The first generation Actros was introduced in 1996, with production continuing until 2003. It featured new elements such as an electronically controlled air brake system and intelligent disc brakes on both front and rear. The introduction of Controller Area Network (CAN) technology for the chassis and drivetrain was also a new feature. The MP1 Actros also had an electro-pneumatic circuit on new transmission models and the introduction of the new OM 500 V6 and V8 diesel engines with Telligent engine control.
As the first truck to emerge with collaboration between designers and aerodynamic engineers, the manufacturer was able to reduce flow resistance on the Actros by 17%. The chassis of the Actros is produced with two, three, or four axle models, with the option of air suspension. A total of 3300 mm and 6300 mm wheelbases can be selected. The construction version of the Actros is available between 3300 and 5100 mm wheelbases with the option of leaf or air suspension on the front axle and parabolic leaf springs on the rear. The construction variant of the Actros with a 4x2 axle configuration is equipped with drum brakes.
The engines for the MP1 Actros are equipped with an OM501LA V6 or OM502 V8 mated to a 16-speed manual gearbox or a 16-speed hydro-pneumatically operated automatic gearbox.
A new feature of the Actros is the Pump-Line Nozzle Fuel Injection System, an improvement over more traditional plug-in pumps. Each cylinder has its own injection pump, which is driven by its own camshaft.
In 2002, Daimler Trucks/Lorries launched version II of the Actros. The second-generation Actros was released in 2003 with upgraded interior and exterior components such as Bi-Xenon headlamps, updated Euro 3 emission compliance, a lighter rear axle, and new equipment. Mercedes-Benz released a new special edition of the Actros, the Black Edition series, which is limited to 250 units. This Black Edition Series comes with a 450 kW (612 PS) OM502LA V8 engine with upgraded interior and exterior components such as bird's-eye maple, leather-wrapped steering wheel and seat covers with Mercedes-Benz "Star" badge, a specially designed grille with chrome clasp, a new front apron with stainless steel grill, chrome-framed headlights, and chrome-plated side mirrors.
The second generation comes with an electronic sequential gearbox that Mercedes-Benz has dubbed the "Telligent Gearbox." It utilizes a computer together with a load-sensing system on the fifth-wheel coupling to estimate the proper gear. There is also an automatic version that works like the Tiptronic system found in Mercedes-Benz cars.
In 2007, Daimler Trucks/Lorries launched version III of the Actros. The third-generation Actros was introduced in 2008 at the IAA Commercial Vehicles, and it was the last facelift of the previous Actros. At the time of launch, the Actros was the first truck in the segment to offer automatic transmission as standard. The changes for the MP3 Actros include side mirrors adapted from special edition models of the previous generation, with closed brackets, and slightly revised Bi-Xenon headlamps. A battery status indicator was added, as were rain and light sensors, a world first for a truck. The third-generation Actros ended production in 2011 and was replaced with the New Actros. There were plans to continue production in Asia and other countries up until 2020.
The Mercedes-Benz Actros is equipped with two types of engines: the OM 501 LA-541 and the OM 502 LA-542. The OM 501 is a 12-litre V6 and has outputs ranging from 228 to 353 kW (310 to 480 PS). The OM502 is a V8 engine that has an output ranging from 257 to 480 kW (350 to 652 PS).
The Actros cabs come in four types: S, M, L, and LH "MegaSpace." The S cab is designed for daily operation and construction vehicles. The M cab is designed for distribution vehicles and offers a sleeper. The L cab is a low-roof long-haul cab, providing comfortable driving and rest. The LH "MegaSpace" is a long-haul high-roof cab, providing comfort for long driving and space for movement.
Depending on the model, either Actros 1, 2, or 3, the electronics may vary. For example, the braking system known as EPB or BS from Wabco incorporates Anti-lock braking system and Traction control system functions. The stopping distance of the Actros was much reduced compared to its predecessor, the SK. In later models of Actros 2 and all Actros 3 models, the braking system was improved to EPB 2. The electronics in Actros 1 are networked via Controller Area Network (CAN) in a system known as IES (Integrated Electronics System). In Actros 2 and 3, the electronics are also networked by CAN in a system known as KontAkt. A wide range of other electronic features was or is offered as extras, mostly oriented towards safety.
Actros Armored Heavy Support Vehicle System (AHSVS) is a military armored truck using the civilian Actros platform with a protected cab developed by Land Mobility Technologies in South Africa in cooperation with Composhield of Denmark for Mercedes-Benz. Singapore uses military variants of the Actros for its Singapore Army in heavy-lift logistical support roles, designated as the HMCT (High Mobility Cargo Transporter). New Zealand purchased four Actros in 2010 to haul adjustable-width quad-axle low-loader semi trailers primarily for the transportation of LAVs (light armored vehicles).
The fourth generation of the Actros, officially named "the New Actros", was launched in July 2011. In 2011, the New Actros appeared for the first time. Components are not shared with its predecessors. Although available at launch with Euro V emissions standards, the New Actros was designed as a Euro VI truck with the additional space required for cooling systems. The fourth version offers several engine options in either Euro-5 or Euro-6. In Euro-6, inline-six engines are used in both series: OM471 with a 12,8-litre engine range power output of 310 to 390 kW (422 to 530 PS) and OM473 with a 15.6-litre engine range power output of 380 to 460 kW (517 to 625 PS).
In September 2018, Mercedes-Benz revealed the revised 2019 Actros at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, Germany. The vehicle now has two color displays (a touch screen and an infotainment display behind the steering wheel), replacing the conventional instrument cluster on old Actros models, and can be integrated with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Its outside mirrors were replaced with cameras, and it can do semi-automated driving using Active Drive Assist.
The electric truck family includes model 300 and 400 delivery trucks and model 600 long-haul semi. Series production of the semi started in November 2024 and the first deliveries to German customers were in December. Online retail giant Amazon ordered 200 model 600 tractors for UK and Germany operations.
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