the mercedes-benz actros excels in all areas mercedes-benz actros excels in all areas ... through...

For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com32 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 08/07/10

COMMERCIAL MOTOR

The Mercedes-Benz Actros excels in all areas

CMO_080710_032-039 32 5/7/10 10:32:19

For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com 08/07/10 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 33

Mercedes

The Mercedes-Benz Actros has always been a good, reliable option for operators and drivers, but CM believes

it is getting even better.Words: Colin Barnett / Images: Nigel Spreadbury

BenzActros 2546Long Distance

For all the CM roadtests visit: www.roadtransport.com

CMO_080710_032-039 33 5/7/10 10:32:41

For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com

ROAD

TES

T

34 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 08/07/10

Welcome to our first tractor unit road test for almost a year, our heavy truck test programme a sad victim of a climate where most manufacturers’ press fleets have taken on the demeanour of a tortoise with an embarrassing skin condition. Hopefully, now the sun is out and the prevailing wind is behind the trailer, a few more might pop their heads out.

This isn’t the most powerful or the biggest truck CM has ever tested. It isn’t the fastest, the quietest or even the most economical. In fact, it’s just the kind of tractor that you are likely to buy. With Mercedes having delegated the basic fleet tractor role to the narrow-cabbed Axor, the decisions required from a prospective Actros buyer are relatively

simple. At 44 tonnes, the choices are essentially limited to which engine and which cab.

The engine range consists of three V6s of 12-litres displacement, nominally rated at 440, 460 and 480hp, and a pair of 16-litre V8s of 510 and 550hp. Between them, they offer torque outputs from 2,100Nm to 2,600Nm. The engine architecture is shared, with both configurations having the same bore and stroke dimensions. All have four valves per cylinder with fuelling

through electronic unit injectors and emissions controlled by SCR and AdBlue. Transmission choice is determined by engine rating, with the 440 alone in having a lower torque capacity version of the 12-speed PowerShift 2 automated manual transmission that’s otherwise standard. According to rating, you get a choice of either two or three axle ratios, and that’s it for the driveline.

The only other choice is in cabs, whether to go for the flat-floor MegaSpace or the lower mounted Long Distance version. We tested the 2546LS Long Distance, powered by the V6 with a true 456hp and 2,200Nm.

SPECIFICATIONSImporter: Mercedes Benz UK Ltd, Delaware Drive, Tongwell, Milton Keynes MK15 8BA

Web address: www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/trucks

Engine: MB OM501LA Euro-5 turbo-diesel with four valves per cylinder, electronic unit injectors with emissions reduction by AdBlue SCR

Cylinders: V6

Bore x stroke: 130 x 150mm

Capacity: 11.95 litres

Compression ratio: 18.5:1

Maximum power: 456hp (340kW) at 1,800rpm

Maximum torque: 2,200Nm (1,623lbft) at 1,080 rpm

Transmission: MB G281 PowerShift 2 automated manual

Gear ratios: 14.9, 11.6, 9.0, 7.0, 5.6, 4.4, 3.4, 2.6, 2.0, 1.6, 1.3, 1.0:1; reverse, 16.4, 12.7, 3.7, 2.9:1

Final drive ratio: 2.85:1

Clutch: 430mm dia single dry plate

Brakes: Telligent full-air system with electronic management, ABS, ASR traction control, hill hold

Parking brake: Spring brakes on front and rear axles

Secondary brakes: Constant throttle and butterfly exhaust brake

Brake dimensions: Front and rear, 430mm diameter

Chassis: Steel ladder frame

Chassis dimensions: 290mm x 75mm x 7mm

Suspension: Front, parabolic steel leaf springs; mid and rear, air with lift and dump facility on mid. Telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars all round

Steering: Variable ratio power-assisted recirculating ball

Wheels and tyres: 8.25 x 22.5in steel wheels with Michelin Energy XZAZ (Front) + XDAZ (rear) 295/80R 22.5 tyres

Fuel tank: Aluminium, 450 litres

AdBlue tank: Plastic, 40 litres

Electrical system: 24V CAN-bus system

Battery: 2 x 12V, 220Ah

Alternator: 80A

In brief:

Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz Actros 2546 Long DistancePrice as tested: £121,598(plus VAT)Engine: 11.95litre, 456hp (340kW)GVW: 23,400kgPayload: 31,430kgBody/payload allowance: 31,430kg

Test comparison data

Vehicle: Iveco Stralis at 450 Tested: 27 August 2009

Vehicle: Renault Premium 450 Tested: 27 September 2007

Vehicle: Daf CF 85 460 Tested: 13 September 2007

MERCEDES-BENz ACTROS 2546 LONG DISTANCE

CMO_080710_032-039 34 5/7/10 10:34:07


For all the CM roadtests visit: www.roadtransport.com ROAD TEST

08/07/10 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 35

Importer: Mercedes Benz UK Ltd, Delaware Drive, Tongwell, Milton Keynes MK15 8BA

Web address: www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/trucks

Engine: MB OM501LA Euro-5 turbo-diesel with four valves per cylinder, electronic unit injectors with emissions reduction by AdBlue SCR

Cylinders: V6

Bore x stroke: 130 x 150mm

Capacity: 11.95 litres

Compression ratio: 18.5:1

Maximum power: 456hp (340kW) at 1,800rpm

Maximum torque: 2,200Nm (1,623lbft) at 1,080 rpm

Transmission: MB G281 PowerShift 2 automated manual

Gear ratios: 14.9, 11.6, 9.0, 7.0, 5.6, 4.4, 3.4, 2.6, 2.0, 1.6, 1.3, 1.0:1; reverse, 16.4, 12.7, 3.7, 2.9:1

Final drive ratio: 2.85:1

Clutch: 430mm dia single dry plate

Brakes: Telligent full-air system with electronic management, ABS, ASR traction control, hill hold

Parking brake: Spring brakes on front and rear axles

Secondary brakes: Constant throttle and butterfly exhaust brake

Brake dimensions: Front and rear, 430mm diameter

Chassis: Steel ladder frame

Chassis dimensions: 290mm x 75mm x 7mm

Suspension: Front, parabolic steel leaf springs; mid and rear, air with lift and dump facility on mid. Telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars all round

Steering: Variable ratio power-assisted recirculating ball

Wheels and tyres: 8.25 x 22.5in steel wheels with Michelin Energy XZAZ (Front) + XDAZ (rear) 295/80R 22.5 tyres

Fuel tank: Aluminium, 450 litres

AdBlue tank: Plastic, 40 litres

Electrical system: 24V CAN-bus system

Battery: 2 x 12V, 220Ah

Alternator: 80A DASH DETAIL Below the windscreen and forward to the bunks, the décor is black and grey – a far cry from the rather unsubtle decoration of older Actros models.

CMO_080710_032-039 35 5/7/10 10:41:04


Fact file: Plated weights

GVW 7,100GCW 44,000Front axle 7,100Middle axle 7,100Rear axle 11,500Unladen test trailer 7,000

Fact file: Test weights*

Kerb weight 5,570Net payload 31,430Body/payload allowance

31,430*With 75kg driver

Fact file: Security

Engine immobiliser ✔

Alarm Optional Central locking ✔

Deadlocking ✖

Secure bonnet ✖

Locking fuel cap ✔

ROAD

TES

T

On the roadFrom the driving seat, there’s little to indicate that the Actros has a fully automated transmission. Control is by what is essentially the same armrest-mounted joystick and toggle that operated the old Telligent pre-selector manual box. Nudging the joystick forward engages auto drive, and also gives whole gear changes in manual mode. The toggle on the front of the armrest gives one split gear for each nudge.

Left to the devices of the PowerShift 2 transmission, the Euro-5 V6 is happy to lug down, although not quite as far as the 700rpm start of the green zone. On the M6, the only hill-induced downshift was one briefly on the steepest part of Shap, although there were a few more on down-slopes as the cruise control tried to get the best from the engine brake to maintain the easily programmable overrun speed, set at 6kmh on this journey. Sticking to 40mph on A-roads, at just over 1,000rpm, meant the transmission frequently wavered between 11th and 12th as the terrain varied slightly. On normal terrain, the transmission was excellent, with smooth shifts and timing that was hard to second-guess. Its ability on tougher ground was highlighted by the tactics on two of the hills on the A68.

On Kiln Pit, we deliberately left it in auto, and the climb was marked by a succession of shifts up and down as it attempted to cope with frequently changing gradients and speed. On the timed climb at Castleside, we chose to intervene from the start. Just three full ratio downshifts via the armrest paddle saw us quickly in sixth gear, a ratio the broad spread of power allowed us to maintain until we could see the slope finally abating. That’s the key – the transmission does the best with the information at its disposal, but it can’t see the road ahead. One day soon, no doubt the magic of GPS will provide even this information, but for now there’s no substitute for looking out and taking control on the really

tough stuff. PowerShift 2’s full repertoire of tricks such as manoeuvring modes, hill hold and power override are controlled by dash switches, although Power mode is best invoked by the throttle pedal’s kickdown position. In this world of 700hp-plus tractors, a 460 44-tonner is never going to feel blindingly quick, but there was never really any time when we were left craving more.

Ride and steering provided just about the right balance between handling precision and comfort, although things got a bit bouncy on low-frequency motorway faults.

The service brakes leave little that needs saying, except they were strong and progressive, but the contribution from the engine brake was well meant if unremarkable.

In general, noise levels were not far off class leading, except when the man from Merc opened the roof hatch, allowing in not just fresh air but a fair bit of ambient noise.

ProductivityAs it’s been a while since this tester carried out a full test around the CM Scottish route,

we did a bit of research to establish the benchmarks. Between 2003 and 2009, the average fuel consumption of a 44-tonne artic at Euro-3 was 7.60mpg. At Euro-5, despite the vastly reduced emissions levels, it was 7.92mpg, an improvement of over 4.2%. Admittedly in running cost terms, on virtually all of the trucks tested, some one-third of this saving has been absorbed by the extra cost of AdBlue. And before you ask, apart from one Scania, the vocal proponents of EGR haven’t been able to put any of their products up for test at Euro-5.

In this context, then, we look at the Actros’ figures. The headline figure of 8.14mpg has only been beaten once at Euro-5, by the DAF CF85 460, with its lightweight mid-lift

MERcEDES-BEnz AcTROS 2546 LOnG DISTAncE

CMO_080710_032-039 36 5/7/10 10:42:34


For today’s news visit: www.roadtransport.com 08/07/10 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 37

Service data

Servicing downtime: recommended standard servicing 120,000km/year UK trunking. Contract maintenance: One of a five-year contract, minimum of eight inspections, 120,000km/year UK trunking. Parts prices: Retail total of brake linings (full set); headlamp unit; door mirror, wiper blades; oil/air filters; clutch. Residual values: Trade value assuming 120,000km/year CAP Average Condition. Figures supplied by CAP Monitor. Contact: 0113 222 2000

ROAD TEST

axle. For comparison, the next two most relevant competitors tested, the Renault Premium and Iveco Stralis AT, both rated at 450 marketing horsepower, returned 8.02 and 8.11mpg respectively. On the Merc’s debit side, its AdBlue consumption of 6.0% of diesel usage was a touch higher than the 4%-5% we’re used to.

In this company, the Actros’ performance, both at the proving ground and on the road, was slightly shy of the DAF, and slightly ahead of the other two, but all four would finish a day’s work within minutes of one another.

Cab comfortCompared with the higher-datum MegaSpace, getting aboard the Long Distance cab is psychologically easier as the floor is not above most people’s head level, but there’s actually only one step in it. Measured from the foot wells, the cab has the same overall internal height, but with the engine hump intervening. The flat engine hump has a fitted carpet in a shallow recess, and manages to provide nearly 6ft of headroom for getting dressed.

Below the windscreen and forward of the bunks, the décor is predominantly black and dark grey, while the rest is is lighter shade of grey.

Payload: as tested, kg 31,430

Body/payload allowance: 31,430kg

Service intervals: months/km Variable

Servicing downtime: annual hours Variable

Contract hire: per month £1,461.99

Basket of spares: £1,417.19

Residual value (3 years): £23,975

Residual value (5 years): £14,700

Dealers: UK/W.Europe 94/1,900

Warranty: basic cover, 36/450,000 months/km

List price: basic price £121,598

OWNERSHIP COMPARISONS

CMO_080710_032-039 37 5/7/10 10:42:55


engine

The engine range includes three V6s of 12-litres displacement, rated at 440, 460 and 480hp.

OPeRATiOnAL ReSULTS

Fuel consumption:

Overall

Day one overall

Day two overall

Tough A-roads

Easy A-roads / motorways

Tough motorways

Average speed:

Overall

Tough A-roads


Tough motorways

Running costs: (diesel at £1.10/lit; AdBlue at 43p/lit)

AdBlue rate, % of diesel

Fuel cost, £/100km

AdBlue cost, £/100km

Total cost, £/100km

Hill performance:

Miltonrigg Hill

Castleside

M18

M1

8.14mpg (34.7lit/100km)

8.85mpg (31.9lit/100km)

7.62mpg (37.1lit/100km)

5.66mpg (49.9lit/100km)

9.35mpg (30.2lit/100km)

8.49mpg (33.3lit/100km)

73.0km/h

59.6km/h

70.8km/h

73.8km/h

6.0% of diesel

£38.19/100km

£0.90/100km

£39.08.14/100km

1min, 25sec

2min, 35sec

4min, 11sec

5min, 22sec

ROAD

TeS

T

“Ride and steering provided just about the right balance between handling precision

and comfort”

Two high-spec Grammer air seats provide the on-duty accommodation. The instrument panel is the usual Mercedes model of clarity, and incorporates a very comprehensive trip computer. The familiar chunky column stalks control lighting and screen wiping on the left, and engine brake and cruise control on the right. The driver’s workload is reduced even further than usual with automatic lights as standard, and rain sensing wipers as an option. Most secondary switches are within easy reach of the driver’s left hand, with a few more above the screen near the radio/CD player, with Bluetoooth

connectivity, and tachograph. One unfamiliar dash badge is for that essential accessory, the illuminated Mercedes star on the grille. Few drivers working in the UK will be left

wanting for storage space. The main storage is provided by three big lockers and two smaller bins above the screen. A large side-out drawer is conveniently located under the central bunk, just right

for storing provisions, and it has a folding table ready for mealtimes or paperwork sessions. The outer ends beneath the bunk house a pair of lockers with internal and external access. There’s another smaller drawer below the

centre of the dash, just big enough for A4 documents, and a whole host of minor storage spots around the dash. Both occupants get three drinks holders each, two on the dash and one in the door pocket, there are three auxiliary power sockets on the dash, including one at 12V, and a flat tray on the central dash top is a good spot for the evening’s entertainment hardware.

Two bunks are fitted, the upper one normally held up at 45 degrees revealing a large MB logo. This limits use of the lower bunk as a seat – the longer your back, the worse the crick in your neck is going to be. Sleeping promises more comfort, though, as both bunks are of the orthopedically-approved Lattoflex slat design. To create more room around the lower bunk, the passenger seat backrest can be tilted forward by releasing a catch at its inner top edge. There’s a

MeRceDeS-Benz AcTROS 2546 LOng DiSTAnce

safety net for upstairs, but if you really worry about rolling out, or are parked up for the night pointing downhill, the bunk’s angle is easily adjustable.

A comprehensive control panel is provided in the lower bunk area, covering night heater master, radio volume, roof hatch and interior lights, and beneath this is the alarm clock unit. There’s plenty of trinket space at upper bunk level, and a smoke detector. The roof hatch is flanked by a pair of bars that double as grab handles for the top bunk and towel rails.Visibility is good and although the large mirrors create equally large blind spots, the gap to the A-pillar is sufficiently wide to see around with a bit of head movement. The front view mirror is sensibly located within the cab’s width, protecting it in tight spots without affecting its functionality.

The driver’s side vision is protected from the sun by a roller blind, with conventional visors to the front. The long distance cab offers a less commanding view than the MegaSpace, but this only prevents nosey drivers from looking over the highest fences. ■

CMO_080710_032-039 38 5/7/10 10:44:22



ROAD TEST

08/07/10 COMMERCIAL MOTOR 39

Colin Barnett

Even the most jaded driver is unlikely to turn down the opportunity to spend their working life in an Actros. It has enough performance,

enough comfort and enough image for almost anyone.

From an operator viewpoint, it more than delivers good economy, good reliability and good residual values.

Any product, be it a mobile phone or a truck, that excels in one area tends to suffer from compromise in others.

Take the much heralded iPhone; a fantastic pocket computer but, on the other hand, it’s also a pretty mediocre telephone.

The real art is not in scoring 99% in one area and 80% in the others. Surely, it’s better to score 95% in all areas?

And this is where this Mercedes-Benz Actros has its strength. It does everything well and nothing badly.

Yes, there are other products that might outperform it slightly in specific aspects, but very few that can match its all-round ability.

If it was a phone, it would be a Nokia.

NEXT WEEK

TESTS ON THE WEB...

CM tests the VW Caddy Bluemotion

DIMENSIONS

Xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Acceleration:

(seconds)

Braking distance:

(stopping distance, m)

In-cab noise

dB(A)

In-cab noise

dB(A)

0-80km/h

51.6

32km/h

5.6

48km/h

58.5

96km/h

68.6

BEHIND THE WHEEl

Overall width 2,494mmOverall length 6,415mmOverall height 4,000mmExternal cab height 3,850-4,130mmStep heights 140, 710, 1,040mmCab floor height 1,620mmCab length 2,460mmCab internal height (max) 196cm

Internal height above bunk (top/bottom) 620/600mmBunk thickness 115mmWheelbase (OAS) 3,900mmFront overhang 1,440mmRear overhang 1,075mmFith wheel height 1,298mm

Fuel consumption:

Overall

Day one overall

Day two overall

Tough A-roads


Tough motorways

Average speed:

Overall

Tough A-roads


Tough motorways

Running costs: (diesel at £1.10/lit; AdBlue at 43p/lit)

AdBlue rate, % of diesel

Fuel cost, £/100km

AdBlue cost, £/100km

Total cost, £/100km

Hill performance:

Miltonrigg Hill

Castleside

M18

M1

You can now find CM’s road tests on the web. We have uploaded hundreds of our in-depth truck and van road tests to www.roadtransport.com – just click on the link at the left, which says ‘Road tests’. There you can search for tests by vehicle type, make and model, or you can go to the manufacturers’ pages listed there.

The tests are complete – with every fact and figure from the print version – and they’re free to access. You’ll also find a list of the road tests on the web at www.roadtransport.com/alltests

Complete CM road tests – all free to access

DIMENSIONS

32-64km/h

23.5

48km/h

12.6

64km/h

64.3

Tickover

51.2

48-80km/h

31.3

64km/h

25.1

80km/h

66.9

CMO_080710_032-039.indd 39 5/7/10 10:47:56

the mercedes-benz actros excels in all areas mercedes-benz actros excels in all areas ... through...

Documents