The first generation of the Mercedes‑Benz Actros was introduced in 1996 and was a technological milestone. Whether it was disc brakes all round, control units networked via a CAN bus, or the Telligent systems that assist the driver, for example when braking and shifting — all of this had previously been unimaginable for heavy trucks. The cab was offered in the familiar three length variants S, M and L. However, the L cab, known as "MegaSpace", featured a flat cab floor at Mercedes‑Benz for the first time.