Mercedes-Benz Antos: the world premiere of the first truck specialised for the short-radius distribution

The following variants of the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 934 are available:

Antos: in a class of its own

• Design: unmistakeable origin, unique character
• Three cab variants, all with premium cockpit
• Euro VI engines from 175 kW (238 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp)
• Fully automated transmission for all variants
• All safety systems in short-radius distribution for the first time
• Wide range of vairants, chassis with good body-mounting ability
• Antos Loader: a payload record for tractor units
• Antos Volumer: for uses with a low load compartment sill

The premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz Antos, the first specialised truck series for heavy-duty short-radius distribution. Whether it’s food, domestic heating fuel or municipal transportation, with a permitted gross vehicle weight of 18 t to 26 t, the Antos is at home when it comes to regional transport. The model range, including the highly-specialised Loader and Volumer models, is just as varied as the field of application. The Antos’s trump cards also include a wide range of engines compliant with the Euro VI emissions standard, fully automated transmission and the user-friendly cab. The new Antos will celebrate its public premiere at the International Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles (IAA) in September.

Antos: the first heavy-duty distribution truck in a class of its own

The new Antos is in a class of its own: in the Antos, Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to provide a truck specifically for the usage profile in heavy-duty short-radius distribution: well-organised, easy-to-operate, economical and low-emissions vehicles for daily use are needed here. A topography that varies widely from one region to the next and varying loads require a broad range of engine powers; frequent stops en route require easy entry and exit. Heavy-duty distribution trucks are equally at home in towns and cities as they are in inter-city transport and on motorways. With its unusually broad range, the new Mercedes-Benz Antos is custom-designed for these diverse requirements of companies and drivers.

Design: unmistakeable origin, unique character

The design of the new Mercedes-Benz Antos is unmistakeably reminiscent of the new Actros for long-distance transport. But the Antos has its own identity. The family likeness is unmistakeable: the origin is the same, but the character is different. The Antos, too, has a distinctive, clear design idiom and the contrasting flow of concave and convex lines. They add excitement to the powerful design.

The Antos has a friendly feel, in line with its frequently urban field of application. The relatively flat design for short-radius distribution allows it to look very robust and sturdy at the same time, however. The width of the cab, which is 2.30 metres, also contributes to this. Together with the wide chassis, the Antos is dynamic and broad-shouldered in appearance. The transition between the cab and the wheel housings is harmonically designed. Drivers benefit from the convenient staircase-shaped entry with three steps.

The central point of the front part is the radiator grille with the confidently large Mercedes star. Thanks to the flatter cab, the Antos generally manages with three radiator fins. They are perforated in a similar sporty style to the Actros. The three-part bumper with robust steel corners won’t take exception to even comparatively rough use, which is par for the course in short-radius distribution.

Three cab variants, all with premium cockpit

The cab of the new Mercedes-Benz Antos is available as ClassicSpace in short (S) and medium (M) design. The medium-length variant is also available as a super-flat CompactSpace cab, for example for trucks with a refrigeration unit attached. Depending on the model, the engine tunnel is just 320 mm or 170 mm high. The medium-length cab optionally has a folding bunk 2000 x 600 mm in size and an all-around curtain, ideal for longer breaks or an occasional overnight stop.

The driver of the new Antos sits in a premium cockpit. This is clear just from the multifunction steering wheel and from the generous seat adjustment. The cockpit of the new Antos has a dome-shaped and driver-orientated basic shape. The ergonomic operation and very well-organised instrument cluster are also exemplary. According to the field of application of the Antos, however, more functional materials are used. The driver’s side of the cockpit is in black, the passenger side is in a flannel grey and the ceiling of the Antos is in a friendly, down-to-earth “greige”, a shade between grey and beige, which makes the cab appear bigger.

In the optional cab variant with an additional middle seat, the central section of the instrument panel has been moved towards the front oft he vehicle to provide extra kneeroom. The parking brake lever and the air vents have been repositioned accordingly.

Euro VI engines from 175 kW (238 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp)

The new Mercedes-Benz Antos is available with an extraordinarily wide range of BlueEfficiency Power diesel engines. The range includes three up-to-the-minute and responsive inline six-cylinder engines compliant with the Euro VI emissions standard with a 7.7-litre, 10.7-litre and 12.8-litre displacement. The power ranges from 175 kW (238 hp) for lighter applications as a solo vehicle up to 375 kW (510 hp) for heavy-duty truck/trailer combinations and tractor/semitrailer combinations under very challenging topographical conditions.

The new Mercedes-Benz OM 936 inline six-cylinder engine is particularly light and compact. The new design has a number of technical refinements, such as a maximum injection pressure of 2,400 bar or the world’s first adjustable exhaust camshaft in a diesel engine.

The Mercedes-Benz OM 936 is available in five power and torque levels:

The OM 470 inline six-cylinder engine with a 10.7-litre displacement, which is also new, already belongs in the heavy-duty class. It is based on the OM 471 series and also has its technical features, such as the unique X-Pulse fuel-injection system. The compact engine is very powerful and at the same time weight-optimised. The OM 470 is available in four versions:

The top engine in the new Antos is the Mercedes-Benz OM 471 inline six-cylinder engine introduced in 2011. It has already proved to be a success in the new Actros. In the Antos, the engine is available at the following power and torque levels:

All engines are already compliant with the Euro VI emissions standard. They have common-rail injection and exhaust gas recirculation. Treatment of the exhaust gases is by means of SCR technology with AdBlue injection and a downstream oxidation catalytic converter and a particulate filter.

Maximum efficiency is taken for granted in the new BlueEfficiency Power generation of engines: all engines combine a spirited response and a very smooth ride with low consumption of fuel, AdBlue and engine oil, and with exemplary environmental protection and long maintenance intervals of up to 120,000 km for engine oil services.

Fully automated transmission for all variants

Power transmission is consistently by means of a fully automated and fast-acting Mercedes Powershift 3 transmission with eight and twelve gears. One special feature of the new Antos is the possibility of combining very compact engines such as the OM 936 with multi-stage transmissions. This results in a favourable performance, even in truck/trailer combinations and tractor/semitrailer combinations which are only occasionally loaded to full capacity, with correspondingly payload-optimised engines.

The creep mode of the transmission is particularly important in short-radius distribution, with its high proportion of urban routes and manoeuvring operations at tight unloading areas: with a pulling-away gear or reverse gear selected, the driver can control the speed of the new Antos using the brake pedal alone.

The automated transmission is actuated – if manual commands are required – by means of an intuitively-operated steering-column lever.

Broad frame, safe handling

The Antos has an 834-mm wide frame as the basis for stable handling. The new steering operates both precisely and directly. The rear axle guide and the symmetrical four-bellows air suspension of the rear axle as usual ensure handling that is both comfortable and safe in equal measure.

All safety systems in short-radius distribution for the first time

The full availability of all safety assistance systems familiar from the Actros in short-radius distribution too is typical of the new Antos and of Mercedes-Benz standards. The electronic brake system EBS with disc brakes all round, highly-effective engine brake, anti-lock braking system ABS and acceleration skid control ASR all come as standard, as well as the stability control assist.

The new, equally light and powerful water retarder, the high-performance brakes and the proximity control assist with stop-start traffic function can also be supplied as optional extras. Also available are, among other things, lane keeping assist and the unique next-generation active brake assist 3, which can also initiate full brake application when approaching stationary obstacles.

Attention assist continuously checks the attention of the driver – even with lane keeping assist deactivated – by means of various parameters. If concentration decreases, the driver is visually and acoustically prompted to take a break. Lane keeping assist is also reactivated.

With all these assist systems, Mercedes-Benz has put together a safety package for the new Antos which is uncompromising and is unparalleled in short-radius distribution.

Wide range of variants, chassis with good body-mounting ability

The new Antos range is as diverse as its fields of application. There are two and three-axle tractor units with wheelbases ranging from 2,650 mm to 4,000 mm. Chassis are available in eleven wheelbases from 3,700 mm to 6,700 mm in a 300-mm pattern. In addition to the two-axle chassis, the Antos is also available in a three-axle variant with a trailing axle as well as a trailing axle with twin tyres.

Since a large proportion of the trucks in short-radius distribution have a special-purpose body, the new Antos is exceptionally well prepared for this. For example, with a consistent hole pattern in the frame at distances of 50 mm in length and height. With its variable frame extensions and individual positions of the end crossmember, the Antos likewise optimally adapts itself just as well to attachment bodies as it does to consoles at defined positions and uniform electronics interfaces across all variants.

Loader/Volumer: the first usage-specific models

Together with the new Antos, Mercedes-Benz introduces usage-specific models for specialist transport in heavy-duty short-radius distribution. Mercedes-Benz uses the term Loader to describe payload-optimised variants. They achieve record values for unladen weight and payload.

Antos Loader: a payload record for tractor units

The Antos Loader is the first tractor unit for 40-tonne vehicle combinations to be below the 6-tonne limit for unladen weight – and this is even with an engine that is compliant with the Euro VI emissions standard. As the Antos 1835 LS with the ClassicSpace cab, aluminium wheels and super single tyres on the rear axle, it weighs approx. 6,000 kg.

Even with the larger OM 470 inline six-cylinder engine compliant with the Euro VI emissions standard and up to 315 kW (428 hp) of power, the tractor unit weighs approx. 6,400 kg. At this weight, the Antos is able to position itself very well in the competitive environment, and even in comparison to trucks in Euro V the new Antos Loader is right at the forefront, too.

The prerequisite for this is consistent design aimed at a low weight. With the Antos Loader, this includes an aluminium entrance carrier, a weight-optimised windscreen and floor coverings, batteries with a reduced capacity, a combined tank for fuel and AdBlue and various other measures.

Antos Volumer: for uses with a low load compartment sill

The advantages of the Antos Volumer include an 80-mm lower load compartment sill than was previously available. Customers can choose from a wide selection of cab models. In addition, buyers have the choice between different sizes of fuel tank – depending on whether the focus is to be on the payload or range.

Mercedes-Benz Antos: in a class of its own

As the first and only specialist for heavy-duty short-radius distribution, the new Mercedes-Benz Antos is a landmark vehicle in a class of its own: the short-radius distribution pro covers the whole diverse spectrum of fields of application in its segment. Companies benefit from its economy and efficiency, bodybuilders from its good body-mounting ability and individuality and drivers from its user-friendliness, safety and handling.

Mercedes-Benz Actros: new engine and model options making it more versatile and efficient than ever before

• Engines: two new inline 6-cylinders
• Loader/Volumer: models for specific use
• Actros Loader: a payload giant compliant with the Euro VI emissions standard
• Actros Volumer: extremely reduced coupling dimensions
• Predictive Powertrain Control: the clever cruise control
• Active Brake Assist 3: emergency braking before stationary obstacles

The new Mercedes‑Benz Actros has a number of new features and product enhancements lined up for the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2012. The flagship vehicle for long-haul transport now optionally includes new engines from the OM 470 and OM 936 series, both of which comply with the Euro VI emissions standard. The Actros Loader and Volumer, two models that have been designed for specific use, are setting the standard when it comes to payload, frame height and coupling point height. The Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) assistance system saves fuel by linking GPS data, cruise control and automatic PowerShift transmission, while the latest generation of the unique Active Brake Assist helps to avoid accidents: it is capable of independently braking before colliding with stationary obstacles.

Actros: Economic superstar among the long-haul trucks

In terms of fuel efficiency, the new Mercedes‑Benz Actros is a real superstar among European long-haul trucks, proven by its spectacular “Record Run” fuel consumption test on public roads, as well as its performance on everyday haulage routes. With the new engine and model options, the influence of the Actros spreads even further: companies are now set to benefit from Mercedes‑Benz trucks with optimised volume and payload.

Engines: two new inline 6-cylinders

The new Mercedes-Benz Actros has now set the bar even higher: the specialist for national and international long-distance transport has further expanded its engine range. Two new inline 6-cylinder models have been added to the leading OM 471 series with 12.8 l displacement and a performance range of 310 kW (421 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp), as well as 2100 to 2500 Nm torque.

The new OM 470 with 10.7 litre displacement is based on the larger and more established OM 471 engine series, boasting the same technical features from the unique patented X-Pulse injection system to the particulate filter. Efficient and low in weight, this compact engine is the lightest engine of its class that complies with the Euro VI emissions standard. In combination with FleetBoard, oil change intervals can last up to 150,000 km. There are four versions of the OM 470 available for the Actros:

The new Mercedes‑Benz Actros is also available with the new and particularly compact inline 6-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 936. With 7.7 litre displacement, this engine is noticeably compact and light. This new design also boasts a number of sophisticated technical features, such as a maximum injection pressure of 2400 bar or the world’s first adjustable exhaust camshaft in a standard diesel engine.

The Mercedes‑Benz OM 936 is already available in five power and torque stages:

With performance ranging from 175 kW (238 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp) and a maximum torque of 1000 to 2500 Nm, the new Actros boasts an unrivalled scope for a long-distance truck. Another unique selling point of the Actros: all models will only be offered with fully automated manual transmission.

Loader/Volumer: models for specific use for the first time ever

While introducing the new engines, Mercedes‑Benz is also launching models made specifically for certain traffic situations. Mercedes‑Benz classifies payload optimised vehicle variants under the name “Loader”. These are capable of achieving record values when it comes to kerb weight and payload. Top results have also been achieved with the Actros Volumer: this leading large-volume truck sports the lowest coupling point height of all tractor units in its class in Europe.

Actros Loader: a payload giant compliant with the Euro VI emissions standard

The Actros Loader has turned out to be a payload giant, weighing approx. 6500 kg in a standard package that includes the new OM 470, a maximum power of 315 kW (428 hp), the ClassicSpace long-haul cab, aluminium wheels with 315/70 R 22.5 tyre format and a fuel tank with 300 litre capacity. It is thus one of the lightest long-haul tractor units to meet the Euro VI emissions standard. Even when compared to vehicles compliant with Euro V, the Actros Loader comes out on top.

This is possible thanks to a consistent focus on features which keep weight low. These include the aluminium entrance carriers, weight-optimised windscreen and flooring, a lower berth in the cab, a closed cab wall on the right-hand side, batteries with reduced capacity, a combined tank for fuel and AdBlue, as well as plenty of other design features.

Actros Volumer: extremely reduced coupling dimensions

Further improvements have been made to the Actros Volumer tractor unit. With a 315/45 R 22.5 tyre size format and reduced shock course for the spring, this lowliner achieves a coupling dimension of 880 mm – setting yet another record.

Customers who purchase an Actros Volumer also benefit from the unusually broad range of five different final-drive ratios found in this vehicle category. Even with tyres other than those specified, the optimum and thus particularly efficient total ratio with direct-drive transmission is guaranteed at all times.

Further highlights include a large selection of cab designs, as well as the choice between fuel tanks of varying sizes – depending on whether priority lies with payload or range. With up to 990 litres of diesel, the Actros Volumer also boasts a Euro VI emissions value that compares very well with others in its class.

Predictive Powertrain Control: the clever cruise control

The new Mercedes‑Benz Actros is another proven winner when it comes to fuel consumption. Together with the OM 471 and the new “Predictive Powertrain Control” (PPC), as much as three per cent is saved on fuel. PPC represents an anticipatory cruise control function coupled with the drive system. The assistance system registers the topography ahead using GPS data, thus facilitating a reaction that provides for optimum fuel consumption. PPC covers more than 95% of the motorways and federal highways in 28 European countries.

As the world’s first GPS cruise control, the Predictive Powertrain Control is additionally used to adjust speed and braking in the transmission control module. This combination leads to an optimum shifting sequence on uphill stretches, avoids upshifting when approaching summits and proactively shifts down before downward slopes. The EcoRoll mode is also activated with just as much precision.

Active Brake Assist 3: emergency braking before obstacles

The new Actros is not only more efficient but also safer. Regarded as the safest truck in the world, the latest version goes one step further with the next generation of the unique Active Brake Assist 3. The emergency braking system is now capable of independently initiating hard braking before stationary obstacles. This not only enables the Actros to reduce the consequences of a rear end accident as before but, depending on the speed travelled, to even avoid such accidents occurring in the first place; thus achieving yet another milestone in truck safety standards.

The new Actros is the flagship of Mercedes‑Benz Trucks. The strengths of the new Actros, voted “Truck of the Year 2012” by an international jury of trade journalists, lie in its high standard of comfort, driving dynamics and efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz Actros Show Truck: individual solutions with Mercedes-Benz Genuine Accessories

• Tested Genuine Accessories from Mercedes-Benz: individual and top-quality
• Exterior: focus on individual solutions
• Interior: comfort and greater convenience

The diversity of Mercedes‑Benz trucks leave almost nothing to desire. However, some users wish to give their own personal truck an even more individual character. Mercedes‑Benz knows how to fulfil these wishes and offers an extensive range of tried and tested Genuine Accessories. These are designed to harmonise perfectly with Mercedes-Benz trucks: optically and in terms of quality and styling. The Actros Show Truck demonstrates all the possibilities for making both the exterior and interior of the new Actros even more attractive, functional and individual.

Exterior: focus on individual solutions

Impressive and dynamic as the appearance of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros might be, some contractors and drivers wish to stand out from their colleagues or competitors in more ways than just paintwork in company colours or light alloy wheels. The adhesive film adorning the matt paintwork of the demonstration truck is bang up-to-date. A high-quality contrast to this: chrome-plated fins and choice stainless steel accent trim parts for the front apron, the side panel gills or to frame the brand logo badge under the windscreen.

If you want to make an impression with the new Actros, you should select the brush guard or the stainless steel roof-lamp bracket with main-beam headlamps. These have been tested in thorough endurance tests and in punishing conditions, both in summer and winter, for quality and a safe connection to the driver’s cab. The stainless steel front bar emphasises the striking appearance of the new Actros and can accommodate two additional headlamps. The design is protected by a design patent.

Slightly less conspicuous, but no less effective, are the stainless steel protective caps for the wheel nuts. Wheel nut covers and rear axle caps with an embossed Mercedes star emphasise the connection with the brand and provide a further optical upgrade. Not every driver likes to drive with the air conditioning on, preferring to open the windows: wind deflectors for the side windows provide draught-free ventilation.

Interior: comfort and greater convenience

Anyone who spends long hours in the driver’s cab, will appreciate a cab that is both functional and comfortable. The driver’s hands are mostly on the steering wheel: so an aluminium and leather steering wheel means more than just good looks. The grip is padded and covered in finest perforated leather – true luxury for the hands. On the top and bottom of the steering wheel rim there are inserts with a dynamic aluminium look.

A velour floor mat does not just look good, it also enhances comfort by creating a pleasant atmosphere. This is especially important during the driver’s breaks, when the cab is used as living space. The same applies to the covering on the seat base frame. There are protective seat covers with an individual touch or in series design. They protect the standard seat covers from soiling or wear and tear. It goes without saying that all of these parts from Mercedes‑Benz are a perfect fit and of the highest quality.

There are practical conveniences such as cradles for mobile phones such as an iPhone. These ensure that the battery is always charged, the device is connected to the exterior aerial of the vehicle, is linked to the radio via Bluetooth and is operated using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The display is shown in the instrument cluster. An individually positioned LED reading lamp facilitates reading of maps or papers on board.

The coffee machine and the electric kettle in the new Actros are fitted with a power plug which ensures a safe supply of electricity and prevents short-circuiting.

With the audio adapter set, the video adapter set and the USB extension cable, various different devices such as MP3 players, game consoles or DVD players can be operated via the radio in the new Actros.

The reversing camera is a major safety feature to assist manoeuvring. It is heated and can therefore be used all year round. It is automatically activated when reverse gear is engaged, providing a clear, undistorted and non-dazzling image via the monitor in the cockpit.

Exhaust system for Euro VI: a complex technology lab