Size Matters: The Mercedes Actros Cab | A TruckLocator Review

The Mercedes Actros Cab - A Review Feature

We are all concerned about payload capabilities, fuel economy, reliability and emissions levels but let's face it, the cab of your truck is hugely important. It is where you spend your working day after all and often where you sleep and spend a large chuck of your leisure time too, so it is no wonder that it is a vital part of any the decision to buy any truck.

Cab Size Options

The Mercedes Actros comes with cab options like GigaSpace, BigSpace, StreamSpace and ClassicSpace, so you can immediately see where they are going with this. Clearly, space is a big issue. When you add variations for floor type, rooflines, cab widths and trim levels, it is clear too that there are loads of options.

The GigaSpace is clearly the daddy. It has 2.13 metres in headroom and a 2.5m wide flat floor. It also has around a cubic metre more space than the MegaSpace version. At the other end of the spectrum we have the ClassicSpace, with only 1.4 metres of headroom and a 2.3 metre wide floor with a bulging engine tunnel. Clearly there are more of these entry level Mercedes Actros cabs around. Outside, the cab is a handsome beast. There is a steep V-shape grille with perforated louvers. The famous three pointed star is prominent and actually lights up at night - just to let everyone know you are driving a Mercedes.

Mercedes is fond of its 'flowing' design language, with the bumper, door and wind deflector all seeming to merge into one another in a pleasing swoop. Clearly aerodynamics is important and the 2011 Mercedes Actros cab has a few features to help. The windscreen is now slanted by 15 degrees rather than the previous 12 to improve aerodynamics. The larger BigSpace and GigaSpace cabs also have a bulbous nose to help stream the air around the cab. The cab has been extensively tested in the wind tunnel and features further tweaks like corner panelling that is shaped to deflect air and the louvered grille, which can be closed to optimise aerodynamics when strong cooling is not required.

Inside the cab has been separated into living and working quarters. All except the most basic version have an electric sunroof, making the cabs pleasingly airy. All flat floor versions have comfort cab suspension and the BigSpace and GigaSpace versions add a suspension driver's seat. Standard equipment across the range extends to roller sun blinds, air-con and a compressed air hose for cab cleaning. That living and working area separation is achieved by a contrasting colour scheme, with business-like dark greys in the working area and more relaxing light almond colours in the living area.

The cab is fitted with a multifunction steering wheel, which will look familiar to drivers of Mercedes cars and the instrument cluster has been redefined. Large circular instruments house the speedo and rev counter, while smaller circles display fuel gauge, coolant and temperature gauges. There is a large, multifunction colour display between the gauges. This displays lots of info, such as driver metrics and houses the reversing camera images. Entertainment includes CD player, radio and USB connection and bunks come with thick, comfortable mattresses. With the best storage capacity in the industry, the Mercedes Actros cabs are some of the most attractive on the market today.