Volvo's new FH XXL costs an extra ￡20,000. Is it worth the money?
Will Shiers
Editor at Commercial Motor and UK jury member for International Truck of the Year
I’ve spent some time in Volvo’s new FH XXL cab, and really like it. It’s been extended by only 10in, but the additional space has been used to give the driver a wider bunk. Clearly its appeal will be limited in the UK, not just because it’s only suitable for operators who don’t pull standard-length trailers, but also because of the extortionate asking price. It costs an additional ￡20,000, which works out at ￡2,000/in (or ￡80m/km – which coincidentally is near enough the same as HS2!).
In my opinion it’s time to review the UK’s truck dimensions. The maximum length is 18.75m, so why not let operators reach this length however they like – whether that be longer semi-trailers or longer cabs? As longer cabs increase in popularity so their price will come down and more drivers will be able to benefit.
Check out our latest video on just this subject https://youtu.be/vo1a7clfG7Q