Mercedes-Benz's 40-ton Heavy-Duty Truck Technology: "Engine Brake Output Exceeds 500 Horsepower"

Mercedes-Benz's heavy-duty commercial vehicle model has shown stable performance even in extreme driving environments based on powerful engine performance and sophisticated control technology. According to the video, the vehicle demonstrated sophisticated engine and transmission control technology while enduring a total weight of 40 tons (including a payload of 25 tons).

Engine Brake Technology Controlling Exhaust and Valve Lines Simultaneously

The video introduced the unique braking method of the OM 471 engine installed in the vehicle. Instead of a traditional retarder (a device that controls the drive axle using hydraulic pressure), this vehicle adopts a braking method that utilizes the engine system. The video explained, "There is no traditional retarder at all," and "Instead, the engine brake output reaches over 500 horsepower."

The reason such high-output engine braking is possible is that it does not simply control the exhaust line, but also simultaneously controls the Valve line to generate braking force. The video explained the necessity of braking through the engine system, noting that for a vehicle with a total weight exceeding 40 tons, managing heat could be difficult if one were to continuously use only physical air brakes or disc brakes. Additionally, it was confirmed that a lever capable of operating the engine brake is placed in the same location where the existing retarder used to be.

Sophisticated Cruise Control in 0.5km/h Increments and Driving Assistance

The precision of the driving assistance system was also notable. When setting the cruise control, the speed can be finely adjusted in increments of 0.5km/h, designed to maximize the efficiency of the 13,000cc (13-liter) class large engine. This vehicle, which uses a 12-speed transmission, moves by splitting RPM into very small increments, and the detailed speed settings of the cruise control help maintain efficient gear ratios.

In particular, the intelligent settings responding to terrain changes stood out. On flat ground, it allows a margin of up to 4km/h from the set speed; on descents, it opens a lower limit of up to 10km/h, and on climbs, it opens a lower limit of minus 9km/h to increase driving efficiency. In the case of the lane-keeping function, it notifies the driver through visual guidance along with an immediate warning sound when departing from the lane. The video also confirmed real-time information provision functions, such as the distance to the vehicle ahead being displayed as 22m.

While pulling a 40-ton load, the clutch meet process of the 12-speed transmission was very smooth. The video explained that when the accelerator is pressed, the vehicle responds immediately while giving the feeling of taking its first step smoothly, delivering great power without any sense of incongruity. Furthermore, thanks to the air-cushioned seat and robust cabin design, it showed high completeness, such as no rattling noises occurring even when crossing speed bumps.

Traction Control and Differential Lock Functions to Assist Off-Road Escape

In off-road driving tests, the robust design and control capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle were revealed. In a quarry section with mud and slopes, the vehicle continuously operated traction control to manage slip. The video explained that the engine does not completely kill the output but adjusts it by applying it finely so that it does not slip excessively, showing the process of breaking through rough terrain through the combination of powerful low-speed torque reaching 1,500–2,000 and slip control.

In particular, it was confirmed that the vehicle overcomes high bumps through the 'Differential Lock' function, which distributes driving force uniformly when wheels spin. Additionally, it is equipped with the 'Wheel Holder' function to prevent the vehicle from sliding on slopes and the 'Hold' function useful for downhill driving, increasing driving convenience in various terrains. It also features functions that intuitively convey the situation to the driver, such as a warning sound occurring if the vehicle attempts to roll backward when the Wheel Holder is operating.

The video concluded by showing how advanced specifications, including digital side mirrors, operate in rough road driving environments.