Mercedes-Benz Axor is the designation for a truck series of the Mercedes-Benz Truck division of Daimler AG.

In the summer of 2001, the heavy-duty Atego models were replaced by the new Axor series. With tonnages ranging from 18 to 35 metric tons, the Axor covers the spectrum between the little Atego and the large Actros series. The smaller Axor is not equipped with the V6 diesel OM 501 LA of the Actros, but has the straight six-cylinder OM 906 LA from the Atego and the OM 926 LA. Available outputs are therefore between 175 and 240 kW (238–326 hp) and 950–1300 Nm. The 12-liter OM 457 LA with 265 to 315 kW (360–428 hp) and 1850–2100 Nm is the biggest engine variant installed in the Axor.

At the launch of the new Axor series, Mercedes-Benz already offered the proven Atego cab variants S, S extended, L with one bed and L high-roof with 2 beds. Moreover, various wheelbases between 3150 mm and 6300 mm were offered. All variants could be combined with different bodies. The transmission of the Axor came from the Atego. It was the G85/6-6 with 6 speeds and a 12-speed transmission, which was a 6-speed basic transmission with splitter and a reverse gear. Actros transmissions are optionally available.
The first facelift of the Axor was presented at the IAA for commercial vehicles in 2004. This facelift included an adaptation of the headlights and the front to those of the new Actros of March 2003. Nothing about the engines was changed, these remained the same. However, it was now possible to combine the engines with different transmissions. On the one hand the new hydraulically operated manual transmission with the name G131-9. This was a 4-speed basic transmission with splitter and crawler, and a reverse gear. On the other the equally new G85-6 Telligent automatic transmission (a technology adopted from the Actros). This was also responsible controlling the brake and assist systems (ABS, ASR, BAS, etc.). The entire cockpit of the Axor was revised, making it extremely modern and very much resembling that of a passenger car. This cockpit was available in three different versions: distribution, long-distance and comfort. However, all vehicles were equipped with the distribution version as standard. The other two versions were available for an additional charge. The distribution version had a narrow front section to make it easier to climb through to the co-driver’s seat. Additionally, the distribution cockpit can be equipped with an extra center seat.
By contrast, the long-distance and comfort versions of the Axor have a wide front section for additional storage compartments. The long-distance version also has lots of storage compartments on the engine block. The comfort version has high-quality surfaces intended to offer the driver greater comfort. The beds were widened and given a heavy-duty slatted mattress support to further increase the driver’s comfort. The new dimensions of the beds are now 64.5 cm (bottom) and 70 cm (top). The second facelift of the Axor was carried out in 2010. During this the Axor was given a modified vehicle front. This was adapted to the vehicle front of the 3rd generation Actros.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks (Daimler Trucks) belongs to the truck division of Daimler AG. This division covers the Mercedes-Benz, Fuso, Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses brands.

Daimler advanced to become one of the biggest truck manufacturers in the world. Since 1965, the most important production location of Mercedes-Benz Trucks has been the plant at Wörth am Rhein. The main truck models, including the Actros, Atego and Axor, are built in Wörth; specifically this involves cab production and vehicle assembly.

In 1896, designers and company-founders Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler presented the first Mercedes-Benz truck as a Daimler truck from Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG – Daimler Engine Company), as it was called at the time. Daimler-Benz produced various platform trucks and trucks up until the outbreak of the Second World War. Models such as the Mercedes-Benz Lo 2000 and the L 1500 with wood gasification plant, both of which date to the 1930s, can still be marveled at today in museums.

In 2004, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to present Mercedes-Benz engines that complied with the Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards. Mercedes-Benz Trucks used SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to achieve this. This technology was later also used by most other truck manufacturers. The SCR catalytic converter works by converting the toxic nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and water vapor in a chemical reaction through the addition of AdBlue. This means that the emissions are no longer reduced only within the engine, as was normal for engines up to that point.

A lot of value was placed on safety in the Actros. It therefore comes as no surprise to learn that the launch of the Actros saw the introduction of new safety systems. The Actros was given ABS, ASR and a driver airbag – these systems are available in most long-distance trucks nowadays. Other systems, such as distance control, stability control, lane assist and emergency brake assist, were also installed as options.