Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 Review
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Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 Review
Premium Comfort and Fuel Economy Tests
A truck that can save fuel is valuable. A truck that also makes you feel better after 10 hours behind the wheel is even more interesting.
That is where the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 makes a strong case for itself. With its 15.6-litre six-cylinder engine, 625–630 hp output and 3,000 Nm of torque, this is a serious heavy-duty prime mover designed for operators who spend long hours covering big kilometres.
For an owner-driver, though, horsepower alone does not pay the bills. Fuel consumption, fatigue, reliability, drivability and the quality of the cab all matter.
And the Actros 2663 has some impressive numbers behind it.
Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 Engine and Performance
The heart of the Actros 2663 is the OM473 15.6-litre six-cylinder diesel.
Depending on the specification and source, the engine is rated at around 625–630 hp and produces 3,000 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 12-speed PowerShift automated manual transmission.
That is plenty of muscle.
But what stands out is how effortlessly the engine delivers its performance. During a Trucksales road test, an Actros 2663 operating at approximately 55 tonnes handled steep grades without drama, with the transmission generally needing to drop no lower than 10th gear.
For the owner-driver, that matters.
You don't want a truck constantly hunting through gears every time the road rises. Smooth power delivery makes a long interstate run much less tiring.
The 2663 also has a crawler function in its automated transmission, making low-speed manoeuvring easier when you're backing onto a loading dock, positioning a trailer or working in confined areas.
Fuel Economy: Where the 2663 Gets Interesting
Let's talk about the number most operators really want to know.
How much diesel does it use?
There is no single fuel-consumption figure that applies to every Actros 2663. Weight, terrain, weather, trailer configuration, speed, traffic and driving technique can make a huge difference.
One Australian road test recorded 50.6 litres per 100 km, equivalent to approximately 1.98 km per litre, while operating around 55 tonnes on a mixture of secondary roads and stop-start conditions.
That's respectable, but the truck can do better under the right conditions.
A later Actros 2663 GigaSpace test recorded 2.17 km/L on one day and 2.38 km/L on another, with the latter run involving a 40-tonne combination.
Even more interesting is the experience of Victorian operator Daniel Venditti, who reported approximately 2.4 km/L at 63 tonnes on a run towards Bairnsdale and around 2.0 km/L in urban work.
These figures demonstrate an important point.
Don't judge a truck's fuel economy from one short test drive.
Predictive Powertrain Control Can Make a Difference
One of the clever features available on the Actros is Predictive Powertrain Control, or PPC.
The system uses information about the road ahead and topography to help determine when the truck should accelerate, coast or change gears. The idea is simple: don't waste diesel fighting the road when you don't need to.
EcoRoll can also allow the truck to coast under appropriate conditions.
For an owner-driver travelling thousands of kilometres each month, small improvements can become significant money over a year.
That's why fuel economy should be considered over a proper operating cycle rather than one trip around the dealership.
Keep the same trailer. Compare similar loads. Record kilometres and litres. Run the numbers over several weeks.
That's when you find out what your truck is really costing you.
Premium Comfort for Long-Haul Drivers
Here's where the Actros 2663 separates itself from many working trucks.
The cab is designed around the driver.
During an Australian road test, the Actros was praised for its exceptionally smooth and quiet ride. Even over poor secondary roads, occupants could carry on a conversation without raising their voices.
That's not a luxury you should dismiss.
Noise and vibration become tiring over a full working week. A truck that reduces that constant background punishment can make a genuine difference to how you feel when you arrive home.
And if you live in the truck during interstate work, the cab becomes even more important.
The GigaSpace Cab
The optional GigaSpace cab takes the comfort argument another step.
The cab offers approximately 2.13 metres of interior height at its centre, allowing taller drivers to stand and move around without constantly bending over.
That sounds like a small detail.
It isn't.
Imagine finishing a 600-kilometre day, climbing into the sleeper and being able to stand upright while changing clothes. You appreciate that sort of thing very quickly.
The GigaSpace also provides substantial storage and sleeping space, making it particularly attractive for interstate owner-drivers who spend several nights away from home.
One road test described the mattress as exceptionally comfortable, while the insulation helped keep outside noise from disturbing sleep.
Good sleep means better concentration the following morning.
That's a business issue as much as a comfort issue.
MirrorCam and Visibility
Depending on specification, the Actros can be equipped with Mercedes-Benz MirrorCam.
Instead of conventional external mirrors, cameras feed images to screens inside the cab.
The Australian test found that MirrorCam provided a wide view around the truck, remained useful in different weather conditions and offered particularly good visibility when reversing.
For someone pulling a long trailer, that can be a major advantage.
The system also provides reference markings showing distances behind the truck, helping the driver judge where vehicles are positioned.
There is a learning curve, though.
If you're accustomed to traditional mirrors, give yourself time to adjust before deciding whether MirrorCam is for you.
Safety Technology
The Actros 2663 isn't just about comfort.
Safety technology includes systems such as Active Brake Assist, lane-keeping assistance, attention monitoring, proximity control and tyre-pressure monitoring, depending on the specification.
The fifth-generation Active Brake Assist system is designed to provide advanced emergency braking assistance, including recognition of vehicles and pedestrians in appropriate circumstances.
For an owner-driver, safety equipment isn't simply about protecting the truck.
It's about protecting you, your livelihood and everyone sharing the road.
What Does the Actros 2663 Feel Like to Drive?
The best description is probably effortless.
The engine has enormous reserves of torque. The automated gearbox takes away much of the workload. The steering is direct, and the suspension and cab combination can make rougher roads considerably easier to tolerate.
You still have to drive the truck.
But you're not constantly fighting it.
That distinction becomes important after several hundred kilometres.
Is the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 Worth Buying?
For the owner-driver looking for a premium heavy-duty prime mover, the Actros 2663 deserves serious consideration.
Its biggest strengths are:
Powerful 15.6-litre engine
625–630 hp and 3,000 Nm
12-speed automated transmission
Strong real-world fuel economy potential
Excellent long-distance comfort
Spacious GigaSpace option
Advanced safety technology
Predictive Powertrain Control
Excellent visibility with MirrorCam
Strong performance at heavy operating weights
The main consideration is whether the higher purchase price and sophisticated technology make financial sense for your particular operation.
Don't simply compare repayments.
Calculate the whole operating cost.
Look at fuel. Servicing. Tyres. Insurance. Finance interest. Expected resale value. Downtime. And, importantly, how many kilometres you expect to put on the truck each year.
A truck that costs more to buy but saves thousands of dollars in diesel and keeps its driver productive can sometimes be the cheaper truck to own.
Final Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 Review: Premium Comfort and Fuel Economy Tests produces a pretty clear result: this is a prime mover built around the realities of modern long-haul trucking.
It has serious power when you need it.
Yet it doesn't feel like a truck that is constantly working hard.
Australian testing has demonstrated fuel figures ranging from roughly 2.0 km/L to well above 2.3 km/L under favourable conditions, while owner feedback has also highlighted the truck's comfort and reduced driver fatigue.
For an owner-driver, that combination is difficult to ignore.
Because the best truck isn't necessarily the one with the biggest engine or the flashiest badge.
It's the one that earns money while making the kilometres easier to drive.
Contact Wayne Taylor on 0418 266 994 today for an obligation-free discussion and discover how the right finance solution could help move your business forward.