The All-New Volvo VNL: Test Drive & Complete Overview

Volvo claims their all-new Volvo VNL is 90% new and 10% more efficient. In this complete overview and test drive of the new truck, we review every detail that makes this semi-truck newer and more efficient than the previous VNL. At first glance, you'll notice obvious new features such as the new grille and air intake system. But hidden inside is a completely redesigned interior, advanced driver safety features, and a new D13 engine. The all-new Volvo VNL will enter production in late 2024.
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In This Video:
00:00 - 90% New & 10% More Efficient
00:45 - Front of the Truck, Aerodynamics, and Air Management
02:36 - Interior
03:36 - Safety Features
04:18 - Engine and Efficiency
05:20 - Model Types and Customization
Shortened Video Transcript:
Hey everybody, CCJ editor Jason Cannon here. Join me for a closer look at Volvo’s all-new VNL - a truck that is so new that I was among the first people in the world to get behind the steering wheel.
When the VN Series arrived stateside in the mid-1990s, it was a European platform tailored for North American needs, but all that is changing.
For the 2024 redesign of its VNL - a six year developmental process - Volvo went with a blank slate approach. No stone was left unturned and no legacy was too sacred to re-mold. The end result is a truck that Volvo claims in 90% new and 10% more efficient and for you math majors out there, that equals 100% cool.
Let’s start at the front. I didn’t want to like the new grille because I thought the honeycomb pattern was unique. But I can’t do it. I love it. And it’s huge; a key part of aerodynamic and air management system that does three things: Cut through the wind, stay connected to the wind and move the wind, using it to the tractor's advantage. The front hood curvature and extra low ground effects cut through the wind. The sloped windshield and wedge-shaped cab keeps the cab connected to the air, creating a continuous draft alongside the tractor. The aerodynamic roofline and improved under flow moves the wind and hands it off to the trailer.
Do you see that hood scoop? Yes, it’s functional and it and the other air inlets create kind of a synchronized mini-tornado that keeps the engine cool, limiting how many times the cooling fan comes on, while also keeping air attached to the cab.
Duane Tegels, Product Marketing Manager at Volvo Trucks North America, explains.
Inside you’ll find a new versatile bunk styled after a Murphy bed. The rear control panel is consolidated and gives the driver to control practically every function from the bunk area. It can also be synched with the control panel in the front driver display.
VNL also gets an upgraded suspension system designed to keep the driver more comfortable and supported. A new parabolic spring aids stability, while new engine mount bushings keep vibration from the road from coming into the steering wheel.
Volvo’s new VNL will serve as the launchpad for all future powertrain innovations, including battery electric, hydrogen, autonomous and a host of other solutions. And as such, the truck gets a 24-volt electrical system. All that new tech is going to need a lot of power. 24 volt architecture improves the life of all electrical components, reducing battery failure rate, facilitating quicker diagnostics and repair, and a truck auto start feature will start the truck once a low battery is detected.
And, of course, this is a Volvo, so safety is at the forefront. Standard in every truck are Driver Alert Support; Basic Traction Control Support; Electronic Stability; Rollover protection actions; electronic parking brake and alarm; E-call; Pre-Trip Assist; driver airbag; back-up alarm; forward collision warning; lane departure warning; automatic emergency braking (AEB); adaptive cruise control with stop and go; forward pedestrian detection with AEB and stop and go.
E-call is an industry-first feature that alerts 911 when sensors detect a rollover or the airbag deploys.
The new D13 gets a horsepower rating bump up to 500 and 1950 ft-lb torque. Volvo’s six-wave piston will get a seventh wave which provides further directional control of the air and fuel mixture to create even more efficient combustion. The piston height was also decreased and paired with a longer connecting rod to minimize cylinder sidewall pressure, thereby decreasing friction and improving overall performance. The longer piston rod and slightly smaller piston allowed for the integration of a variable displacement oil pump, optimizing oil pressure regulation while minimizing parasitic losses. To minimize heat loss and increase efficiency, complete insulation was added to both the turbocharger and the turbo compounding unit. Internally, the turbo compounding unit refinements include a smaller compressor and turbine wheel, a strategic improvement that enables the system to...

[@evgeniy071]

Шикарный авто! Просто шедевр, инженерной мысли!

[@brianb-p6586]

The front springs have apparently been tweaked, but the suspension is fundamentally the same. Meanwhile in Europe, the Volvo FH has had independent front suspension available for a decade. This is disappointing technically, but probably what the North American market wants.

[@stevenrobinson2381]

Turbo Compounding a' la Curtiss-Wright R-3350. Had 3 of them-called PRT-Power Recovery Turbines. Sat in the exhaust stream & directed lost thru the exhaust power to the crankshaft via a fluid coupling.

[@Oldman06660]

Look amazing! Volvo one another step în front of all.

[@danielduran7867]

Nice , Nice, 👍 Volvo VNL 😊😊

[@agerardomp]

Amazing all your models; excellent work VOLVO America! 😊

[@lirus89]

I love Volvo semi trucks 👍🏼

[@user-of4fr9kt4l]

Красавчик👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@dallasfrost1996]

Thats actually a pretty sweet looking truck! I still prefer the retro design, but this VNL isn't bad.

[@brendanbayer5002]

Don't they have the bigger engines like the 16LTR engines? Would go good with the 750hp motor

[@DMTruckSpotting]

They just unveiled an even bigger 17-liter to one-up Scania

[@brendanbayer5002]

@@DMTruckSpotting that would be the 780

[@terrellscaife2411]

Can you get this with a 13 Speed Rd. ranger

[@SteveVarga]

Wow this must be something new for Americans

[@Theeunseenart]

Looks like a moving house with tech.

[@joeziahbabb]

Not a single close look at the suspension or under the cab/behind the facia. Suppose they didn't change anything there.

[@shanelakshman6064]

Price?

[@Rimrock300]

Why don't you contact your nearest dealer

[@MoparHollics]

Seems like these trucks are going to be good 🤷

[@user-sb8pg4ou2s]

I do like the bed

[@user-te3nf1vc2u]

Que padre camion saco volvo...lastima que no tengo para comparme el mio..saludos. Exitos desde Guadalajara

[@kenopferkuch1673]

All those extra vents are going to let a lot of dirt lot of mud into the engine compartment

[@Rimrock300]

Evidence?

[@shaggings]

@@Rimrock300 Common sense. that engine bay is gonna be dusty and nasty. Not that it matters too much if it gets cleaned every once in a while, just gonna be annoying to pull stuff apart when there is grime and debris in every nook and corner.

[@user-sb8pg4ou2s]

The new d13 engine is a new color heck that’s 5% better mpg by itself

[@Spoolingturbski]

I can understand how many don’t like Volvo. They stay true to Peterbuilt and freightliner…. But man once you drive a new Volvo lol. You start thinking dang these things are dialed in.

[@mcsnowman11]

For about 50k miles and then you have 5 recall letters and a check engine light

[@Spoolingturbski]

@@mcsnowman11 my families has 450k with regular maintenance. No major issues I’ve heard of.

[@Rimrock300]

'volvos are too comfortable, buhu..huuuu, only for girls buhuuhuhu'

[@bikerboy2k142]

So they have smaller sleepers now wow that sucks

[@Timur4593]

No need to reinvent the wheel, just make the previous platform more reliable and upgrade failure points. Instead of pushing out the same ol garbage until next gen. Owners want less electronic modules to have to pay for, not excessively more which are going to turn the dashboard to a christmas tree. Volvo higher ups need to take their heads out of their arses. 😂😂

[@muckle8]

Ain’t it the way these days ? Everything overcomplicated and when it breaks it’s either unfixable or costs an arm and a leg -

[@gaetanlefebvre7800]

All truckes are the same electronic wise

[@OGMoses_]

I like Volvo but they don’t have v8s like scania I drive a 2023 Scania 770s it’s the best truck I’ve ever driven I’ll take 770hp all day every day

[@user-sb8pg4ou2s]

Ur right more voltage never hurt electronics

[@antonfloor344]

And here in the EU Volvo has D17 engine makes 780HP 😊😊😊

[@Rimrock300]

More than 500-550 hp makes no economical sense whatsoever for a total weight of max 37 tons, that the majority of trucks in the US runs under. Don't you agree

[@690_5]

Horsepower = fuel. Just ask my CAT C15 at 850hp. 😊😊😊

[@rollo6038]

Can't believe you boys still run at 37tonnes in England that's mid 90s weight. 44tonne is standard now and easily handled. P.s. get some reinforcements behind them shiny bumpers! They look sweet but nobody wants to lose a front axle when you tap a car.

[@shaggings]

doesn't matter, in most cases 500 does the job well enough. 780HP makes sense only for special transport with extra heavy cargo. If finnish regulations state that to haul 76 tonnes you only need 503hp, and it has been proven to work just fine in most fleets, any extra is technically not needed, it's nice to have that extra but unnecessary.

[@user-ph5me7lw1g]

Todd Centanni

[@Paj3Ron]

No manual? This would do well with an 18 speed EF

[@xcqcarnage7323]

It would be but this stupid epa wants these trucks to be efficient as possible

[@DaveG7920]

No it wouldn’t the I shift is far superior to a manual

[@Paj3Ron]

@@xcqcarnage7323 basically setting us up to fall asleep around the wheel

[@Rimrock300]

Real truckers needs lots of gears and a long stick, to be left with a properly runied shoulder at retirement age.

[@Coronado-nz7wu]

Looks like the engine is buried further back which will make it harder to work on.

[@user-sb8pg4ou2s]

All those inlets r just bug buckets

[@joeziahbabb]

Total pain in the ass to clean out as well...

[@dieselandgasoline1679]

10% more regens

[@igorkratka]

10% more fuel efficient, 300% less mechanically reliable in long run.

[@atracamoniusvlogs]

Volvo vnl trucks a la al barsha south

[@silverback8183]

Bet a otr spec truck is $300k!

[@wuaw2011]

For Every tech feature you list I just think, another check engine light 💡

[@jedidiah4004]

Most of those subsystems are on current production VNLs, they are relatively fault free. Most problems with collision avoidance systems arise from operator tampering

[@cleranceotwell969]

🙀🤗❤️

[@escanora6618]

10% bigger

[@skytyme7721]

The cab over design Scania truck is a better vehicle

[@gdotone1]

these big rigs by now should be at 18 miles to the gallon. 10 mpg is killing the economies around the world.

[@Rimrock300]

Transport costs is just a small part in the big picture, and not killing any economy. Sorry.

[@gdotone1]

yes it is. do you know what 18 miles per gallon would means for the price of goods. or let's say that savings was not passed on. this is a heck of a raise to a truck driver. an in many cases a small business. think with that extra money they can invest, more trucks, invest in stocks, bonds, property, or bank the money thereby increasing the amount of money banks can loan out, and lower the interest rates as banks compete for loan customers. Transportation of goods are an economy driver.

[@Rimrock300]

Transport costs has been very squezed for years. That's not where the big potential savings are. But sure, everything ads up. 10 to 18 mpg would been a big amount of money in itself, but those savings quickly eaten up by others and consumers would seen minimal to it. 18 mpg for diesel trucks is not of this world, put thats another story. @@gdotone1

[@DGAF_AK87]

@@gdotone1 I don't think you understand how weight works and how much power it actually takes to move 80,000

[@gdotone1]

ah. perhaps. or maybe there's been no real push on these engineers to make it happen. perhaps the approach to the problem is wrong. how about this. I want to move my 80,000 pounds 1000 miles for 100 dollars of fuel cost. so that allows for all sorts of innovation. 100/1000 so ten cents a mile. 3 dollars / 9 miles = .33 a mile. my thought 10,000 dollars for 100,000 miles. so if you run 100K a year with an making $ 2 a mile... 190K after fuel. think what 3.20 a mile brings in. 310K. 250 days. lol, 8 hours of driving a day, at 50 miles per hour. ah boy, that's almost enough.

[@vasilmanov6669]

10% more check engine. 😂😂😂

[@user-sb8pg4ou2s]

Like this country the trucking industry is LOST

[@gaetanlefebvre7800]

How swede it is !

[@saeidsalari9104]

kenwort t 680💪💪🇺🇸

[@gaetanlefebvre7800]

No comparison.... the ride is much much better than a crappie kenworth suspension ....

[@bashirpaikar1326]

Hope it Can make 6% downgrade without help of low gear.

[@oellantigua6292]

Que feo

[@pandrdoberman]

Since 2008 Volvo can't be efficient any more 😅

[@pachukoking2963]

D13 with 500 hp...no way and the cost $250000

[@muckle8]

Same engine as the Volvo 60t haulers I believe.

[@DaveG7920]

Volco's D13 goes up to 540hp, good engines

[@xcqcarnage7323]

@@muckle8dk about that but the European type are around 560-700hp and cost way less than the American variant

[@muckle8]

@xcqcarnage7323 I wonder why that is, less toys maybe?

[@shaggings]

@@xcqcarnage7323 European D13 goes to 540HP, above that it's a D16 up to 750, then the most recent is D17 with 780HP, cause gotta keep that dick measuring contest going with Scania.

[@SireDragonChester]

After about 75,000 to 100,000 miles. I bet this new Volvo would in be the shop for sensors or emissions control or something else that as broken down, and or stop working. Old semi truck when proper maintained can prob run circles around any new truck. Sure new truck may get better mileage at first. But won’t matter if new trucks is sitting shop Cus emissions issues, or transmission issue or sensors has put truck in limp mode lol. New tech, more sensors, or computer chips and more emissions control, that slow chokes the the engine at some point. You’ll be forced to have that new truck hauled back to the shop with expensive repairs bill. Somebody need to do a test, take bran new semi truck off sales lot then take older rebuilt semi that has been fully fixed up. Then have both trucks do 50k miles/doing jobs and then see who’s still running. I bet old truck will be. 18 speed with CAT c15 6NZ or 3406e or c16. The old truck sure will have some issue. But new truck will be in shop before it even hits 30+k How know this. Cus there videos out there of companies selling new trucks and buying up old semi trucks instead. Cus they tired of def/ emissions issue/sensor issue. They tired new trucks always being in for repairs. Volvo should do old school long nose truck. Them ppl maybe more interested, they could still do some Air dynamics, and still look cool.

[@Rimrock300]

Some owner operators / smaller companies might can keep it going with older trucks with less electronics for a while. Sooner or later time will catch up, stricter emissions, customers demanding trucks 'not older than', autonomys driving and so on. Nothing lasts forever. To many fleet owners, older trucks is not an option

[@SireDragonChester]

@@Rimrock300 youtube.com/@flintcreektransport?si=RKLBoRyTYMPY0W7U Is one company that has been selling off newer trucks and buying up older trucks. True not all there newer semi selling off. But they sold more then few.

[@Rimrock300]

Yes, one find such examples of temporary solutions @@SireDragonChester

[@CynicallyObnoxious]

Lost me at auto braking

[@user-sb8pg4ou2s]

Tornado ie turbulence ie drag what brains move truck closer to the trailer

[@kenopferkuch1673]

I watched the video too much technology. no likey

[@lucasdobson5957]

Volvo fuck that not a real truck

[@Wasupup]

Check engine light. $5 k to fix it if you’re lucky. POS trucks

[@apgcamort3470]

This design is hideous

[@vl4364]

Yet a 1996 International is 250% more reliable than this junk..

[@kimberlyhemerson4828]

The 1950,s model driver,s are 100,000 % better than the young trash truck stop jockes that pretend to do this type of work that turn other driver,s equipment into the junk they drive by hitting it in the parking lot,s while leaving piss bottle,s and bag,s of shit on drive way even at shippers and reciever,s

[@tonytitties691]

International's are junk. Always have been

[@ItzDrPlow]

automatic emergency breaking. stupidest thing these people are putting on trucks. try going under a underpass and the truck thinks its something in front of you and slams on the brakes on a icy road at 2 in the morning. happened to me

[@anvarismagilov5675]

I have a Volvo 2021 so picky truck always check engine light on air leak couplings too cheap always leaking Wheel Alignment always getting bad interior dashboard plastic looks like made in China even on a good road making noise behind engine top gasket most Volvos has oil leak My next truck I prefer Freightliner Cascadia I used to to drive 10,000 times better than Volvo truckers my message for you don’t buy Volvo 😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@jantadema9711]

Ugliest truck ever ...

[@dennynisevic7848]

100%

[@kimberlyhemerson4828]

No that was YOUR reflection in the paint that was the ugly part you saw 😂😂😂😂

[@gaetanlefebvre7800]

What do you own that's so pretty ?

[@user-sb8pg4ou2s]

That’s is the ugliest thing since the t2000

[@Rob-on-the-Road]

Volvo are telling lies , we've had a lot of that technology in Europe for 7 years 😂 Great truck though Volvo 👍🏻😁

[@thebobcat1964]

Like what,or maybe you're lieing😂.

[@darrylrichardson1997]

@@thebobcat1964he’s not the start button and the digital cluster even hybrid semi trucks been in Europe for some time now

[@thebobcat1964]

@@darrylrichardson1997 I spent 9 of my 22 years in Europe with the US Military and my Father in law is a truck driver in Germany,his Mercedes Benz Actros has no more technology than my Peterbilt 579 so what are you talking about as far as more technology,I don't see it in European trucks.

[@thespeakersreview99]

​​@@thebobcat1964compared to Peterbilt 579???? Kenworth more modern than shit germany!! And don't forget tiny toy truck erope never Same as Kenworth W900 or Peterbilt 389 or 359,

[@thespeakersreview99]

​@@thebobcat1964And the 1970 Kenworth w900 is better and more durable than all the toy european trucks!!! big rig>>>>>>>european toy plastic remember volvo is not an american truck they are european and don't compare with Peterbilt because Peterbilt is much better than all European trucks!!! And I don't care what truck you drive!! because the strongest and most durable trucks are American trucks!! such as KW AND PETERBILT, You guys forgot that America DESTROYED NAZI GERMANY 1945 with KW AND PETERBILT trucks WITH DETROIT AND CUMMINS ENGINES 😅😅😅😅