DAF begins the next chapter of its success series

At IAA 2024, DAF Trucks introduced a completely new set of innovations for the New Generation XD, XF, XG and XG+ trucks. DAF says it is once again setting new standards in safety, efficiency and driver comfort. And of course, that includes a new color: Flaming Red. In and around Malaga we were able to put them through their paces and even had the opportunity to try out the fully automatic emergency braking system. It still gives us palpitations...

In 2021, DAF introduced the New Generation DAF XF, XG and XG+. This was followed the following year by the versatile XD series for regional and special applications, including the construction segment. The XD was even awarded International Truck of the Year 2023, in part because of its high level of comfort that is uncommon in this class. With an extensive range of innovations, DAF is now embarking on the next chapter of its success series. In doing so, the Dutch truck manufacturer says it is helping its customers be even more successful.

For unmatched active safety, each truck is equipped with a full range of advanced Advanced Driver Assistant Systems (ADAS) for driver assistance.

Road blind spot

Flaming Red is only the introductory color; most of the vehicles will, of course, come in corporate colors. So how do you recognize the newcomer? By the slightly modified grille and possibly also by the multitude of cameras and sensors around the truck. In fact, the new series comes standard without mirrors - because that's better for aerodynamics - but with cameras that project their images on screens integrated into the A-pillar. For the skeptics among us: you get used to it quickly ánd you have an even better overview. In any case, the design of the New Generation DAFs with large windows, low window lines and a kerb-view window in the passenger door offers unsurpassed direct visibility and thus a high degree of safety. A blind spot is actually no longer an issue, as we experienced during a demo. And should you nevertheless overlook a person or object, you always have a backup in the form of the many assistance systems, including an automatic emergency brake.

Automatic emergency brake

For unmatched active safety, each truck is equipped with a full range of advanced Advanced Driver Assistant Systems (ADAS) for driver assistance. Among these is the innovative and fully automatic emergency braking system, which helps prevent collisions with vulnerable road users in front of the vehicle. We can tell you, it works phenomenally. First you get a warning signal, should you inexplicably ignore it, the electronics themselves intervene and stop the truck in no time. Really impressive, especially the degree of deceleration. And the great thing is, at the very last moment, the brake is lifted slightly, so the cab remains nicely stable afterwards, too. The Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) uses radar sensors (two for far and one for near) and a camera. Also new is the Drive-off Assist feature, which uses an additional radar. It alerts the driver to vulnerable road users close to the truck when the vehicle is stopped or moving away.

Event Data Recorder

Even more safety features? Yes indeed. If the AEBS is activated, the so-called Event Data Recorder records the images and data for possible further investigation. Furthermore, Side & Turn Assist warns of pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles in the vehicle's blind spot, even if it is at the very end of the trailer. Speed Limit Recognition informs you of the current speed limit and warns if speeding is occurring, and the Lane Departure Warning System signals potentially unintended lane changes. Furthermore, Drowsiness Detection assesses the alertness of the driver behind the wheel and warns if a break is needed, and thanks to the Rear View Camera, you can see what's happening to the rear of the truck on an in-cab display. 

Miller principle

The MX drivelines have also been further optimized and will be suitable for B100 FAME biodiesel from early 2025. DAF is the only truck manufacturer to use new valve timing according to the Miller principle. It applies to the PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines, with power ratings from 370 hp to 530 hp. It also uses a dual-drive coolant pump. "The pump is electrically driven when little cooling is required and via a belt when precisely high cooling performance is required," explains Raoul Wijnands, Manager of Testing at DAF. "For maximum efficiency, an air compressor with clutch and two cylinders is installed. Furthermore, the turbo and EGR systems have been improved and seamlessly matched to the new valve timing. New fuel injectors support the excellent efficiency, reliability and service life." The XD Series is now also available with a radically redesigned 6.7-liter PACCAR PX-7 powertrain (up to 310 hp) as a 4×2 rigid with Day Cab, Sleep Cab and Sleep High Cab. With this powertrain, the XD Series is 600 kilograms lighter than with the MX11 engine, also available. Good for payload and fuel consumption.

10% more economical

And speaking of fuel economy, thanks to 19% enhanced aerodynamics, powertrain optimizations, a more efficient cooling system and standard Predictive Cruise Control on the 4×2 and 6×2 models, the Flaming Red-generation 10% is more fuel efficient than before. Count your winnings. In the hilly hinterland of Malaga, we were able to test the qualities of Predictive Cruise Control to the fullest. The speed control maintains a margin of plus 5 km/h and minus 10 km/h with respect to the set speed during descents and ascents, and regulates it in the most efficient way based on information from the navigation system. For example, if a descent is imminent, the system anticipates it. The system works flawlessly and ensures maximum driver comfort. On board it is a pleasure to be on board anyway. The cabin offers an extremely comfortable driving position. The adjustment range of the seat and steering wheel is greater than ever, and above all, it is extremely quiet. Engine improvements combined with a new shifting strategy ensure even lower revs at cruising speed. In the XD Series, you also benefit from a comfortable entry with only two steps. If you have to climb in and out of the cab several times a day, that's nice.

All New Generation DAF trucks come with a 10-year PACCAR Connect subscription. This new online fleet management platform provides real-time information on the performance of the entire fleet, individual vehicles and drivers. The platform also enables efficient over-the-air updates of vehicles. DAF has thus refined its New Generation trucks another step further. "With this, we not only strengthen the leading position of our trucks in terms of safety, efficiency and driver comfort, but also the success of our customers," Raoul concludes. Duly noted.