Mercedes-Benz launches ProCabin for Actros

MERCEDES-BENZ Trucks has launched its futuristic ProCabin in Australia, rolling out the highly aerodynamic cabin as standard for all wide-cab diesel Actros models – but it isn’t offered on electric models yet.

New ADR 80/04 emissions requirements that came into play on 1 November mean that every new truck (above 3500kg GVM) sold in Australia has to be Euro 6 compliant, but the Mercedes-Benz Actros has actually been Euro 6 since 2016.

Incredibly, the company has amassed a claimed three billion kilometres locally with its Euro 6 powertrains, now turning its sights to another means of efficiency – advanced aerodynamics. 

The ProCabin will replace 2.5-metre StreamSpace and GigaSpace cabin options for the brand’s heavy-duty Actros range, boasting impressive real-world fuel-savings and enhanced safety features.

To achieve this, Mercedes-Benz redesigned the cabin from the ground up, utilising a rounded front-end shape, sail-shaped side air deflectors, a roof spoiler and under-cab spoiler akin to a diffuser, while virtually all air gaps have been eliminated.

The truck maker even extended the front of the cab by 80mm at the centre to allow for a more curved design.

It even does away with a front grille, with Mercedes-Benz explaining that the engine compartment is decoupled from external airflow to further improve aerodynamics, relying on air funnelled directly into the cooling system.

European testing revealed that the slippery ProCabin offers fuel use savings of up to three per cent, but a Mercedes-Benz executive told GoAuto that while not officially confirmed, the savings could be even greater in Australia based on early trials with customers and media.

Considering Mercedes-Benz claims a four per cent fuel saving for its revised 13-litre OM471 engine, offered alongside the big-bore 16-litre OM47 engine, the latest-generation Actros models could offer total fuel savings of up to seven per cent.

The ProCabin is safer too, with Actros models now equipped with the brand’s latest Active Brake Assist 6 safety package that uses five radars (up from one radar) to offer an expanded 270-degree view around the truck.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the safety system also uses new electronics that process data 20 times faster, which when coupled with the greater field of view enhances truck-focused systems like cross-traffic alert, side guard assist and pedestrian avoidance.

The Actros can even be equipped with the optional Active Drive Assist 3 system that uses an electric motor on the steering box, which the manufacturer says allows Level Two automated driving.

Other ProCabin inclusions are new LED headlights, with the option of active Matrix units with automatic high beam control, and the interior has been updated with LED lighting and USB-C charge sockets.

For customers wanting additional front-end protection, Mercedes-Benz has worked with local manufacturer Durabar to develop an aluminium bullbar for the ProCabin, which maintains radar functionality.

Mercedes-Benz confirmed with GoAuto that its 2.3-metre wide Actros models will still use the standard ClassicSpace and Streamspace cabins, for operators wanting a more compact city truck.

While the all-electric eActros 600 offered in Europe uses the ProCabin, the model has not yet made its way Down Under, meaning it’s diesel-only if operators want to take advantage of the aerodynamic cabin.

The eActros is still available locally, but features standard cabins – for now.

“The current Actros is known for its legendary fuel efficiency, but Mercedes-Benz

Trucks was not about to sit still,” said Daimler Truck Australia Pacific sales, marketing and operations vice president, Andrew Assimo.

“The ProCabin extends our efficiency leadership through intelligent design; and we

know our customers will appreciate the fuel economy gains it delivers.”