• Mercedes-Benz Trucks commemorates the invention of the truck in 1896 with the “130 Years Trucks Edition”.
• Limited to 400 vehicles, the special edition is the first to be available with both a diesel powertrain and a battery-electric drive system.
• Around 30 exclusive equipment features combine historical design elements with the ProCabin cab.

Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Hanover – Mercedes-Benz Trucks is presenting the “130 Years Trucks Edition” at IAA Transportation in Hanover. The special model commemorates the invention of the first truck by Gottlieb Daimler in 1896 and incorporates selected elements from the brand’s history to today’s long-haul trucks. The edition is based on the ProCabin cab and is available in the BigSpace and GigaSpace variants. It is limited to a total of 400 vehicles and includes around 30 exclusive exterior and interior features. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is offering an edition model with both a diesel powertrain and a battery-electric drive system. Production is scheduled to start in October 2026.

“With the 130 Years Trucks Edition, we connect the history of the truck with the requirements of today’s and tomorrow’s long-haul transport. At the same time, the edition pays tribute to the customers and drivers who have accompanied our brand for many years. This is reflected in our guiding principle, ‘Legacy meets Passion’,” says Stina Fagerman, President Mercedes-Benz Trucks Customer Region Europe.

Historical Design Elements for the ProCabin

For the edition, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has adopted several design elements from historic vehicles. Chrome trim elements, known as wings, frame the Mercedes-Benz star at the front. They are inspired by the design of classic short-nose trucks. In addition, the front grille features 140 individually hand-applied chrome dots. Sections of the grille, the entry area and, depending on vehicle configuration, the side cladding are finished in Cardinal Red. This color reinterprets the “oxblood red” shade that was frequently used in the past for frames and wheels.

The edition generally features a Cardinal Red vehicle frame; alternatively, Deep Black is available. Different technical specifications apply to the eActros. Customers can also choose Cardinal Red steel wheels, Deep Black steel wheels or aluminum wheels. On tractor units, a red powder-coated frame cover, known as the catwalk, continues the color concept.

An edition-specific exterior color, “Legacy Silver metallic,” is available as an option in either a matte or glossy finish. The shade references metals such as steel, brass, silver, copper and bronze, which shaped vehicle construction in earlier eras. The regular range of vehicle colors remains unaffected.

“History Sketch” Traces the Development of The Truck

An edition-specific decal design links the individual styling elements. A black front section highlights the star, the chrome wings and the Actros lettering. A Mercedes-Benz wordmark inspired by historic branding is positioned behind the windshield. The Deep Black sun visor carries the edition logo and includes additional LED headlights.

The “History Sketch” decal is applied to the sides of the cab. Based on a hand-drawn sketch by the design team, it depicts motifs from the truck’s development history. The artwork references Gottlieb Daimler, Carl Benz and classic commercial vehicles. Plaques on both doors identify each vehicle as part of the “130 Years Trucks Edition”.

The guiding principle “Legacy meets Passion” describes the connection between technological progress and the personal relationship many customers and drivers have with the brand. The edition translates this approach into specific materials, colors and equipment details without losing sight of the vehicle’s function in long-haul transport.

Diesel and Battery-electric Drive Systems in One Edition

The “130 Years Trucks Edition” is based on the Actros L or the eActros 600. This means the edition concept includes both diesel-powered and battery-electric vehicles.

With this edition model, Mercedes-Benz Trucks builds a bridge between the truck’s 130-year history of development and the ongoing transformation of road freight transport. The choice of powertrain depends on the intended application and the available vehicle configurations. The exact technical specifications vary according to model series, drive system and selected equipment.

Driver’s Workplace, Living Space and Storage Space

Inside the cab, Mercedes-Benz Trucks uses red decorative stitching and leather surfaces. The driver and passenger seats feature an edition-specific red and beige design. The seats are embroidered with the Mercedes-Benz star and lettering. An appropriately upholstered SoloStar seating corner is optionally available. Additional features include leather armrests and door handles, a leather steering wheel with red stitching, and a black leather-covered cockpit with red stitchings.

A two-piece floor mat set with a red border and silver embroidery complements the design concept. Additional highlights include an illuminated entry emblem in the “130 Years Trucks Edition” design and an edition plaque on the trim strip. Depending on the selected equipment, customers can configure trim strips in aluminum or wood-look finishes.

For everyday working and living on the road, the edition offers additional storage compartments on the cockpit and in the driver’s door. The upper bunk features a sleeping area 900 millimeters wide. A telescopic ladder provides easier access. Alternatively, customers can choose the factory-installed TruckLocker instead of the upper bunk. This provides additional storage space in the cab.