The New Actros L with Futuristic Cab Design

Since its market launch in June 2021, the Actros L has represented the premium segment of heavy-duty trucks with diesel engines from Mercedes-Benz Trucks. With the latest generation of its successful flagship, which went into production in December 2024, the company once again underscores its claim to be one of the pace-setters in the industry, even with conventionally powered trucks.

(Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Molsheim) At first glance, the completely new exterior design of the Actros L stands out. The entire shape of the ProCabin has been designed for particularly efficient aerodynamics: The airflow meets a front that has been extended by 80 millimeters and is optimally directed around the vehicle, with almost no gaps or seams for the sake of optimized airflow. Ultimately, the various measures result in fuel savings of up to three percent.

With the new Actros L and its futuristic cab design, Mercedes-Benz Trucks also acknowledges that when purchasing a vehicle, aspects such as an attractive exterior and comfort in the driver’s cabin play an important role alongside efficiency and economy. Notable details in this regard include the complete paintwork of the cabin, including the Mercedes-Benz star and lettering in dark chrome, as well as the aluminum step plates. Additionally, all lights on the vehicle are equipped with LED technology. This applies to the main headlights and turn signals as well as the side and rear lights. Optional matrix LED headlights are available for maximum light performance. Inside, the ProCabin, available in three variants – Stream, Big, or Giga – offers numerous comfort features such as optimized seat heating, new premium flat fabric seat covers, or beds with a full slatted frame and a new thick premium mattress. New features also include an expanded functionality of the control panels at the beds, ambient lighting, and additional gooseneck LED reading lamps. Other equipment features include additional USB-C sockets in the side walls, a high-quality curtain in a two-tone design, a second refrigerator, a 230-volt socket, or the SoloStar concept in two new seat cover variants.

Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 with Voice Control

Another very helpful feature in everyday work is the new Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 installed in the ProCabin, which makes the vehicles even more connected and better suited for daily use. The 12-inch instrument display and the improved touchscreen ensure intuitive operation, and many functions can now be activated quickly and safely via voice control. The new favorites menu allows direct access to various built-in auxiliary drives.

Third Generation of the Diesel Engine OM 471 and Optimized Drivetrain

In addition to aerodynamic improvements, Mercedes-Benz Trucks enhances the efficiency of the new Actros L through the use of the third generation of the 12.8-liter diesel engine OM 471, which was first introduced in 2022. This engine, available alongside the proven units OM 470 and OM 473, is specifically designed for fuel-efficient driving and allows savings of up to four percent. It also reduces CO₂ emissions, lowers operating costs, and significantly contributes to reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) – without compromising performance, driving dynamics, or driving comfort. An important contribution to this is also made by the expanded top-torque program, which provides more power exactly when it is really needed – for example, when merging onto a highway or overtaking.

It should also be noted in this context that an optimized drivetrain is available for some models: The G291-12 transmission and the RAR 2.278d rear axle not only provide a noticeably improved driving experience, especially when accelerating uphill and a lower maneuvering speed, but also ensure a quieter and more pleasant ride thanks to reduced cruising speed at 80 km/h. The optimized drivetrain also helps to further reduce fuel consumption.

Best Possible Accident Prevention to Protect All Road Users

A high goal of Mercedes-Benz Trucks is that drivers and other road users are safe on the road. To this end, the assistance systems available in the Actros L ensure that dangers can be recognized in time, early braking can be initiated, and an overview of the traffic situation can be maintained. The electronic helpers can particularly help ensure that moments of inattention due to fatigue, stress, or distraction remain as consequence-free as possible for all involved.

Whether it’s Active Brake Assist 6, Active Sideguard Assist 2, Front Guard Assist, or Attention Assist, to name just a few examples: With safety features like these, the company once again reinforces its position as one of the pioneers in the industry. The systems not only comply with the standards of the General Safety Regulation issued by the EU that have been in effect since 2022 or 2024, but in some cases exceed them in their scope^[1]. In addition to the assistance systems tailored to traffic safety, the new Actros L also highlights the well-coordinated interplay of features such as Active Drive Assist 3 for semi-automated driving (SAE Level 2) and the intelligent transmission and cruise control system Predictive Powertrain Control.

Expansion of Systems from 2026

From February 2026, there will also be an expansion of systems that comply with the future GSR regulations from July 2026 and September 2028. For example, the Attention Assist 2, as an advanced attention assistant from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, uses the installed infrared camera to monitor the position of the driver’s pupils from 20 km/h. The resulting gaze angle is then calculated in the associated control unit, so that in the event of distraction from the traffic situation, the driver is warned. The Attention Assist 2 also integrates the functionality of the attention assistant, which monitors the driver’s fatigue based on various parameters such as lane keeping or driver activities and steering behavior. The Active Brake Assist 6 Plus, as an evolution of Active Brake Assist 6, can respond even faster to critical situations thanks to 270-degree fusion technology and the resulting enlarged environmental detection. Features of the system include improved pedestrian protection parameters, expanded cyclist detection, and improved cornering response, with the goal of higher accident prevention, especially at speeds up to 90 km/h.

Intelligent Digital Solutions for Even More Efficient Use

To simplify processes and workflows for fleet operators around the new Actros L, Mercedes-Benz Trucks offers a whole range of digital solutions and services. A free entry into the digital service solutions from Mercedes-Benz Trucks is provided by TruckLive. This encompasses various connectivity services that can be used via existing platforms such as MyTruckPoint. For example, Maintenance Management ensures improved vehicle availability, while Live Traffic supports route planning with real-time traffic data. Already this year, new connected services such as over-the-air updates, Service24h Connected, or Connected Traffic Warnings for detecting and relaying hazard warnings to nearby vehicles can be utilized. Further components are in planning.

Added Value for Profitable Fleet Management

The premium telematics services from Fleetboard also provide high added value for profitable fleet management. Another feature with high added value is Mercedes-Benz Trucks Uptime: The system continuously diagnoses the vehicle’s status and provides specific recommendations for action. To ensure maximum vehicle availability and minimal downtime, Mercedes-Benz Trucks offers its customers various service contracts with monthly predictable costs. The premium package is presented by Mercedes-Benz Trucks Complete: The comprehensive service package covers all workshop work, including wear parts.

_{[1] Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to support the driver as effectively as possible within the system limits when operating the vehicle with all assistance systems. However, the driver remains fully responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle at all times, as legally mandated.}

Photo: © Mercedes-Benz Trucks