Western Star develops all-new 49X with quieter cab, lighter but stronger chassis

Purpose-built from the ground up, the next-generation Western Star 49X vocational truck is underpinned by a stronger, lighter chassis and equipped with a new X-series steel-reinforced aluminum cab that's claimed to be the segment's largest with 10 to 13% more space while being 8% lighter. Technology upgrades that bolster productivity, safety and uptime for the vocational market include Detroit Assurance active safety systems such as Side Guard Assist and the Detroit DT12 Vocational series of automated manual transmissions, which debuts on the Class 8 vocational truck.

“We've completely rethought the foundation of the 49X to make it easier to upfit,” David Carson, senior vice president, vocational segment, Daimler Trucks North America, stressed during a virtual press event introducing the new truck. Engineers focused on clear back-of-cab packaging and features that contribute to easier upfitting: forward-mounted DEF tanks; standard in-cab battery box; multiple air tank mounting locations; air dryer mounted under hood (SBA) or under cab (SFA); and dual vertical exhaust stacks.