The last manufacturer to releease a 100% new model was also in fact Mercedes, with the first generation of the Actros. The problems encountered at the time will be recalled, particularly with the electrics, and fromthen on manufacturers had been in the habit of phasing chassis, cab and engine evolutions. It needed the 2008-2010 crisis to force Mercedes to present at virtually the same time the new cab-chassis and Euro 6 engine versions. But it has been worth the wait, to such a degree that a competitor has felt it prudent to delay its own new model until next year.

TCO

No information is yet available regarding the purchase price. Service intervals have been extended to 150,000 km maximum. Air filters are replaced every 300,000 km and particulate filters every 450,000 km. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 3 to 6% thanks to the reduced weight of certain components and to improved aerodynamics.

Range

The new Mercedes Actros is clearly positioned as a long distance vehicle. But with two cab widths it intends to cover all the applications of this segment. So out goes the Axor (with its Atego cab) in terms of a fleet vehicle. All the cabs use the same maximum possible length of 230 cm. There are two widths (250 and 230 cm) and four roof variants, which give seven cab variations, of which five have flat floors:
- ClassicSpace (standard roof,  230 cm width, 159 cm free height,  170 mm engine tunnel)
- ClassicSpace flat floor (idem, free height 164 cm)
- StreamSpace (width 230 cm, free height 179 cm, 170 mm engine tunnel)
- StreamSpace flat floor  (idem, free height 197 cm)
- StreamSpace large (width 250 cm, flat floor, free height 197 cm)
- BigSpace (idem, free height  199 cm)
- GigaSpace (idem, free height  213 cm, 11,6 m3 volume)
So mthe range topper is the GigaSpace although it remains slightly under the free heights available in a  DAF Super Space Cab for example.

Interior space

The cab comprises two distinct areas which correspond to the two principal functions: driving (anthracite tones) and rest (beige tones).
The new driver’s seat has been widened by 40mm and has more regulation options. There are four versions of this, including one with a massage function (in 2012).

The dashboard is entirely new, asymetrical and with much improved ergonomics (comments of our test driver from 23/06). A new foot adjustable steering wheel should already be mentioned, along with a dashboard in which a large multifunction screen features prominently, the absence of a gear lever (replaced by a steering wheel  switch). Amongst original cab equipment, we would mention a SoloStar option which is a genuine little corner sofa replacing the passenger seat (but still fitted with a safety belt). The FleetBoardcomputer system becomes standard.

Couchettes

The dimensions of the couchettes are  2200 x 750 mm in the wide cab and 2000 x 750 mm in the narrow cab.

Storage

Storage areas total 580 litres minimum, but 930 litres (absolute record) in the GigaSpace.

Engines

The new Mercedes Actrosis driven by the  new generation of BlueEfficiency  engines, starting with the OM471, available in Euro 6 or Euro 5. Compared to previous models, the promised reduction in fuel consumption is 3 % (Euro 6) or6 % (Euro 5).

Transmission