The new Volvo VNL for the USA and Canada

Sammy Führe's first experiences

The Volvo VNL is Volvo Trucks' flagship model for long-haul transport in North America. The model series includes various variants that differ in cab size and trim level. In the US and Canada, the Volvo VNL series offers a suitable variant for almost every application – from the compact Day Cab to the luxurious High Roof sleeper cab. Our North American correspondent, Sammy Führe, took a look at the new long-haul trucks at Volvo in Winnipeg.

The shorter VNL 660 high-roof cab with “Core” equipment

In early 2024, Volvo Trucks announced the all-new VNL models for the USA. The first vehicles were in dealerships at the end of the year.

The following variants are available:

VNL 300: compact, high day cab without bed
VNL 440: medium-length, medium-height cab for regional transport
VNL 640: long, medium-height cabin
VNL 660: long sleeper cab with high roof
VNL 840: longest, medium-height sleeper cab
VNL 860: flagship with the longest cabin and high roof

Trim level and comfort:

The larger the cabin, the more comfort and living functions are integrated (e.g. premium mattresses, refrigerator, microwave, TV, ergonomic controls). The new VNL series offers digital cockpits, advanced driver assistance systems and improved aerodynamics for greater efficiency and safety.

Motorization:

The Volvo VNL is now only available with the 13-liter D 13 TC engine with turbo compound. The smaller D 11 and the Cummins X15 (15 liters) are no longer offered for the new VNL models.

Area of application:

VNL 300: Local and regional transportation where no sleeper cab is required.
VNL 440/640: Regional and long-distance transportation where weight and efficiency play a role.
VNL 660/840/860: Long-haul and long-distance transportation where comfort and living quality are paramount.

I visited the Beaver Truck Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where several new VNL models were in the yard. On display in the sales hall was the new VNL 760 in the basic “Core Level” trim. There are four different variants for the interior of the new truck: “Core”, ‘Edge’, “Edge Black” and “Ultimate”.

The new dashboard offers optimum ergonomics for the driver. Among other things, the electronic parking brakes have replaced the classic air buttons.
The switches are easy to use and offer many options.

The Core package offers everything you need to get the job done and is therefore a good option for larger fleets. For me personally, the Edge trim would be the minimum for the long haul. The cab of the 660 still offers plenty of space, but the storage space between the seats and the bed is slightly narrower due to the shorter cab. The stationary air conditioning system also means that a lot of space is lost in the exterior storage compartment on the passenger side. 

The ladder on the VNL is centrally located and can be conveniently pushed together and stowed away. The upper bed is folded up when not in use.
Depending on the equipment, the lower bed can also be folded up to create space for a small seating area with a folding table. In the photo on the left, the table is folded up, while on the right, the lower bed is lowered.

As with the previous model, there are also two bed options for the VNL: The mattress for angling or the seating area. However, the latter has been redesigned with a Murphy-style bed so that you no longer have to assemble the bed from four cushions.

Outside, we found the new VNL 860 in the “Edge Level” trim level, which we took for a short test drive. The digital dashboard provides various information for the driver and, depending on the setting, also displays the integrated navigation system.

Impressive appearance: the new Volvo VNL with its large hood
The lower part of the long side spoilers can be folded up for easy access to the connections. The new hood opens wide to the front for easy access to the engine. The new D-shaped diesel tanks have integrated AdBlue tanks.

The driver's seat is comfortable and, thanks to the new dashboard positioned low down, visibility is excellent. For the winter, the windshield is heated at the sides and bottom to reduce ice formation. When driving slowly, the power steering is pleasantly noticeable, which is also very helpful when maneuvering in tight spaces. At high speeds on the freeway, the steering automatically becomes stiffer so that you can glide along with confidence.

The steering wheel feels high-quality and has many integrated options. Depending on the equipment, the high-resolution display offers a clearly visible navigation system.

The safety systems can sometimes be a little annoying, for example when a sign is not recognized and the truck reports that you are speeding. As a rule, however, they work well. Volvo has also improved the cab suspension so that roll in crosswinds is significantly minimized. The optional eight-bag air suspension ensures even better handling and offers the option of pumping up the truck, as is common in Europe, or temporarily increasing the load on one axle on slippery surfaces.

The new I-Shift now shifts even faster and ensures pleasant, smooth acceleration. Overall, the new VNL is pretty good and I hope we will soon see more Volvo trucks of this series on the roads of Canada and the USA.

Thanks to the Beaver Truck Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba for their kind support.

Text and photos: Sammy Führe

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