Mercedes Actros L: The Most Luxurious Truck in the World
The Mercedes Actros L is considered the most luxurious truck in the world, with updates made to its cabin and features. The latest version has minor external changes, including LED headlights and a smoked effect on the Actros badging, but the significant changes are on the inside.
Interior Features
The cabin of the Mercedes Actros L features car-like amenities, including a digital driver’s display, infotainment system, and premium trim. The truck has a lower seat, new seat trims, and suspension in the seat for comfort. It also features improved sound insulation, making it quieter to drive, and cameras instead of door mirrors for better visibility.
- Adjustable steering wheel
- Hands-free CB radio
- Ample storage space with cup holders, drawers, and optional features like a microwave
- Unique mirror for shaving and a foldable metal table, earning its name “Giga Cab” due to its spacious interior
- Mounted TV and fridge to store chilled drinks
- Table for snacks and a bed with a new mattress topper that can be removed and taken on holiday
Controllable Systems and Safety Features
The vehicle features various controllable systems, including heating, stereo, and surround view cameras, which can be used for security and convenience. The interior also includes ambient lighting, blinds, and a roof that can be opened or covered with a mosquito net. Mercedes has updated the safety systems on the Actros truck, including:
- Pedestrian detection and auto-brake
- A facility to monitor the driver and automatically slow the truck if they pass out
- Side guard assist, which can detect cyclists and bring the truck to a standstill to avoid accidents
- Lane-keeping feature, which helps steer the truck back to the center of the lane
Engine and Performance
The Mercedes Actros L features a 13-liter straight six turbo diesel engine with 530 horsepower and 600 newton meters of torque, driven by a 12-speed automatic gearbox. The truck is also available in a hydrogen-powered version, which has almost 1000 horsepower and 4000 newton meters of torque, and is fully loaded with a 40-ton trailer.
Test Drive and Review
During a test drive, the truck was found to be surprisingly easy to drive despite its size, with a notably elevated driving position. The truck features a loud indicator and can reach 80 kilometers per hour easily, with a top speed of 90 kilometers per hour. The cruise control feature uses radar to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and the auto-steer feature allows for smooth overtaking and cornering.
Hydrogen-Powered Version
The hydrogen-powered Mercedes Actros truck emits only water vapor, with a range of up to 1000 kilometers on a full tank, and a refueling time of just 10 minutes. A brake test showed that the truck can stop from 80 kilometers in 33 meters, demonstrating its safety. The truck is deemed environmentally friendly and potentially the truck of the future.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Actros L | A model of the Mercedes truck considered the most luxurious in the world. | The Mercedes Actros L features a range of luxurious amenities, including a digital driver’s display and premium trim. |
| Giga Cab | A term used to describe the spacious interior of the Actros L truck. | The Actros L’s Giga Cab features a unique mirror for shaving and a foldable metal table, making it an ideal space for long-haul drivers. |
| Turbo Diesel Engine | A type of engine that uses a turbocharger to increase power and efficiency. | The Mercedes Actros L features a 13-liter straight six turbo diesel engine with 530 horsepower and 600 newton meters of torque. |
| Hydrogen-Powered | A type of vehicle that uses hydrogen as a fuel source, producing only water vapor as an emission. | The hydrogen-powered Mercedes Actros truck emits only water vapor and has a range of up to 1000 kilometers on a full tank. |
| Auto-Brake | A safety feature that automatically applies the brakes in emergency situations. | The Mercedes Actros L features an auto-brake system that can detect pedestrians and automatically slow the truck to avoid accidents. |
| Surround View Cameras | A system of cameras that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings. | The Mercedes Actros L features surround view cameras that can be used for security and convenience, providing a clear view of the truck’s surroundings. |
| Lane-Keeping Feature | A safety feature that helps steer the vehicle back to the center of the lane. | The Mercedes Actros L features a lane-keeping feature that helps steer the truck back to the center of the lane, reducing the risk of accidents. |
| Newton Meters | A unit of measurement for torque, which is a measure of an object’s rotational force. | The Mercedes Actros L’s turbo diesel engine produces 600 newton meters of torque, providing a high level of power and efficiency. |
| Infotainment System | A system that provides entertainment and information to the driver and passengers. | The Mercedes Actros L features an infotainment system that provides a range of entertainment and information options, including music and navigation. |
| Pedestrian Detection | A safety feature that detects pedestrians and can automatically apply the brakes to avoid accidents. | The Mercedes Actros L features pedestrian detection, which can automatically slow the truck to avoid accidents and improve safety. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘a device that helps a vehicle stay within its lane while moving’?
A) Pedestrian detection
B) Ambient lighting
C) Lane-keeping feature
D) Surround view cameras
2. What is the term for the process of a vehicle automatically slowing down when the driver is no longer in control?
A) Auto-brake
B) Lane departure warning
C) Driver monitoring and automatic slowdown
D) Cruise control
3. Which feature is described as allowing the truck to stop from 80 kilometers per hour in 33 meters during a brake test?
A) Hydrogen-powered engine
B) Auto-steer feature
C) Brake test feature
D) Advanced braking system
4. What is the name given to the spacious interior of the Mercedes Actros L due to its unique features?
A) Luxury Cab
B) Giga Space
C) Actros Interior
D) Giga Cab
5. Which system uses radar to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving?
A) Lane-keeping feature
B) Cruise control
C) Pedestrian detection
D) Surround view cameras
Answer Key:
1. C
2. C
3. D
4. D
5. B
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: Using the Present Perfect Continuous Tense to Describe Ongoing Actions
Grammar Quiz:
Choose the correct form of the verb in brackets to complete each sentence:
- The Mercedes Actros L has been featuring / features / is featuring / featured car-like amenities, including a digital driver’s display and infotainment system, since its latest update.
- Mercedes has updated / updates / is updating / will update the safety systems on the Actros truck to include pedestrian detection and auto-brake.
- The truck has been driven / is driven / drives / was driven by a 12-speed automatic gearbox, making it surprisingly easy to drive despite its size.
- The hydrogen-powered Mercedes Actros truck emits / has emitted / is emitting / will emit only water vapor, with a range of up to 1000 kilometers on a full tank.
- The company has been testing / tests / is testing / will test the truck’s safety features, including a brake test that showed it can stop from 80 kilometers in 33 meters.
Answer Key:
- has been featuring
- has updated
- is driven
- emits
- has been testing