 diesel engine with 510hp to 618hp.

The striking aerodynamic design of the ProCabin cab is designed for fuel economy, and Mercedes-Benz says that it reduces the consumption of the Actros L by up to three per cent compared to the existing cabin.

Three versions of the ProCabin will be available – the StreamSpace, BigSpace or GigaSpace – but the ProCabin will only be available for the trucks with the flat floor. For the others, the new cab will sell alongside the existing cabs.

The ProCabin’s 80mm longer front-end enables a completely new, even more aerodynamic design. Mercedes-Benz said every detail of the ProCabin has been designed to divert the front air flow with as little drag as possible. In combination with the economical third-generation OM473 six-cylinder engine, it could give as much as seven per cent better fuel economy.

Aerodynamic aids include a new roof spoiler, A-pillar deflector panels and rubber wheel arch fairings. There’s aerodynamic underbody paneling too, which directs air smoothly under the truck, creating as little wind turbulence as possible. All Actros Ls will come with an Aero package as standard. In addition to the items described above, this also includes MirrorCam and coverings for the wheels.

Thanks to a new feature called Top Torque, a further 200Nm is available at the touch of a button – helpful on hills and when a bit of extra grunt is required for added acceleration.

Inside, the new Actros L will have the digital Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2, which ensures an even better overview of what’s going on in your truck. You can use the touchscreen or switch panel to quickly and intuitively manage climate control, navigation, telephony, infotainment and more.

You can also keep your eyes on the road and relay settings and commands via voice control.

The new Actros L will have even more standard safety features that the current Actros, with many of those being upgraded. These include:

Active Brake Assist 6

This is the latest version of Active Brake Assist that can now detect obstacles and critical situations even better and then react with appropriate measures – from clear warning signals to automatic emergency braking.

Active Sideguard Assist 2

The latest version of the side radar that provides safety on both sides will now come as standard. The Actros L provides even better support when changing lanes, overtaking and turning in complex situations.

Front Guard Assist

The Actros L's Front Guard Assist monitors the area in front of the vehicle and supports the driver with warning signals in the event of possible hazards. It’s ideal for starting off, tight manoeuvring and turning more safely, we’re told.

That’s the big question. For those of us in Australia who might want to look like one of Darth Vader’s Storm Troopers rolling down the Hume, you might have to wait a bit longer. We contacted Mercedes-Benz Australia and were told to hang on for a while.

“We are certainly excited about the new Actros ProCabin range and look forward to conducting local evaluation of this advanced model,” said Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President Sales, Marketing and Operations, Andrew Assimo.

“However, it’s a bit early to confirm the exact date the new model would be made available in Australia,” he added.

We’ll keep you posted.