An A-1 M2

When asked what Freightliner’s Business Class line of medium-duty trucks has in common with the company’s next-generation Business Class M2, introduced in February, vice-president of engineering Michael Von Meyenburg said two words: wheels and tires.
Otherwise, almost literally, Freightliner’s latest platform for class-5 through -8 trucks is new from the ground up.

Distinctively styled, the M2 is designed to serve a multitude of applications — local and regional distribution, food and beverage delivery, emergency services, fuel-oil delivery, and utilities, among others. Freightliner will produce 106-inch BBC models in classes 6 and 7 starting in June, followed by a 100-inch BBC and a heavier-duty 112-inch model.

The all-new aluminum cab is approximately two inches wider and three inches longer than current Business Class models, despite using the same BBC (the length has been taken out the hood). The broad, deeply curved windshield and a hood that, on one model, is no higher than a Dodge Ram pickup combine to offer the in-close visibility of a medium-duty cabover. The steeply raked beltline to the side windows and carefully positioned mirrors enhance what Freightliner claims is best-in-class visibility. Manoevrability is superb: trucks with an up to 12,000-pound front axle have a 55-degree wheel cut, arguably the most generous steering turn-in in the industry.

Standard power in the Business Class is the Mercedes-Benz MBE900. Heavier versions of the Business Class 112 that extend into class-8 with tandem axles will get the MBE 4000, a 12.8-litre in-line six engine. Caterpillar is the only North American power available, with the 3126 in lighter applications and the C-9, an 8.8-litre diesel due out next year.

Transmission options include the six-speed synchromesh from Mercedes-Benz. Axles are from North American suppliers, though Mercedes-Benz axles will be offered as options down the road.

Interestingly, during the phase-in over the next year, existing Business Class will continue to be sold. Freightliner expects the new models to cost 3 to 3.5% more than a similarly spec’d Business Class today.