Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles division counts several iconic vehicles in its product lineup, but despite appearances, the core shining star is not the techno-laden, heavy hauler the Actros. This technological wonder of the transport world may be superbly flash, but the real cornerstone of the business is the reliable, hard-working, value-driven Axor.

And now, there’s a new star in the sky.

Released to the SA market in 2003, the Axor originally built on the strengths of the legendary Powerliner range to deliver an ideal transport all-rounder, sophisticated enough to boast powerful engines featuring excellent environmental credentials (Euro 3 compliance) as well as leading levels of driver safety features, but without the complexity and potential faults of its more silicone-packed big brother.

The Axor made strong inroads into the African market upon its release, seeming to be ideal for the harsh local conditions and usage patterns. The new truck has been further enhanced and optimised for this unique environment, a fact which is borne out perfectly by the introduction of an extra heavy-duty 6X4 truck tractor specific to the South African marketplace.

Rugged beast

The basic strength of this rugged beast is its all-but-unbreakable chassis, perfectly suited to carrying the heaviest loads over the harshest of terrain, day in and day out for hundreds of thousands of kilometres without complaint. It’s also the reason why this machine is happy to be driven, as so many local operators require, by a variety of drivers using a variety of driving techniques.

"It’s not every day that a truck is custom-made for local conditions," explains Peter Wraight, product manager, Mercedes Benz Commercial Vehicles division.

"The Axor is the culmination of ten years’ planning and collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Germany and the local engineers at the truck research centre in East London and the development centres in Turkey and Brazil. Considering the fact that European driving techniques and conditions are more sophisticated, it made sense that the truck had to be tested under local conditions. The trucks have been tested almost to destruction by South African engineers, mechanics and truck drivers, to ensure the truck was tough enough to handle local conditions and infrastructure."

Powering the Axor truck tractor are two different versions of the renowned, 12-litre inline-6 ADE motor, developing 350 and 400 HP respectively and incorporating the latest engine-management software created to optimise fuel efficiency and achieve that Euro 3 legislative compliance. Of course torque makes a similar jump, from 1800Nm in the less powerful variant up to a fulsome 2000Nm in the 400HP motor. Axor models fitted with the more potent powertrain feature a full sleeper cab, while 350HP variants get a fold out mattress, both of which are ergonomically optimised for ultimate driver comfort and, therefore, a sound nights rest.

This vehicle is suitable for the widest variety of applications, and the launch models were fitted with an interesting range of trailers including a double-tipper model to demonstrate this versatility. The Axor 6X4 is rated to carry an impressive 55 tons, and at the launch we found ourselves in the cab of a fully-loaded example, which when pulled off at the weighbridge on the long uphill road to Lydenberg came in at just under 49 tons GCM. Nevertheless, the powerful inline-6 diesel motor hauled this load up and down these testing hills with relative ease.

Strength in simplicity

One of the Axors strengths is its simplicity, which makes it supremely reliable but also, should anything go wrong, very quick and easy to repair for the absolute minimum of downtime. And yet, despite this lack of complexity, the Axor is still packed with features focussed on the safety of the driver, including elements such as the Powershift 16-speed gearbox and assisted steering which take a huge amount of effort out of driving such a capable monster, thereby reducing fatigue induced by the physical act of driving. Braking assistance is also enhanced by the standard fitment of an auxiliary braking system, while additional mirrors ensure that the driver is constantly visually aware of his surroundings.

The concept of simplicity also makes the Axor more suited to African conditions, as driver training on a raft of excessively sophisticated features and addenda is not required.

"The new Axor 6x4 is a good, solid and straightforward vehicle and yet has the precise levels of sophistication to ensure it is reliable, economical and safe," concludes Wraight.

And lest we forget, even the appealing aesthetics of the cab, very similar to the headline-grabbing Actros models, enhance the drivers emotional connection with the vehicle therefore further promoting safer driving practices. A bit of an off-the-wall idea perhaps, but in fact a very powerful truth.

With the new, designed-for Africa Axor 6X4 and, in fact, the entirety of the new Axor range, Mercedes Benz has lain down the gauntlet for other manufacturers of extra-heavy duty commercial vehicles to try to catch up with. Available in both truck tractor and freight carrier configurations, the Axor offers a near-ideal product at an appealing price with the complete backup of a giant of the trucking world which has been tailor-made for exceptional productivity and reliability in our own environment.

I don’t think you can ask much more from a commercial vehicle really, do you?