Rumors of Withdrawal from China Debunked? New-Generation Mercedes-Benz Actros Domestic Model Appears in Official Announcement! A Look at Its Differences from the European Version!

Earlier, an overseas report sent some domestic truck self-media authors into a frenzy. For a time, news about “Mercedes-Benz Trucks withdrawing from the Chinese market” spread like wildfire. But is Mercedes-Benz Trucks really leaving China? Perhaps one day in the future, but certainly not now!

Because on August 8, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially released the 398th batch of the Announcement on Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Products (hereinafter referred to as the “Announcement”). In this batch, the highly anticipated domestically produced new-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros made its official debut. This model adopts Mercedes-Benz’s latest generation platform, boasting core advantages of low wind resistance, high efficiency, and strong intelligence. In Europe, Mercedes-Benz has built two products based on this platform: the eActros 600 long-distance electric heavy-duty truck and the second-generation Actros L diesel flagship heavy-duty truck, which were released in October 2023 and April 2024 respectively. More than a year later, its domestic version has now become a reality.

With the arrival of the all-new model, the rumor that “Mercedes-Benz Trucks is withdrawing from China” may be debunked without further argument! But this is not the focus of this article. As a professional truck review and shopping guide media, our main task today is to show you the features of the new-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros domestic version and its differences from the European version.

What Models Are Available?

In this batch of the Announcement, Beijing Foton Daimler Automobile Co., Ltd. applied for multiple Mercedes-Benz products, including six semi-trailer tractors and one dangerous goods semi-trailer tractor, totaling seven products making their debut at once. These products differ in drive configuration, cab specifications, etc., and are suitable for different transportation scenarios.

Express and freight sectors have long been traditional strengths of domestic Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty trucks. This batch of declared models includes the 4×2 model commonly used in the express industry, focusing on lightweight, high efficiency, and high maneuverability. In addition to the 4×2, the common 6×4 drive configuration is also present, leveraging the advantages of dual-drive models in high traction and load capacity to tackle more complex working conditions.

In this batch, the dangerous goods semi-trailer tractor model BJ4266Y6DHL-A6 also made an appearance. Unlike regular models, this vehicle adds an indicator sign area at the lower right of the front grille to indicate the type of dangerous goods being transported, serving as a reminder and warning, and facilitating quick identification by emergency rescue personnel—compliant with the new Regulations on the Administration of Road Transport of Dangerous Goods.

An anti-static drag strip is installed at the rear of the vehicle to conduct static electricity accumulated during driving to the ground, eliminating the safety hazard of static sparks igniting dangerous goods.

What Improvements Over the Previous Generation?

Compared to the previous generation, the biggest feature of the new-generation domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros is its latest model platform. This platform supports both fuel and electric powertrains overseas, and the latest Gen H2 hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty truck is also undergoing further testing based on this platform. If classified by generation, it actually counts as the sixth-generation Actros. Appearing in China’s official announcement just over a year after its European release, the product rhythm is remarkably fast.

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros introduces many innovations compared to its predecessor. The cab and chassis adopt a split design, with the lower body parts such as the bumper and wheel arches connected directly to the chassis instead of the cab. This design reduces cab weight, improves center-of-gravity distribution, facilitates optimization of suspension damping systems, and helps enhance driving comfort. Additionally, the vehicle features a closed front grille and active air intake grille technology, which not only reduces wind resistance but also adapts to usage needs in different regions and seasons.

Furthermore, the new-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros is equipped with an all-new ProCabin cab. Compared to the previous cab, the front end of the new ProCabin extends 80mm forward, with a more protruding front and a larger rear tilt angle, creating a “wedge-shaped” appearance to reduce air resistance.

What Optional Configurations Are Available?

In terms of optional configurations, the new-generation domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros offers a variety of choices. First, the bumper comes in two options: original color and body-matching color. Headlights are also available in standard and matrix LED versions, synchronized with European configurations.

The roof also has various optional configurations such as sun visors and air horns.

As a modern heavy-duty truck, the new-generation domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros offers both traditional optical rearview mirrors and electronic rearview mirrors. Optical mirrors need no introduction, while the electronic mirrors are Mercedes-Benz’s second-generation MirrorCam system—a benchmark in the industry. Compared to the previous generation, the second-generation MirrorCam electronic mirrors protrude less, enabling higher vehicle maneuverability. The mirror screens in the cab display richer colors with stronger brightness and contrast, making it easier for drivers to identify vehicles and obstacles in the mirrors. Additionally, the system has enhanced night vision capabilities and improved sensitivity to light changes, quickly adjusting camera brightness in environments with rapid light changes (such as entering/exiting tunnels) and providing clear images in rainy, snowy, or nighttime conditions.

Options for fuel tanks, side skirts, and deflectors are also extensive, including a version with an extra-large deflector. According to sources, the new-generation domestic Actros will also offer a China-exclusive body color. Based on blue, its inspiration comes from the color of Sayram Lake at sunrise, when sunlight filters through clouds. This color, specially developed for domestic Mercedes-Benz, incorporates more Chinese elements, is highly poetic, and reflects Mercedes-Benz’s localization philosophy of “In China, For China.”

How Does It Differ from European Models?

Like the current domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros, the new-generation model is divided into Actros and Actros C. The former uses a full Mercedes-Benz powertrain: OM 471 engine + PowerShift transmission. The latter, a China-specific model, uses a Cummins X12/X13 engine + ZF transmission tuned by Mercedes-Benz, forming a high-low configuration strategy. Along with the overseas launch of the second-generation Actros L, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new G 291-12 transmission and new RAR 2.278d rear axle, but it is currently unknown whether these will be fitted to the new-generation domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros.

The second difference from European models is that the new-generation domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros offers an exclusive extended cab. Spy shots of this cab once attracted attention from European truck media, prompting Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ German headquarters to clarify that the extended cab will be exclusive to the Chinese market. Compared to the standard cab, the living area of the extended cab is significantly longer, accommodating a wider bunk and providing more spacious interior space. For common domestic working conditions, the saying “bigger is better” clearly holds true.

Additionally, the new-generation domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros has fewer safety-related sensors than the European version. Due to the EU’s GSR General Safety Regulation requirements, European models are equipped with a sensor matrix of five radars + multiple cameras, enabling active safety features such as ABA6 and ASGA2. Since China has no such regulatory requirements, the new-generation domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros has removed two side radars, which were originally used to detect the rear-side sectors. The front long-range radar in the center of the bumper is retained, while it is unknown whether the two front-side radars inside the headlights have been removed—at least their outer casings remain.

Summary

As early as 2023, the author saw spy shots of the new-generation domestic Mercedes-Benz Actros through a confidential channel. However, at that time, even the eActros 600 had not been launched in Europe, and related information was highly confidential. Now, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros L has begun mass delivery in Europe, and the domestic version has officially appeared in the Announcement. It is hoped that this epoch-making heavy-duty truck, integrating new concepts and technologies, will soon be available to us. Thank you for reading this article! If you want to see more interesting and informative commercial vehicle content, don’t forget to follow us!