Mercedes launch six for Britain
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by the technical editor
SIX NEW MODELS for the British market were announced by Mercedes-Benz on Monday.
Two are at the heavy end of the weight scale and feature the new "environmental" cab. The 16265 is expected to be the best seller for 32-ton operation with its V8 engine developing 188kw (256bhp) at 2500 rpm. The more powerful 1632s is also listed in rhd form with the VIO version of the Mercedes modular power unit range which produces 239kW (320bhp).
Mercedes-Benz points out that these new models augment rather than replace the existing LPS 1418 and 1924 models.
At the opposite end of the weight scale are some additions to the range of Dusseldorf-built Transporters. The L407D (replacing the familiar L406D) is fitted with a more powerful engine developing 48kW (65bhp) at 4200rpm. This engine, the OM 616, is broadly similar to that fitted to the 240D passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz and is somewhat unusual for a diesel unit in that it uses an overhead camshaft.
The L508D is new to the UK market filling the gap between the L407D and the heavier L608D. It is available with three wheelbase options of 2.9, 3.5 and 4.1m (9ft 6in, lift 6in and 13ft Sin) either as integral vans or chassis cabs. Together with the L608D a "super-long" version is catalogued which gives a loading volume of 15cum (530cuft) which goes up to 16cum (565cuft) if the 1.9m (6ft 3in) roof option is specified.
Another brand new model, so far as the British market is concerned, is the 10.5-tonnegvw LP 911 aimed at the retail distribution trade. Mercedes-Benz maintains that the choice of chassis in this weight range has up to now been restricted to relatively low-cost mass-production models with a limited life expectancy, and that the 911 is marketed on a more long-term life expectancy. The power unit is the 5.67 litres (346cuin) OM 352 engine producing 94kW (126bhp) at 2800rpm with the maximum torque of 364Nm (2681hft) at 2000rpm. The kerb weight in chassis-cab form is 3.39 tonnes for the short wheel-base option and 3.44 tonnes for the long, giving a body/payload allowance of 7 tonnes (6.89 tons).
Driving impressions
Several of the new vehicles were available for brief drives by the press at the MVEE test track at Chobham recently. As well as the new-to-Britain models, the long-serving 1418 truck was on show with its new braking system.
Most of the smaller vehicles were unladen including the new LP 911-1 would have liked to try this one fully laden. My main impressions were of a reasonably quiet vehicle with well-spaced ratios although obviously the latter would be influenced by the light weight.
The Transporters were all very impressive from the driver's point of view. All had excellent driving positions with well laid-out controls although the gear lever was very close to the seat in the higher gears. For a delivery type of vehicle the L407D and L508D must be among the most comfortable on the market. The rear view mirrors were large enough to be of some use although I did not particularly like the sliding cab windows.
One of the trucks at Chobham which was fully laden was the new 1626S—featuring the "New Generation" cab — which I drove briefly. Next week's issue of CM (May 30) will include a full road test and operational trial of this model.