New Mercedes-Benz Actros Drops Rearview Mirrors For Cameras, Here’s How They Work

The new Mercedes-Benz Actros truck launched last year replaces the conventional rearview mirrors with the MirrorCam camera system.

A standard feature on all Actros models, the rearview cameras are mounted on the roof frame and are connected to displays located inside the cabin on the A-pillars. According to the truck maker, there are many advantages to using rearview cameras.

Essentially, they are much smaller and therefore offer improved aerodynamics, lower fuel consumption and better visibility. Thanks to the MirrorCam, the driver now has an unobstructed view where rearview and wide-angle mirrors previously covered large areas to the right and left of the A-pillar. This comes in handy especially at junctions, when maneuvering and in tight bends.

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Additionally, the driver must no longer look as far to the right or left to see traffic to the rear. Another advantage of the MirrorCam emerges during cornering, when it swivels the image of the camera mounted toward the inside of the bend, so that the driver always has the end of the trailer in view.

Unlike traditional mirrors that can get misty and dirty, the cameras are better protected as they are mounted high up on the vehicle and feature a small roof above the camera lens and special coating. More importantly, the camera is automatically heated at temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).

As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the optimized wind resistance can result in up to 1.5 percent less fuel consumed. Obviously, truck drivers will need some time to adjust to the new tech but Mercedes-Benz says that is done smoothly as the MirrorCam system is very intuitive.

You can decide for yourself if that’s the case by watching the video tutorials explaining how the MirrorCam system works.