50 Years of ITOY – 2022 DAF XF, XG AND XG+
Having won the IToY in 2018 with a highly optimised driveline under an ageing cab design with the XF and CF, DAF was always going to be a strong contender following the introduction of its all-new cabs in June 2021.
Like Scania’s 2016 model update, DAF launched the new range with long-distance models first, with a new model-designation topping the range. Unlike Scania, and indeed all the other European manufacturers, DAF was able to take advantage of EU Directive 2015/719 which permitted an increase in dimensions if applied for environmental efficiency and safety.
The resulting XF, XG and XG+ trucks featured a 160mm extended front, which provided for optimal cab radii, tapering and a matching curved windscreen, which together with seamlessly fitting panels, a tapered sidewall and new roof and bumper deflectors, claimed a 19% improvement in aerodynamic drag.
The new cab design also brought enhanced safety with the 2.3m² windscreen offering an exceptionally low beltline and forward vision. Passive safety measures included integrated cab crash zones and a new programmed cab displacement system, and a full range of active safety measures were incorporated, including the latest version of advanced emergency braking which could provide full autonomous emergency braking.
The new XF model had more headroom than the XF Space Cab tractor it replaced, but still managed to weight about 175kg less, but it was with the XG and XG+ models that space really became abundant. These models had a 330mm extension to the rear of the cab without a corresponding loss of load space, which was allowed under the EU’s new “controlled derogations” rule. These designs effectively created a new class in the market, with the XG offering 2,075mm of standing room with 11.85 m³ of space, whilst the XG+ provided 2,195mm of standing room with a class-leading 12.50m³ of space.
The cab interiors featured improved storage, 800mm wide beds with a rear wall control panel and a 305mm digital dash display operated, along with all the direct driving functions, from the steering wheel or stalks. The driving position was also claimed to be the best in its class.
New longer chassis were required for the deeper XG and XG+ cabs and both ends of the chassis were re-designed with new suspension geometry introduced for the new-generation rear axles which held lower oil levels for enhanced efficiency.
The MX11 and MX13 engines enjoyed improved airflow through the new cab and received new injectors, blocks, heads, pistons and liners and a new turbocharger, and whilst retaining their former power-ratings – 370hp, 410hp and 450hp for the 10.8-litre and 430hp, 480hp and 530hp for the 12.9-litre – they developed between 50Nm and 100Nm greater torque in top gear.
Transmission duties were handled by ZF’s TraXon which now incorporated automated drive-off gear selection and enhanced predictive features, but DAF finally deleted the manual transmission option.
In November 2021, the 2022 IToY was awarded to DAF in respect of the new range at a ceremony in Lyon. The 24 judges had awarded the winning trucks 150 points, leaving the Iveco T-Way and Mercedes-Benz eActros in second and third spots.
