50 Years of ITOY – 2023 DAF XD
Following the success of the New Generation XF, XG and XG+, DAF continued its model replacement programme at pace during 2022. Towards the end of the Summer, the new low-cab XD distribution models were unveiled to the truck press, prior to a public launch at the IAA in September. By the time of the exhibition, DAF had also added a day and low-sleeper version of the XF, a construction variant of both the XD and XF (XDc and XFc), and a battery electric range.
It is unusual for a manufacturer to win IToY in two consecutive years when replacing an extended model range over a longer timeframe, but this was achieved by DAF for 2023, with the jury finding 134 votes for the XD distribution models. Scania’s new 13-litre Super range was the runner-up, with the Mercedes-Benz Actros featuring the third-generation OM 471 engine in third spot on the podium.
Sharing its essential DNA with its bigger brothers, the XD also benefited from the new EU Masses and Dimensions rules with the frontal 160mm elongation, radiused corners and aerodynamic advantages. Being the replacement for the long-serving CF range, the XD featured a cab mounted 170mm lower than the New Generation XF, but retained the 2,500mm overall width and generous 2.3m² windscreen to give outstanding visibility. When combined with the DAF Vision Door and Corner View camera system, the XD meets the most stringent requirements, including 5 Stars under the London Direct Vision Standard.
There are three cab variants, being a Day Cab, Sleeper Cab and Sleeper High Cab, with the engine tunnel height a modest 320mm in each. The Sleeper High Cab offers almost 10m³ of space and a 2,200mm long mattress which is 750mm wide.
The interior followed the larger truck’s style and “Eyes on the road, Hands on the wheel” philosophy with a multi-function steering wheel and column stalks, and centrally-located 305mm digital display. The full array of driver assistance aids is incorporated and DAF’s Digital Vision System with heated cameras on foldable arms is offered as an alternative to conventional mirrors. Automatic Lighting Selection is standard on the XD, as is automatic windscreen wiper activation. An electronic park brake with automatic engagement and disengagement is optional.
Power for the XD came from the 10.8-litre MX-11 with ratings of 299hp, 341hp, 367hp 408hp and 449hp respectively, and the grouped positioning of the air intake, filter and new-generation HE 400-turbocharger benefited from improved passive cooling through flow guides designed into the grille. The PX-7 engine was offered in 4x2 rigids from 2023 and the MX-11 received re-engineering in 2024.
The standard transmission was the ZF TraXon with urge-to-move function, which allows accelerator-free, low-speed manoeuvring plus drive-off gear selection, the latest generation of Predictive Cruise Control and EcoRoll which permitted a brief overspeed at the end of a descent to avoid energy loss. An Allison fully automatic transmission was offered for refuse collection operators, and the 8- or 9-tonne front axles were matched to 13-tonne drive axles available in single- or hub-reduction form.
