Chassis and Powertrain 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 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.

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.

[3] The changes for the MP3 Actros are the side mirrors, which were adapted from the special edition models of the previous generation and have closed brackets, and slightly revised Bi-Xenon headlamps.

It pushes forward the principle used in some earlier Mercedes-Benz tractors: using the gearshift lever to command a pneumatically actuated system that changes the gears.

The Telligent gearbox utilizes a computer together with a load-sensing system on the fifth-wheel coupling to estimate the proper gear that the truck must be in.

The system consists of a small lever, tilted for ergonomics, mounted under the right armrest and a flat switch underneath.

After the gearshift has been completed, a double click is sounded through the speakers, and the driver proceeds with pulling off as normal.

These include lane assist (which warns the driver if they inadvertently leave their lane), autonomous intelligent cruise control (ART), which engages the brakes if the vehicle in front suddenly stops, side-looking radar for warning the driver about a vehicle in their blind spot, and more, mostly oriented towards safety.

Actros Armored Heavy Support Vehicle System (AHSVS) is a military armored truck (86 were ordered by the Canadian Army in 2007) 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.

[4] 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), and recently as a launch platform for the air defense system and the intercontinental ballistic missile trailer.

[5] In 2010, New Zealand purchased four Actros to haul adjustable-width quad-axle low-loader semi trailers primarily for the transportation of LAVs (light armored vehicles).

In September 2018, Mercedes-Benz revealed the revised 2019 Actros at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, Germany.

Online retail giant Amazon ordered 200 model 600 tractors for UK and Germany operations.