Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks pace a racing circuit

Three of the five Mercedes-Benz Actros long-haul, heavy-duty trucks tested at the Clark track

Mention “large Mercedes-Benz” and most enthusiasts would picture an S-Class or Pullman limousine, or perhaps a GL-Class SUV.

The biggest vehicle to carry the three-pointed star, however, is Mercedes-Benz’s long haul, heavy-duty truck, the Actros. Five of the big rigs were zooming around the Clark International Speedway on a searing hot summer day, ready to be put through their paces.

The Actros is the German brand’s entry in the 18- to 33-ton class, and is positioned as a safe, reliable and fuel-efficient truck.

Mercedes-Benz is the global leader in trucks, selling more than 280,000 units per year. With Mercedes-Benz trucks already a top choice in Europe, the brand is focusing on Asia this year.

With that objective in mind, CATS Motors, the exclusive distributor of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks in the Philippines, organized a track drive for its customers in the Philippines and the Asean region. Company owners from other countries including Malaysia and Singapore went to the event to experience the Actros trucks on the track—and even offroad.

The Mercedes-Benz Actros is a well-proportioned truck, so we were jolted to see how big it really is when we got up close. Climbing into it requires a five-rung ladder while keeping a two-handed grip on a side rail. Once in the driver’s seat, we felt, due to the towering height, like the king of all we’ve surveyed.

The seat itself wouldn’t dispel that notion, as it was designed for long-distance comfort. Making the driver’s job simpler and safer are the foolproof controls, including the parking brake lever and the shifter with buttons to prevent accidental gear changes.

With all the power-assist features, the Actros was surprisingly easy to waft across the full Clark circuit. Practically all the controls are electrically assisted, from the light steering to the gearshift to the brake-by-wire system.

Helping to keep it pointed in the right direction are safety systems that Mercedes-Benz pioneered in passenger cars, such as the traction and stability controls.

Testing the mighty Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks are Felix Ang, President, Auto Nation Group Inc. and Richard Hall, General Manager for Commercial Vehicles, Daimler South East Asia/Pacific

Testing the mighty Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks are Felix Ang, President, Auto Nation Group Inc. and Richard Hall, General Manager for Commercial Vehicles, Daimler South East Asia/Pacific.

Testing the mighty Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks are Felix Ang, President, Auto Nation Group Inc. and Richard Hall, General Manager for Commercial Vehicles, Daimler South East Asia/Pacific.

Antilock disc brakes and brake assist help in keeping the Actros’ braking shorter and safer. A hill-holder function prevents the tractor head from rolling backward for one to two seconds while the driver engages the engine. The electronic traction control systems and the powerful engine made quick work of a muddy offroad track set up beside the circuit.

Since the trucks are built for heavy loads, the engines are powerful. The base engine is a  234.74-horsepower V6 that delivers 1000 Newton-meters of torque. The engines top out with a  616.44 HP/3000 Nm V8 engine. The engines are common-rail diesels designed for durability. Injection sleeves feature heat insulation and reduce the amount of soot deposited in the engine oil.

Inlet valves and seat rings use more durable materials to extend service life. Trucking operators know that their investment is only worthwhile as long as the trucks are smoothly running.

Actros has an StreamSpace cab that is designed for low drag to improve fuel consumption. The transmission can be set to an “economy” driving program to squeeze out more mileage. Long final drives deliver extra torque when needed. Features like active aerodynamics, which can shut the radiator shutters, and two-stage water pumps help efficiency as well.

The Telligent automatic transmission selects the appropriate gear depending on the driving conditions, maximizing the efficiency of the 16-ratio gearbox.

Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks are used in millions of kilometers of hauling in Europe. Actros counts as a customer Mercedes-Benz’s own Formula One team, the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1. The team’s logistics partner, DB Schenker, uses five Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 LS tractor units to transport the cars and equipment to the European F1 races. Naturally, the trucks are painted in brilliant silver.