DAF Moves Up a Gear with New Generation XD Series

With what is regarded as the best direct vision for busy urban areas, an easy two-step entry for climbing in and out of the cab and a supremely comfortable driving position with a bigger adjustment range than ever before, it is not difficult to appreciate why this new generation DAF XD series, which comes with a host of both standard and optional safety, comfort and efficiency extras, was voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2023’. Harald Seidel, President of DAF Trucks, received what is the most prestigious award in the transport industry during a ceremony at the recent IAA Transportation in Germany, so we eagerly anticipated our trip to learn more. During our stay in Spain we were able to get behind the wheel of an ECF box bodied 4x2 DAF XD 410 FA and a Schmitz Cooler bodied XD 370 FA, both with day cabs – and for good measure, we also had a turn in a VDL skiploader XD 370 FA and a tipper bodied XD 410 FT, a great representative selection which gave us an impressive overview of the range Having entered production just a few weeks ago, the XD series, featuring day and sleeper cab versions, includes a full array of electric variants which will be available in 2023 with ranges of over 500 kilometres on a single charge. At the time of presenting the award, the International Truck of the Year Chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: “DAF has delivered a state-of-the-art distribution truck that sets a new benchmark in its class. The truck range significantly improves direct and indirect vision thus safety, a key factor for distribution vehicles. Also, the vehicle’s efficiency and driver comfort are introducing a new standard in this segment.” We couldn’t agree more, having spent some time putting the trucks through their paces. Climbing up into the cab was made easy thanks to the standard two-step entry, something that busy drivers will appreciate when they have delivery schedules with lots of

Much has already been written about the new DAF XD series, but it was good to have the opportunity to get up close and personal with several models in the range during a Press trip to Sitges south west of Barcelona in sunny Spain, as Export & Freight’s Phil Eaglestone reports.

stops along the way. The door swings open widely, unveiling logically positioned A- and B-pillar handrails. The steering wheel, which can also be very easily fixed in an upright parking position to facilitate movement, can be adjusted over an angle of no less than 6° to 55° and is comfortable to operate no matter how far back the seat is positioned. The stowaway function is particularly handy for getting in and out of the cab. With lots of legroom, every driver can find the ideal position for the ultimate in comfortable driving, as we did. The dashboard of the New Generation DAF XD is beautifully designed and includes state-ofthe-art displays. It features an attractive, central 12” display for all vehicle-related information; there’s also an optional 10.1” touch screen for the DAF Navigation and Infotainment System. All key information is visible at a glance, close to the driver’s horizon. Key vehicle functions are operated through physical buttons, all in direct reach. They are logically located on the steering wheel and on the soft-touch dashboard, enabling the driver to keep his eyes on the road, and hands on the wheel, contributing to both comfort and safety. The dashboard holds no less than three USB sockets for easily connecting phones and tablets and a dedicated compartment for wireless charging a mobile phone. Driver comfort is further enhanced with an intelligent climate system which comes as standard. The system keeps the set, comfortable temperature in the cab for up to an hour by using the residual heat of the engine coolant. This is not only comfortable and very useful during short stops, it also boosts efficiency as there is no need to “fire up” again the climate system after each stop.

SUPERB VISION

The New Generation XD offers a range of interior lighting, including LED technology, to make driving, relaxing and sleeping as comfortable as possible. The Day Cab is fitted with bulb lighting as standard while LED lighting is standard in the Sleeper cab and Sleeper High cab. High-end lighting options are available for all variants that take full advantage of the cab’s exceptional spaciousness. The mirrors of the New Generation DAF XD have an aerodynamic design and are perfectly positioned with a well-defined space between the individual mirrors as well as between mirrors and the slim A-pillar. For best-in-class indirect view, as an option, the DAF Digital Vision System replaces the main and wide-angle mirror. The system features cameras in foldable arms mounted high on the cab. They are heated to provide an optimal view in all weather conditions. In addition, replacing the mirrors by cameras also enhances direct view. The DAF Corner View features a camera which replaces both kerb and front view mirrors and provides a far larger field of view. The display of the DAF Corner View is logically positioned at the A-pillar at the co-driver side, so that the driver gets a perfect view of what’s happening around the truck’s co-driver side at a glance. The camera screens of the DAF Digital Vision System are logically positioned on the cab’s A-pillars and include over-layers for support while manoeuvring and overtaking. The system comes with sophisticated features like auto panning – to keep track of the rear of the trailer while cornering – and an extrawide-angle view to facilitate easy, safe manoeuvring in cities and at loading zones. The DAF XD comes with the newly designed Vision Dashboard as standard. This dashboard is characterised by a steep decline towards the windscreen at the co-driver’s side. No matter what model or cab option, there is ample storage space. The centre part of the dashboard, for example, holds large storage spaces, both on top of it as well as underneath, where an open compartment with two integrated cup holders for mugs and drinking bottles is located. Drivers who want to update their paperwork or enjoy their meal also benefit from the large, practical retractable dashboard table. This table is standard on DAF’s long haul vehicles for decades and now available as an option in the New Generation XD Day Cab, Sleeper and Sleeper High Cab.

INNOVATIVE ENGINES

The PACCAR MX-11 engines feature many innovations. Five ratings are available including the new 220 kW/299 hp and 251 kW/341 hp. All variants are multitorque, delivering up to 150 Nm more torque in top gear, while the new MX engine brake delivers up to 20% more braking power and at lower revs. The result is a unique braking torque curve that’s flat from 1100 to 2100 rpm. This is comparable to the best 13 L engines in the market. Part of the efficient power trains of the DAF XD is the TraXon automated gearbox of the latest generation. This transmission offers new features, like urgeto-move, which allows precise dosing of the vehicle manoeuvring speed through releasing the brake pedal. Automatic drive-off gear selection immediately derives the vehicle’s payload from amongst others the air bellow pressure and semi-trailer input to select the optimal drive off gear. Especially for refuse collection applications, DAF offers an Allison fully automatic transmission in combination with the MX-11 engine with 220 kW/299 hp and 251 kW/341 hp. This gearbox features a new transmission control module and new software for lower friction and optimized peak performances, resulting in even higher fuel efficiency.