Tested: Australia’s first mirrorless vehicle

In a move that could could spell the beginning of the end for the humble rear-vision mirror, Mercedes-Benz is about to release the first vehicle that meets Australian Design Rules without mirrors – and we’ve just had a preview drive.

Among a host of other updates, the latest incarnation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros prime-mover will be available with the German auto giant’s MirrorCam system, which comprises a series of high-definition digital cameras to replace the regular mirrors that usually hang off the side of the truck.

In place of mirrors, two small stalks stick out of the bodywork of the truck above the doors and just behind the A-pillar. These contain the cameras that send the live images to the screens mounted inside the cab on the A-pillars. The screens are split and provide wide-angle and realistic views of what’s happening behind the vehicle.

There are also a series of graduated lines on the mirrors that show you where the end of the trailer is as well as 50, 100 and 150 metres behind the truck so you know exactly how far behind other vehicles are on the road.

Climbing into the cab of the new Actros, the surroundings are familiar save for the rectangular screens adorning the front corners. They don’t take up much space and come on with the activation of the fob.

The images can be adjusted by the door-mounted controls similar to those of regular rear-vision mirrors. The screens can also be customised to adjust the markers showing the end of the vehicle in the case of single or B-double applications.

Easing the Actros out of the Mercedes-Benz carpark, I did find myself looking out the window for the mirror, but soon got used to the screens and found I could actually see more of the truck and the rear wheels of the trailer than I could if I was looking at a real mirror.

Approaching the first T-intersection, the big thing I noticed was the significant increase in peripheral vision. The lack of mirrors outside the windows meant that the vast areas of glass were unimpeded and the safety aspects of this are self-evident.

On the freeway, the screens are fantastic. The view of the lanes and the vehicles behind is clear and precise. The distance markers make lane changing and planning a dream. And the fact you only have to glance sideways rather than look out the window to get a view behind is both safer and easier.

The cameras are heated and treated with a substance that repels water and road grime, so they stay clean and free of ice and water. On the day of our test there was typically inclement Melbourne weather and we drove through heavy rain squalls, mist and light showers, yet the cameras never showed a drop.

The system was truly impressive in conditions which would have had mirrors wet and possibly partially obscured.

Asked what maintenance the cameras required, we were told that a simple wipe-down with a cleaning cloth once a fortnight or so should do it – just as you would your external mirrors.

Potential owners can order the mirrorless Actros now for delivery early next year. Mercedes-Benz is circumspect about the number of trucks it expects to sell with MirrorCam tech, but a figure of around 50 per cent was bandied about.

Certainly given the trucks are already on the road in Europe and now that MirrorCam has ADR approval, there’s no doubt other companies will follow suit -- not only in the truck market but in the passenger car, SUV and light commercial vehicle sectors as well.

The cameras and screens offer not only better rear vision, but enhanced peripheral vision and fuel savings due to reduced drag.

According to Mercedes-Benz the MirrorCam option price will be “around a thousand dollars”, which is relatively affordable when it comes to a prime-mover that costs in excess of a quarter of a million dollars.

As demand increases, the price of the technology will come down and, in future, we’re sure to see fewer mirrors on vehicles of all types on our roads.