The new Mercedes Actros has been available since 2012. Nevertheless, it is worth casting an eye over the third generation. This is demonstrated by a test drive of the flagship 1860 LS with Megaspace driver’s cab.
BHP and consumption in the upper range
Under the bonnet of the Mercedes Actros 1860 LS, a 598 BHP unit (440 kW) is at work. The engine therefore takes its toll on consumption. But not necessarily. In general it is true to say that every unit of horsepower used has to be fed. In the case of the V8, however, it is only with about 140 grams per HP and hour or less than 190 g/kWh in the best case scenario – with a full load and with low to moderate revs. Neither the competition nor the smaller V6 from Mercedes with around 12 litres of cubic capacity can do better than that. This low specific full-load consumption, which remains at the same low level from 1,000 to almost 1,600 rpm, is the asset that the eight-cylinder can boast about most loudly.
The Actros 1860 takes inclines at speed
It marches up steep inclines almost as economically as the most frugal six cylinder. But significantly faster. Proof of this is provided by an incline almost ten kilometres long and with a gradient of more than five percent in places: consumption 9.76 litres, journey time 8.00 minutes. An Axor 1843 by comparison: 9.61 litres, journey time 9.35 minutes. An increase in speed of almost 15 percent goes along with a lower increase in consumption of 1.5 percent.
The shallower the inclines become, the more the disadvantages of the high power and large engine become apparent. The Actros 1860 LS loaded with 40 tonnes also takes gradients of four percent at 80 kph, a 400 falls to below 60 kph. The significantly higher speed results in almost twice the air resistance, with corresponding additional consumption. At two to three percent, the figures clearly tip in favour of the less powerful engines. Here the V8 runs with a partial load, a small six-cylinder with a full load. And on flat ground, only the very long axle drive ratio (2.733 to 1) and the good aerodynamic properties of the Megaspace cab ensure that the internal engine losses and the increase in consumption remains within limits.
23.8 litres per 100 kilometres at a speed of 85 on flat terrain
23.8 l/100 km is sufficient for the 1860 LS at a speed of 85 kph on flat terrain – one litre more than in the six cylinder. On average, the eight plug-in pumps controlled by magnetic valves in the eight-cylinder engine pushed a total of 38 l/100 km through the fuel injectors – around five percent more than is usual in the 400 class. But this high figure also testifies to efficiency because the average speed of 85.5 increases by seven percent (from 80 to 85.5 kph).
Less than eight tonnes of unladen weight is hardly possible with the 1860 LS
The high performance and extensive equipment of the Actros 1860 LS with Megaspace driver’s cab make the pounds of unladen weight shoot up. Less than eight tonnes of unladen weight is hardly possible with an artic of the calibre of the 1860 LS. Well equipped, 8.5 tonnes is normal, with maximum volume in the tank, it’s closer to 9 tonnes. Even if a heavy weight does not necessarily mean solid construction, you have to concede that the Actros is very solid. High-quality materials, top-quality finishing and tasteful equipment is the impression a third-generation Actros makes.
The driver position is very well made
The workplace behind the steering wheel really is very well-made, the controls are – after a brief period of familiarisation – simple and logical. As before, the automatic transmission is controlled from an arm on the seat to the right of the driver. Essentially that is not a problem – except that it would work more easily with short levers on the steering column. Making use of the controls – i.e. intervening in the automatic transmission – happens once in a blue moon, however. This is explained, on the one hand, by the sheer engine power (2,800 Nm at 1,080 rpm) and on the other by the expertise behind the automatic transmission, which goes by the name of Powershift. Only very rarely is its gear selection not quite right.
The interplay of the assistance systems functions smoothly
The interplay of the electronic aids also functions accurately and smoothly. The cruise control, for example, the automatic braking, the retarder and the transmission control. If both speeds – about 85 for cruising speed and 89 kph for downhill – are set (which can be done very quickly), the 1860 keeps exactly to these limits. Moreover, all of the interventions by the engine brake, retarder and transmission take place extremely gently and elegantly. Only a slightly rough double de-clutching for gear synchronisation when changing down disturbs this idyll.
Hardly any wind noise
Driving an Actros 1860 is therefore a comfortable business, especially since low revs are almost always sufficient for the big eight cylinder, the inside noise is close to the Scania benchmark and the movements of the high-mounted cab are usually limited to a gentle sway. Wind noise? Hardly any.The driver will therefore enjoy the V8 and the Megaspace driver’s cab. With the qualification that the space to move around is somewhat limited. The protruding upper bunk when folded down, although comfortable, and the huge central section of the instrument unit play their part here. If one of the many drawers is open, it’s impossible to take a step in any direction in the Megaspace. By contrast, there is plenty of storage space.
Conclusions on the Actros 1860 LS
In the Actros 1860 LS with Megaspace driver’s cab, Mercedes has delivered a truly great articulated lorry that is certainly one of the most economical and comfortable representatives of its type in this segment.
