2004 saw a second International Truck of the Year (IToY) win for the Mercedes-Benz Actros, which had originally prevailed in 1997 as the signal of the electronic truck.
The original Actros had been a significant success, with 250,000 sold before the full launch of its successor, which was to become known as the Actros MP2, MP standing for Model Project.
Despite these significant sales, the original Actros had certainly split opinion with some operators being wary of the cost and reliability of the technology, leading Mercedes to introduce the Axor for general fleet roles from 2001.
To avoid direct competition with the Axor, Mercedes was able to develop the Actros into the premium truck niche it was always most at home in, and when the new Actros was announced in October 2002, this differentiation was clarified.
The Euro-3 V6 engines of 320hp, 360hp and 410hp were restricted to rigid versions of the new model, with tractor units employing 440hp or 460hp variants of the engine, which sat above the Axor’s straight-six horsepower ratings. The new V6s had 10% more torque than their predecessors and the V8 engine versions received a 4% increase and were rated at 500hp, 540hp or 580hp.
Improvements to the chassis saw the adoption of a fully bolted, rather than rivetted, front end, and a new rear air suspension on single-drive tractors which featured a lighter dual-bellow system. A new drive-axle saved a further 90kg, and the re-positioning of the shock absorbers behind the axle improved ride, handling and stability. Batteries and air tanks were also located within the rear of the chassis rails to free up space in anticipation of SCR for Euro 4 & 5.
Externally, the new Actros sported a face-lifted grille with more prominent horizontal bars, and a redesigned bumper and deflector arrangement with new headlamps and an improved aerodynamic profile. It was internally that the major changes were made, as Mercedes sought to align the offer with the quality car range, and dispense with the idiosyncratic seat patterns and grey plastic. A new curved dash, improved seating, storage and bunks were introduced.
The cabs comprised of the “S” short day-cab in Distribution or Construction specifications, the “M” short-sleeper, which had a 250mm increase in depth to the rear wall, the “L” standard-roof sleeper, and the high-mounted MegaSpace with flat floor. Fully sprung mattresses replaced the pervious foam version in the sleepers.
All cabs featured electric windows and CD-players as standard, and the new seats were approved by the German orthopaedic authority. The Telligent gear lever was incorporated into the driver’s seat and the handbrake lever into the dash, with the steering wheel having multi-functional buttons. The MegaSpace cab was offered in Long Distance and Executive versions, with the latter featuring automatic air-conditioning and fully automated transmission.
The improvements for the driver were recognised by the IToY judges when they proclaimed the new Actros the winner in Amsterdam in October 2003. The Mercedes achieved 91 points, ahead of the Iveco EuroCargo on 58 and the Volvo FH16 on 48.
Words & Pics supplied by Richard Stanier. Credit: IToY
