At a glance
Make & Model: Mercedes-Benz Actros 2554LS Megaspace Engine: OM502 LA 16-litre V8, Euro 3 Power: 540hp Torque: 2500nm Gearbox: Telligent II electronic manual Operator: Armco Civils UK
Mercedes-Benz had a long history of V8 engines, with the last ones produced in the MP3 Actros up to Euro 5 in 2013. With a huge cab, plenty of power and comfort, the top power Mercs were more than a match for rivals of the time.
During this period, curiously you could have either a V6 or a V8 engine in the Actros, while the fleet-spec Axor used a straight six engine. Most of the Actros models sold here were V6s, which were mostly 440/460/480hp and more than enough for general haulage. The V8 was available at Euro 3, 4 and 5. When Euro 6 arrived, there was a completely new range of engines introduced, all in-line sixes.
The V8s were fairly rare when new, but like all Mercs, they were in big demand for export. The Far East and Africa love them so many models aren’t around for long. Today, there’s a huge market for MP4 models, some have even been converted to left-hand drive – showing just how much customers want them.
MP3s of any type are now a rare sight in the UK and we knew we had to find a V8 model for this special issue of T&D. So we were delighted to spot this awesome example at the Causeway Coast Truck show in 2019. We’ve since also found a couple more, so look out for those in T&D next year.
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