New Mercedes-Benz Actros breaks cover

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its latest Actros heavy-duty truck in Germany overnight, with the new model boasting a raft of high-tech features including autonomous driving, rear-facing cameras instead of traditional mirrors, and a host of new or updated safety systems.

Parent company Daimler describes the new truck as "the safest, most efficient and best-connected truck ever" – a claim that, once the new vehicle's updates and improvements are considered, appears well substantiated, as far as volume-production vehicles go.

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Headlining the technological progression is the inclusion of Active Drive Assist – a function that allows drivers to "access semi-automated driving at all speeds for the first time in a series production truck".

Active Drive Assist builds on existing platforms like Proximity Control Assist and Lane Keeping Assist to maintain a set distance from any vehicle in front of the truck up to a maximum set speed, while actively keeping the truck in its lane and guiding it back into the centre of the lane if necessary.

Mercedes-Benz says Active Drive Assist can maintain semi-autonomous progress on straight roads, through slight curves, and in stop-and-go traffic. It eases the burden of the driving task, the company says, while also stressing that the driver still ultimately retains overall control of the truck.

Meanwhile improvements in aerodynamics and to the truck's Predictive Powertrain Control system offer fuel economy improvements of up to five per cent, says Mercedes-Benz.

The Predictive Powertrain Control system uses satellite-based location data, plus accurate digital maps and topographic data, to deliver an intelligent cruise control function and minimise fuel burn.

A new rear axle ratio of 2.412 (previously 2.533) also aids economy, says the manufacturer, helping to maximise the benefits of the Predictive Powertrain Control system.

Also improving aerodynamics is the appearance of MirrorCam – a system that sees the truck's traditional mirrors replaced by streamlined camera systems mounted on the left and right of the truck's roof.

The view captured by these cameras is displayed on two 15-inch digital screens inside the cab, each one mounted on an A-pillar. At dusk, the system switches to a night-vision mode.

Other safety advancements include the introduction of Active Brake Assist 5 with improved pedestrian detection. The system can apply maximum braking power up to 50km/h if a pedestrian steps into the vehicle's path, while also delivering collision mitigation functionality if the truck detects a slowing or stopped vehicle immediately ahead.

Complementing Active Brake Assist 5 is Sideguard Assist, which can detect stationary or moving objects beside the truck. Essentially blind-spot monitoring while the truck is on the road, it can also detect road furniture (signage, traffic lights etc) or pedestrians at speeds of up to 36km/h, enhancing safety in built-up or congested areas.

Other safety-related introductions on the new Actros include Traffic Sign Assist, which monitors speed limits to help drivers ensure these limits aren't breached, plus the arrival of an electronic park brake and Trailer Stability Control Assist.

The truck's headlights now feature a new signature while the introduction of Intelligent Light delivers an auto high-beam dipping function – automatically dipping high beam when the truck senses an oncoming vehicle.

Inside the truck, the Multimedia Cockpit offers an all-new interface between the driver and the truck. Two 10-inch screens offer up a wealth of information, and are highly customisable to suit individual requirements.

The system can store up to six different driver profiles and comes with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while an even bigger 12-inch display is offered with the optional 'Multimedia Cockpit interactive', which affords the driver control over a range of features via the MB Truck App Portal.

The new Actros will be the centerpiece of the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus display at this year's IAA Commercial Vehicles Expo in Hanover, which will be held in the German city over September 20-27.

While European orders for the new model will be taken from opening of the IAA show, the Director of Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Australia Pacific, Michael May, says local availability is still to be confirmed.

"We are very excited to see this technology on display in Europe, but it is too early to discuss details of when it might be available in Australia," he says.

"As demonstrated with the current Mercedes-Benz model range, we will only introduce technology into Australia when we are absolutely positive that it is right for our local customers and able to withstand our tough conditions."