DAF XG+ Review
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DAF XG+ Review
Can This Premium Cab Compete with Volvo and Scania?
The DAF XG+ has entered the premium heavy-truck market with a simple challenge: can DAF convince serious long-haul drivers that there is another choice besides Volvo and Scania?
For an owner-driver, that question matters. You are not simply buying an engine and a chassis. You are buying your office, bedroom and workplace for thousands of hours every year.
The XG+ takes that idea seriously. It combines a huge cab, modern technology, aerodynamic styling and a driveline designed around efficient long-distance operation. But does it really stack up against the established favourites?
Let's take a closer look.
What Makes the DAF XG+ Different?
The XG+ sits at the top end of DAF's heavy-truck range and is designed primarily for long-distance work.
It looks the part, too.
The tall cab, large windscreen and distinctive front-end styling immediately give the truck a premium appearance. But the important changes are inside.
DAF has concentrated heavily on driver space. There is generous headroom, a large sleeping area and plenty of room to move around the cab, which becomes important when you're spending several nights away from home.
That is one area where the XG+ makes a strong first impression.
For an owner-driver, comfort isn't a luxury. It can affect fatigue, concentration and how you feel when you finish a long shift.
DAF XG+ Cab Comfort
This is probably the XG+'s biggest selling point.
The cab is enormous.
The interior has been designed around the realities of long-haul trucking rather than simply making the dashboard look impressive. Storage space, sleeping accommodation and living space have all received considerable attention.
The driver's seat provides a commanding view of the road, while the large windscreen helps create an open feeling from behind the wheel.
Then there's the sleeping area.
If you're regularly spending nights in the truck, the difference between a cramped sleeper and a genuinely comfortable living space becomes obvious very quickly.
DAF has created a cab that feels more like a small mobile room than a conventional truck cabin.
That matters.
What About Driving the XG+?
A premium cab means little if the truck isn't pleasant to drive.
The XG+ is designed to make long highway runs as relaxed as possible. Its automated transmission works with the engine and electronic systems to select appropriate gears without demanding constant driver input.
That can be particularly useful on interstate routes.
Instead of constantly thinking about gear selection, you can concentrate on traffic, road conditions, fuel consumption and positioning.
The steering and controls are also designed around reducing driver workload.
For an owner-driver covering huge distances every week, these small advantages add up.
DAF XG+ Engine and Performance
The XG+ is powered by DAF's modern MX-13 engine family, with different power outputs available depending on specification and market.
Rather than chasing outright horsepower figures, DAF has concentrated heavily on torque delivery and efficiency.
That's the right approach for long-haul work.
A truck pulling a loaded combination across Australia doesn't need to win a drag race. It needs to maintain momentum, climb efficiently, return reasonable fuel figures and do it day after day.
The XG+'s engine and transmission package is designed around exactly that requirement.
On flatter highways, the truck can settle into an efficient cruising rhythm. On hills, the electronics can manage gear selection and engine output with minimal driver involvement.
Fuel Economy: Where the XG+ Gets Interesting
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses facing an owner-driver.
A small improvement in litres per 100 kilometres can become significant when you're travelling hundreds of thousands of kilometres over the life of a truck.
The XG+ has been designed with aerodynamics firmly in mind.
Its cab shape, roofline, side panels and airflow management all contribute to reducing resistance at highway speed. DAF has also worked extensively on the interaction between the cab and trailer.
But here's the important point.
Don't judge fuel economy from another operator's numbers alone.
Your results will depend on payload, trailer configuration, terrain, speed, traffic, tyres, weather, driving style and idle time.
A truck that produces excellent figures for one operator may perform differently for another.
That's why you should examine real-world fuel records before making a purchase decision.
How Does the XG+ Compare With Volvo?
Volvo has an extremely strong reputation among Australian truck drivers.
The Volvo FH and related premium models are well known for driver comfort, safety technology and refined highway performance.
The XG+ can certainly sit at the same table.
Where the DAF becomes particularly interesting is its emphasis on living space and aerodynamic efficiency. Depending on the exact specification, the DAF can provide an extremely impressive environment for long-haul operators.
Volvo, however, has a major advantage in familiarity.
Many fleets and drivers already know the Volvo platform, and dealer and service support can influence the buying decision just as much as the truck itself.
So don't compare the trucks only in a showroom.
Compare the support behind them.
DAF XG+ vs Scania
Scania is another heavyweight in the premium European truck market.
For many owner-drivers, Scania has become associated with build quality, driver appeal, strong residual values and excellent drivability.
The XG+ doesn't look out of place beside it.
In fact, the DAF can make a compelling case when cab space and long-distance comfort are high on your priority list.
Scania may still have the edge for buyers who specifically want its engine characteristics, brand reputation or established Australian support network.
The better choice depends heavily on your application.
That's something worth remembering when comparing premium trucks.
Technology and Safety
Modern heavy trucks are packed with electronic systems, and the XG+ is no exception.
Driver assistance technology can help monitor the road, maintain speed, warn about hazards and reduce workload.
The exact equipment depends on specification, but the broader trend is clear: modern trucks are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
For the owner-driver, this isn't about having gadgets for the sake of gadgets.
Safety technology can become extremely useful during a long shift when concentration levels naturally fluctuate.
But technology doesn't replace the driver.
It assists you.
That's an important distinction.
The Interior Could Be a Major Selling Point
Spend enough time in a truck and you'll discover something quickly.
A good cab can make a bad week considerably easier.
The XG+ provides the kind of space that long-distance drivers appreciate. There's room to stand, move around, store personal equipment and settle down properly at the end of a working day.
The sleeping accommodation is particularly important for operators who spend multiple nights away from home.
A comfortable mattress area, useful storage and a quiet cabin can make a genuine difference to rest quality.
And better rest can mean a better day behind the wheel.
What About Reliability?
This is where you need to look beyond the brochure.
No truck is immune from maintenance issues.
The XG+ contains sophisticated electronics, emissions equipment, sensors and automated systems. That means servicing should be carried out correctly and maintenance records should be kept.
If you're considering a used XG+, inspect the service history carefully.
Look at:
Engine servicing
Transmission maintenance
DPF and emissions-system history
Tyre condition
Brake wear
Suspension
Electrical systems
Cab condition
Refrigeration or auxiliary equipment if fitted
Previous operating application
A truck that has spent its life doing sensible highway work may be a very different proposition from one that has been worked extremely hard.
Is the DAF XG+ a Good Truck for an Owner-Driver?
For the right operator, absolutely.
The XG+ makes the most sense if your work involves substantial highway kilometres, interstate freight or other applications where driver comfort and fuel efficiency matter.
If you're doing mostly short urban deliveries, the enormous premium sleeper cab may be unnecessary.
But put the XG+ on long-distance work and its design philosophy starts to make sense.
You're buying a truck designed around life on the road.
DAF XG+ vs Volvo and Scania: Which One Wins?
There isn't one universal winner.
Volvo remains an extremely strong option for drivers who prioritise safety technology, driving refinement and an established support network.
Scania continues to attract operators who value premium engineering, drivability and brand reputation.
The DAF XG+ brings something different to the fight.
It combines impressive living space with aerodynamic design, modern technology and a driveline intended to deliver efficient long-distance performance.
That makes it a serious alternative rather than simply another truck in the European heavy-duty market.
Final Verdict
So, can the DAF XG+ compete with Volvo and Scania?
Yes.
And it arguably deserves to be considered alongside them when you're choosing a premium long-haul truck.
The biggest attraction is the complete package. You get a spacious premium cab, strong highway credentials, modern driver assistance technology and a design philosophy focused heavily on efficiency.
For an owner-driver, that combination is difficult to ignore.
But don't buy any premium truck purely because it looks good or because another driver recommends it.
Calculate your actual fuel costs. Check servicing arrangements. Investigate dealer support. Consider resale value. Most importantly, match the truck to the work you actually do.
If you're spending week after week crossing the country, the DAF XG+ deserves a serious look.
It isn't simply trying to copy Volvo or Scania.
It has made a strong case for doing things its own way.
Contact Wayne Taylor on 0418 266 994 today for an obligation-free discussion and discover how the right finance solution could help move your business forward.