Netherlands - Dutch truck manufacturer, DAF Trucks NV of Eindhoven, Netherlands, has launched its new range of distribution and vocational trucks, the XD series, at a show and drive event in Barcelona. The company said the design philosophy of the new XD was built on the same values as the “International Truck of the Year 2022” winning XF and XG long-haul commercial vehicles, in terms of driver comfort, quality, efficiency and safety.

No compromise on efficiency, safety and driver comfort

Blending driver comfort with operator efficiency were the key tenants in the design process as the XD series features a large windscreen and large side windows with very low beltlines (visibility line of sight of an adjacent vehicle) to increase the driver’s visibility, combined with a low cab position (170mm lower than the XF), optional kerb-view windows, DAF’s digital Corner View (designed to eliminate blind spots) and Digital Vision System, which replaces the traditional external mirrors. Also fitted as standard is the DAF City Turn Assist, a blind spot monitor using radar technology that alerts drivers with audible and visual warnings when other road users are in the co-driver’s side blind zone.

LED exterior lighting on the front, side and rear provide optimum visibility, which include main beam, high beam, daytime running lights, corner and manoeuvring lights as well as optional Skylights and fog lights. A rain detection system is used to activate the wiper blades automatically.

A reinforced roof protects the driver from a roll over. At the front of the cab, energy-absorbing crash boxes are integrated to provide maximum protection from impact.

The XD is fitted with DAF’s patented Programmed Cab Displacement System (ProCaDis), which allows for a 400-millimetre XD cab displacement on the chassis during a frontal collision. This system is designed to absorb the impact energy and to prevent the cab from detaching, maintaining the cab structure and maximising the survival space for vehicle occupants.

New generation aerodynamics encompass a curved windscreen, ellipse-shaped corner panels, aerodynamic seals, tapered sidewalls, closed wheel bay covers and under-hood airflow all amount to greater fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions than the previous CF model it replaces.

Featuring a new PACCAR MX-11 10.8 litre engine, a ZF TraXon 12-speed automated transmission and smart fuel efficiency controls all add to the new generation XD’s fuel efficiency. The DAF Connect fleet management system provides software updates, adding to operator efficiency.

Inside a standard DAF XD Cab

Feedback from operators - key to XD design

Working closely with operators, DAF management stated feedback confirmed driver retention had become a major issue in many European countries and so this aspect of driver comfort, became one of the key focal points in the design of the cab.

The new generation XD has a spacious cab with a cubic volume of up to 10 m3 and a wider range of seat and steering wheel adjustments compared to previous models, allowing for extended interior space.

The driver assistance system includes brake assist, lane departure warning system, emergency brake lights, advanced emergency braking system and electronic park brake, all features that contribute to driver comfort, safety and ease of driving.

A fully digital dashboard coupled with the DAF navigation and infotainment system offers Bluetooth, radio and streaming services. A refrigerator for food and beverages, integrated cup holders and storage compartments offer more driver comforts.

In line with DAF’s philosophy of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road,’ all driving related functions are operated from the steering wheel and the steering column stalks with secondary driving functions operated from physical switches on the dashboard. The controls will include a fully digital instrument panel while ride comfort and vehicle handling will benefit from a completely new design of front chassis and both front and rear axle suspension. For sleeping comfort, the bunks in the DAF XD Sleeper and Sleeper High Cab are 2,220 mm long and up to 750mm wide.

The new generation DAF XD is offered in a Sleeper Cab, a Sleeper High Cab, and a Day Cab, available in a full array of 4X2 and 6X2 axle configurations, in both tractors and rigids with start of series production this September.

A fully battery electric version will be available in 2023, with electric motors with power outputs from 170kW (230 hp) to 350 kW (480 hp) and a variety of battery packs with total capacities of up to 525 kW/h, with ranges of up to 500 kilometres.

DAF Trucks’ said most of the XD truck manufacturing would take place at the main DAF truck manufacturing plant in Eindhoven, Netherlands, with right-hand-drive production of the XD taking place at Leyland Trucks in Leyland, UK, beginning in September this year. Right-hand-drive models are being built for the UK as well as orders from Turkey and Israel.

The DAF XD awarded International Truck of the Year 2023