Volvo VNL 2024: a redesign for efficiency and driver comfort

The redesign of the 2024 Volvo VNL places a strong emphasis on driver comfort and productivity.

After seven years since its launch in 2017, Volvo redesigned the VNL to comply with new emissions regulations. The new VNL, introduced in early 2024, is a more efficient and technologically advanced model, while maintaining the durability and capability it is known for. It is a 90% new model and 10% more efficient than its predecessor.

The production of the 2024 Volvo VNL began at the New River Valley plant in Virginia, with a $400 million investment that drove significant improvements. This model, offering four equipment levels and six cabin configurations, is available with engines ranging from 405 to 500 horsepower. Based on six years of development and inspired by the SuperTruck 2, the 2024 VNL stands out for its aerodynamic design, which improves fuel efficiency by 10%. One of its main innovations is the new front grille, which replaces the traditional vertical grille found on previous Volvo models with a more aerodynamic design, along with functional air intakes and a more aggressive hood, optimizing both aerodynamics and performance.

Volvo VNL: exterior and interior design marking innovation

The redesign of the 2024 Volvo VNL places a strong emphasis on driver comfort and productivity, especially given the high turnover and training costs within fleets. The cabin has been completely revamped to offer a more functional and comfortable environment, with a sleeper that transforms into a dining table and a central rear control panel that consolidates functions, allowing the driver to manage them comfortably from the rest area.

Its exterior design focuses on optimizing airflow in three ways: directing it through, keeping it connected, and harnessing it to benefit the tractor. Additionally, the vehicle’s suspension has been improved with a new parabolic spring and engine support bushings to reduce vibrations. Volvo’s rear air suspension system (GRAS), along with dynamic steering software and smart suspension, enhances ride quality, stability, and reduces driver fatigue under various conditions.

The redesign is set to be a launch platform for future propulsion innovations, including electric, hydrogen, and autonomous solutions. With smaller control valves in the injectors for more efficient fuel flow and enhanced combustion, the D13 engine has also received significant improvements. The piston has also been optimized with a seventh wave for superior directional control of the air-fuel mixture, improving efficiency and reducing friction. And lastly, the I-Shift transmission now shifts up to 30% faster, further improving fuel efficiency.

Advanced safety technology

This new VNL incorporates advanced technology, particularly in safety, with standard features such as driver alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and E-Call, which automatically notifies emergency services in the event of an accident. Service visits are also optimized with remote scheduling and diagnostics, reducing breakdowns and saving fleets $3,400 per truck in costs.

The enhanced VNL is available in six different cabin configurations: