Announced in March 2008, with production of long-haul tractors commencing in July 2008, the Mercedes-Benz Actros MP3 scored an unprecedented third International Truck of the Year (IToY) win for the Actros brand, leaving second place to the Iveco EuroCargo and third shared between the Scania R series with EGR, and the Volvo FH.
The third incarnation of the Actros was very much an evolutionary rather than a revoloutary design, but a host of improvements ensured that the truck was to remain at the forefront of technological innovaion.
Existing 12-litre V6 and 16-litre V8 engines with SCR technology – called Bluetec 5 by Mercedes – were featured with the 6-cylinder models rated at 320hp, 360hp, 408hp, 435hp, 456hp or 476hp. Eight-cylinder ratings were 510hp, 551hp and 598hp and the standard transmission was the automated PowerShift 2 design which had been available as special equipment since 2006, making the new Actros “the first heavy truck range to be fixed with a 12-speed auto as standard.” The new transmission had faster changes, an “ani-jerk” function and a new “manoeuvring mode.”
An electronic air processing unit was incorporated into the air compressor so that it only operated during periods of low power loss, and a two-stage water pump ran at lower speed during partial-load operaion. These two measures in combination were credited with a 1% saving on fuel consumption. A reduced steering ratio was also adopted for an improved handling and feel.
A wide range of equipment packages were offered to operators under the Comfort Pack, Safety Pack and Economy Pack optons, with basic, classic and top levels. The Top Safety Pack included active brake assist in addition to stability control, lane assist, airbag, proximity control and a Voith retarder. The Actros was the first standard production truck to offer active brake assist as an option.
Externally, the Actros MP3 received a relatively modest re-style, and whilst the press-release’s acclamation that “the new Actros impresses with its dynamism yet also expresses serenity and effortless superiority” may have over-stated the case, the new two-bar grille on the lower-mounted cab, and three-bar higher cab certainly made for an attractive-looking machine.
Many of the 37 points outlined in the launch press pack were focussed on driver comfort and safety, and whist some – such as the “new look key” and the optional illuminated Mercedes star – may have been peripheral, many of the others were useful developments. Optional rain and light sensors were borrowed from Mercedes’ E-Class cars, being another first in a heavy truck.
A battery status indicator was standard as a preventative maintenance measure, in addition to a compressed airgun connection, with the airgun also supplied with construction chassis.
The interior received new seat covers and upholstery, and the top bunk incorporated a level control system so that the bed could always be in a horizontal position. The lower bunk was also improved with a flexible, slatted base. A large, swivelling shaving mirror, Bluetooth handsfree system, towel rack and optional auxiliary air-conditioning and a folding table on the passenger side completed the in-cab offer.
Words & Pics supplied by Richard Stanier – Credit IToY
