Volvo Trucks recently updated its heavy-duty truck lineup, introducing new FH, FM, FMX, and FH16 versions in the process. Combined, the ranges represent roughly two-thirds of Volvo’s heavy-duty truck deliveries. Among other traits, Volvo developed the new versions with safety, efficiency, and attractiveness in mind. Here’s a closer look at the new FH16, which features a bolder, more sophisticated exterior that Volvo says reflects the truck’s “more connected and smarter than ever before” design.
The Foundation
The FH16 includes a six-cylinder 16-litre Euro 6 D16K engine that outputs from 550 to 750 horsepower (410 to 550 kilowatts) and 2,800 to 3,550 newton-metres of torque. Tractor and rigid truck variants are available, and axle options include 4x2, 6x2, 8x2, 8x4, and 10x4. Front-axle load capacity, tag and pusher axle configurations providing better steering angles for enhanced manoeuvrability and productivity, and a 38-tonne bogie option for extra-demanding jobs are also available.
Cab choices include low sleeper, sleeper, Globetrotter, Globetrotter XL, and Globetrotter XXL, and there are hundreds of exterior colour options and three trim choices to consider. In addition to a silver waterfall-themed grille, smoother cab edges, and better overall aerodynamics, the FH16 sports V-shaped headlamps that Volvo says mark the most notable sign of the FH16’s design evolution. The headlamps are based on either halogen or one of two LED technologies. The halogen lights offer better light performance, while the most advanced LED option supports adaptive high beam ability that automatically disables portions of the high beam when encountering oncoming traffic or approaching vehicles from behind.
Improved Safety
Volvo Trucks Chief Designer Exterior Ismail Ovacik, says that with the FH16, Volvo reimagined its most iconic design elements from previous truck generations and enhanced them. The safety-enhancing high-tech headlights, for example, took Volvo’s “strong light identity to the next level,” he says. Other safety-oriented features, meanwhile, include adaptive cruise control, descent control, collision warning, Volvo Dynamic Steering, lane and stability assistance, a road sign recognition system, and an electronically controlled brake system, or EBS. Further, an available passenger corner camera lets the driver view the truck’s side on a 9-inch side display option that also shows infotainment, navigation, and transport information.
Besides safety, Volvo focused strongly on driver comfort and awareness with the new FH16. A 12-inch high-resolution display, for example, offers four selectable screen views based on differing driving situations and the data the driver wants. Drivers will also find a digital instrumental panel, redesigned and illuminated I-Shift gear selector (crawler gears and I-Shift Dual Clutch supported), upgraded dashboard with new storage spaces, and multiple control modes (voice, steering wheel buttons, touchscreen, display panel).
Find Your Volvo Truck
The TruckLocator online marketplace is the industry’s go-to source for hundreds of new and used Volvo trucks for sale every day, including a number of Volvo FH16s.
