If you are buying a new tractor unit for long haul, it’s likely that you would want to buy the one with the best fuel economy. However, it takes time to try out all the makes and models on the market yourself – assuming you could get all the demonstrators in the first place. So, it helps when respected magazines such as German trade magazines “VerkehrsRundschau” and “Trucker” carry out their detailed annual test of the best performers.

The award has been often won by Scania, who have taken the gong home for the last six years in a row. This year comes as an upset to the norm with DAF’s all new XF450 taking the title. Average speed and AdBlue consumption were taken into account as part of the test process.

DAF XF – Most Economical Tractor Unit

Using the 11-litre PACCAR MX-11 engine, the DAF XF posted a consumption of 21.26 litres per 100 kilometres – that works out to 13.29 miles per gallon (imperial) and an AdBlue consumption of only 1.32 l/100 km. Average speed was an excellent 80.06 kilometres per hour. 

A number of factors helped the XF in this achievement. The unladen weight was amongst the better of the group at 6975kgs and the aerodynamics of the new cab design gave the truck a clear advantage. DAF remains the only company to have a cab designed according to the new dimension regulations for trucks in Europe. The new rules allow for an elongated front for optimal aerodynamics, which enhances DAF’s class-leading fuel consumption.

Patrick Dean, member of the DAF Board of Management and Chief Engineer: “That the New Generation XF 450 has been awarded ‘Green Truck 2023’ is a fantastic achievement and acknowledgement of the hard work carried out by the entire team at DAF. Our New Generation trucks have not only set a new benchmark when it comes to fuel efficiency but also offer market-leading safety and driver comfort, making them the ultimate trucks for both driver and owner. With the ‘Green Truck Award’, the series proves that DAF is a true environmental leader as well.”