Creating a new truck exclusively for the North American market is a unique opportunity. The interior design team recognized that, taking full advantage of the chance to create inviting driving and living environments. But it wasn’t done alone in a studio. They had help, lots of help.

The new VNL interior is the product of countless hours in clinics and individual interviews with drivers. Designers and engineers listened to their stories and experiences. That time with drivers helped shape the incredible new list of features and amenities inside the cab, with each enhancement designed to make life on the road easier.

Designing the last frontier

“Since we had the opportunity to change everything, we first focused on the overall feeling of comfort,” according to Jason Dabel, chief designer, interior, for the new VNL. “A big part of that is the utilization of every square inch inside the cab. We’ve made it both functional and purposeful. The result is a very spacious feeling interior.”

In fact, space was the number one request in those driver conversations. A great deal of emphasis was placed on storage re-design inside each sleeper model. Every cabinet and shelfing area optimizes storage space, without crowding into the living area.

Comfort during off-hours is also highly dependent on the sleeping area. The new VNL offers up to three bedding configurations: a flat mattress, the popular reclining mattress, and the all-new versatile bunk design featuring a foldable dinette.

“The all-new versatile bunk that we offer in the VNL is styled after a murphy bed. So, we can actually store the bunk into the wall and offer a complete dinette solution that comes out in one motion,” says Dabel. “This gives the customer complete flexibility with how they use their living environment.”

Light and dark. Hot and cold.

Climate control has been improved dramatically. Volvo’s new parking cooler will come standard in every new VNL sleeper. It can cool the cab without idling the engine for up to eight hours at a time. The cooler is mounted under the hood, so there’s less noise and vibration in the sleeper area as a driver rests. A 6kW parking heater can keep the sleeper, driving area, and even the engine warm without idling overnight. Smaller heater options can also be selected to heat just the sleeper area, or a day cab’s driving space, without idling.

An entirely redesigned premium lighting system allows drivers to set color tones and customize light levels for the cab with a dimmer switch. The system even comes with a wake-up timer that will slowly bring up the lighting in the sleeper when it’s time to get up.

“Interior lighting is one area that we focused on that is not necessarily obvious. The living area lighting can be set to the specific preferences of the driver,” shares Mike Sorrels, group manager, cab living, at Volvo Trucks.

New, improved sleeper curtains, airline-style window shades, and improved levels of insulation make it easier to manage the cab light and temperature inside the sleeper.

Technology at every turn

Another request came through loud and clear from this generation of drivers, ‘The truck should be as advanced as my car.’ Challenge accepted. The new VNL more than delivers when it comes to technology.

It’s apparent even before the driver gets into the cab. A new key fob can activate pre-trip lighting sequences and turn on approach lighting inside and outside the cab.

“From the moment they pick up the key fob to the moment they get behind the wheel and start driving, that’s a seamless experience that allows them to feel in control, to feel aware of their surroundings,” explains Michael Lawrence, senior chief designer, user experience.

The driver seat is surrounded by amenities, making it feel more like a premium automotive experience, not a long-haul tractor. A new gear stalk sits at the driver’s fingertips, allowing them to engage drive mode, apply the engine brake, or paddle shift the transmission if needed. Just behind the gear stalk, a new Digital Information Display lays out everything the driver needs to see at a glance.

“We have digital displays that cater to the driver’s certain tasks like needing to navigate. These improved instrument views allow the driver to focus on driving,” says Lawrence.

The redesigned, optional Infotainment Center offers the chance to put almost any needed application in the driver’s reach. The screen features premium audio and climate controls, a digital operator’s manual, ELD integration, navigation, and it is compatible with Android and Apple devices. In addition, it can provide a multi-camera view of surroundings, without having to introduce additional third-party screens.

“We’ve tried to think of everything, right down to wireless charging shelf options on the doghouse,” Dabel says with satisfaction. “The driver feedback on this cab has been tremendous from initial development to final design. We’re very proud because everything is truly focused on the driver.”