Daimler Trucks distributor Hap Seng Trucks
Distribution (HSTD) has just launched the new Mercedes-Benz Actros in Malaysia.
The fifth-generation prime mover introduces several new features that owners of
Stuttgart’s passenger cars will be familiar with. The local lineup consists of
ten CKD locally-assembled variants, including 4×2, 6×2 and 6×4 drivetrains and
three cab sizes – M-Cab and L-Cab ClassicSpace and L-Cab StreamSpace.
In
Malaysia, the Actros is powered by a 12.8 litre OM460 turbodiesel straight-six,
which in this market is Euro 3-compatible and features direct injection via a
unit pump system rather than the more modern common-rail setup. This means that
the Actros will be able to run B20 biodiesel (slated to be rolled out across
Malaysia by June 2021) without any modifications. Depending on the variant,
power output is rated at 360 PS, 394 PS, 421 PS, 449 PS or 476 PS, made at
1,600 rpm. Peak torque, on the other hand, is either 1,800 Nm, 1,900 Nm, 2,100
Nm, 2,200 Nm or 2,300 Nm, produced at 1,100 rpm.
Mated to this engine is the new PowerShift
3 gearbox. No, it’s not Ford’s dual-clutch transmission of the same name, but a
single-clutch automated manual with 12 (or 16, for heavier loads) forward
speeds and four reverse speeds. A more robust double-plate clutch (double the
thickness of the previous model) is fitted to the 6×4 variant for better
performance with higher payloads and in severe stop-start driving conditions. Just
like on a “normal” Mercedes, the gear selector is now located on the steering
column rather than on the centre console. The Actros is available with
Standard, Economy, Power and Manual drive modes – in the last mode, drivers can
row through the gears by either pushing or pulling the stalk.
Together with the aerodynamic
improvements, which include concave side deflectors and taller doors, these
changes result in a claimed four-percent reduction in fuel consumption. One new
aero feature, the MirrorCam side-view cameras, have yet to be introduced here
due to issues with homologation and Road Transport Department (JPJ)
regulations, but HSTD states that it hopes to fit the system as standard in the
near future. At the back, the Actros has two variants of rear axles – a hypoid
axle with a maximum gross combination weight (GCW) of 68 tonnes and a planetary
axle with a 120-tonne GCW limit. These figures represent increases of eight and
a whopping 20 tonnes respectively compared to the previous model.
In terms of in-lorry entertainment, the
Actros is available with the optional Multimedia Cockpit, a derivative of the
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) found in the passenger cars. It comes with
the same 10-inch infotainment and instrument displays and a similar touchscreen
interface, plus twin USB-C ports and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
compatibility. A more traditional Classic Cockpit comes as standard with a
regular Bluetooth-enabled head unit and analogue dials with a colour multi-info
display.
Safety is another area where the Actros is
much improved. Selected models come with stability control and the latest
Active Brake Assist 5 autonomous emergency braking (capable of partial or full
braking, with pedestrian detection) as standard, while adaptive cruise control,
lane keeping assist and a driver attention monitor can be found on the options
list. Elsewhere, the Actros is fitted with halogen headlights, LED daytime
running lights, full-LED tail lights and a glitzy illuminated three-pointed
star at the front of this enormous lorry. It also comes with a new remote
central locking system (utilising the same key as the passenger cars),
push-button start, an electronic parking brake and air suspension on the
driver’s seat. There’s also a reclinable “luxury bed” (with hidden storage
accessible from the outside) on the L-Cab ClassicSpace and L-Cab StreamSpace
models with the option of a double bunk bed on the latter. Rear-axle air
suspension is also fitted depending on the variant.
Pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz Actros
ranges from around RM 360,000 to RM 470,000 for the tractor unit alone (i.e.
without the trailer), depending on the variant and subsidies offered by the
government for certain industries. The lorry has a service interval of one
year/55,000 km and a three-year/450,000 km warranty – both are significant
upgrades over the industry standard of six-month/30,000 km intervals and
two-year/200,000 km coverage. Currently the segment leader, HSTD holds a market
share of between 30 to 40% for prime movers, and the company said it aims to
maintain or even extend its position with the new Actros. This, despite the
major market downturn due to the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing movement
control order.