In observance of its 20th Anniversary, Mercedes Benz introduced early this month a limited version of the Actros at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Germany. With over a million units sold, the Actros heavy-duty, long haul truck line of Mercedes Benz has constantly innovated the industry with new safety systems and vast improvements in fuel efficiency. At the IAA show, the new generation Actros Limited Edition is set to become the standard in heavy duty truck design and engineering.
In terms of economic efficiency, safety and comfort a like, the Actros is the benchmark for heavy-duty long-haul transport in Europe. The first generation heralded in a safety revolution in 1996, with disc brakes all-round and the EBS electronic brake system. The revolution continued with numerous assistance systems in the following years. All ground-breaking safety innovations for state-of-the-art trucks have had their world premieres in the Actros – the new Active Brake Assist 4 system and Sideguard Assist being the latest examples. The Actros led the way with partially and fully automated transmissions and with the anticipatory cruise control system Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). The Actros has established the spacious cab with a level floor as the new standard in long-haul transport. It demonstrates fascinating development options as an autonomous truck with Highway Pilot and Highway Pilot Connect for networked convoy driving. With sales in excess of 145 000 since 2011, the current model series leads its market segment in Europe.
Limited Edition Actros
The special model’s equipment combines the hallmarks that define the Actros: safety, comfort and economy.
Its exterior equipment conjures up an exclusive appearance, with chrome louvres and accent trim parts in stainless steel for the front apron. Other striking features of this very special Actros include chrome applications with anniversary monogram in the exterior mirror housings, a frame for the brand logo on the front panel, bi-xenon headlamps with darkened surround and wind deflectors for the side windows.
Wheel nut caps additionally feature on all wheels, with stainless steel Mercedes star covers on the front axle and stainless steel axle caps / hub cap rims on the rear axle. Mirrors, radiator grille and attached parts are painted in the body colour according to the customer’s wishes. When the aerodynamic side panelling is ordered, its louvres come in stainless steel.
Fully equipped interior showcasing new features
On boarding the vehicle, the driver is greeted by illuminated entrance emblems featuring the anniversary monogram. A unique feature is the new lighting system comprising 138 LEDs in an acrylic glass frame for the glass tilt/sliding sunroof – the colour of the LEDs can be selected at the push of a button, according to the desired light mood. Velour floor mats and a seat base covering conjure up a class setting which is further embellished by the leather steering wheel and the ambient lighting. The functionality, high comfort and driving pleasure which are innate to the Actros are further enhanced by automatic air conditioning, a refrigerator, a sound system, the large display on the dashboard, an air horn and a stowage tray on the dash support. The Top-Fit set which comes as standard helps to keep the driver in as equally fine shape as his anniversary truck. The sports and fitness set enables the driver to strengthen, train and treat the parts of the body which are subject to particular strain in the driving profession. The set has been designed and developed specifically for use in a truck cab. It consists of a board made of robust cordwood to which exercise bands – so called tubes – can be attached by means of snap hooks.
Superlative safety and economy
The special model also features an outstanding range of safety equipment, with the latest version of Active Brake Assist 3 (Active Brake Assist 4 as of December 2016), Proximity Control Assist, Sideguard Assist, Lane Assistant, Attention Assist, driver airbag and a retarder.Maximum economic efficiency is guaranteed for the Actros by the new powertrain for optimised fuel consumption, which is to be presented at IAA 2016. The Actros is additionally equipped as standard with the anticipatory cruise control system Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC).
Limited edition of 200
The base model for the special limited edition is the Actros as a 4×2 semitrailer tractor with the GigaSpace and BigSpace cabs. The special model will be available in all power ratings. Orders for this very special Actros can be placed as of September, with production set to begin in November. Interested customers should not wait too long, as the special 20-year anniversary model of the Actros is limited to a production run of 200 vehicles.