Western Star launches X-Series truck range

Touted as the ‘most tested’ Western Star ever, the X-Series was designed from the ground up and comprises the 47X, 49X, and Australian-exclusive 48X.

At the launch, Hamish Christie-Johnston, Managing Director of Penske Australia, was quick to point out that the new trucks are not just an update of an old model but a totally new Western Star.

“This is the first ground-up new Western Star truck that we’ve seen for over 20 years. So that’s an incredible milestone in itself,” he said.

“The new range is going to meeting a wide range of needs and applications in the Australian market – very diverse applications and very harsh applications.

“It has been designed from the ground up; pretty much everything is new. Don’t approach this truck by comparing it to its predecessors and try to pick the differences because everything has been redesigned and tested thoroughly.”

Kicking off the range, the 47X is a versatile truck that has a short, sloped bonnet, a set-back front axle, and a choice of powerplants with either the Cummins L9 or the Detroit DD13 Gen 5. Transmission options are either the Detroit DT12, Allison fully automatic, or Eaton Fuller manual transmission, as well as various sleeper options.

Designed specifically for Australia, the 48X is powered by the 450-525hp Detroit DD13 Gen 5 or 500-600hp DD16 engine, features a set-forward front axle, and has a bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 113.5 inches (2283mm), making it a very flexible truck.

The toughest of the range, the 49X, is powered by the 500-600hp DD16, has up to 200+ tonnes GCM capability, and is available with multiple cabin options, including the largest cab on the Australian market, the 72-inch (1829mm) Stratosphere sleeper.

“We are thrilled to unveil the brand new X-Series to our Australian customers,” said Craig Lee, Executive General Manager of On-Highway, Penske Australia.

“Our team has worked closely with Daimler Trucks North America on the design of these three models, including the 48X which is a global exclusive, to deliver a product that is bespoke to our local needs.

“We’re excited by what the X-Series means for Australian customers. We have passionate Western Star enthusiasts who will want a 49X 6x4 with the 600hp Detroit DD16, drum brakes, spring suspension, and an Eaton Fuller manual transmission – a space in which we are renowned – and we can deliver that.

“On the other side of that, for a fleet operator after a 47X or 48X to haul B-doubles with Detroit’s DT12 transmission and all the advanced telematics that comes with that, we can deliver that too.

“The Detroit DD13 13-litre engine in the 47X and 48X also open up new markets for Western Star, such as local distribution or B-double intrastate,” Mr Lee said.

The X-Series is underpinned by the legendary durability that customers expect from a Western Star, but the new trucks also feature many modern features.

A lot of work has also gone into making the new trucks more driver-friendly. They’re quieter and have far better ergonomics with a wrap-around dash and everything within easy reach of the driver.

“The new X-Series is lighter, safer, stronger, and more spacious than any Western Star before,” said Kurt Dein, head of Western Star Trucks, Penske Australia.

“Ingrained with the tough Western Star DNA for which we are renowned, the X-Series-specific cab is reinforced with steel for added strength ensuring customers can continue to depend on Western Star in the most challenging of applications – whether that is heavy haulage on-highway or heavy haulage off-road.

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“Inside the cab, premium noise and temperature insulation and triple door seals deliver a quiet and comfortable environment, and the multi-function steering wheel and primary instrument cluster result in a highly intuitive workspace.

“From the 36-inch mid and trench sleeper options to the market-leading 72-inch Stratosphere sleeper, the cabin options are unbeatable. The 72-inch Stratosphere is seriously spacious and includes a 65-litre fridge, generous storage solutions with microwave prep, and either a Murphy-style bed – with a foldaway dinette/work table – or a double bunk option.

“With Active Brake Assist 5, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, Side Guard Assist, tailgate warning, brake hold mode, an improved visibility package, and a RollTek driver’s seat with rollover restraint and a seat-mounted airbag, drivers and fleet operators can have complete peace of mind that their Western Star will protect their most important asset, the occupants,” Mr Dien concluded.

Next week we’ll bring our first drive impression of the Western Star X-Series from the media launch held in Brisbane.