DAF XF 480 SMART: reliable muscle with a practical brain

Posted on: February 18, 2026

Sponsored Blog

 

In a long-haul market where uptime is currency and every drop of diesel counts, the DAF XF 480 SMART is standing its ground – and gaining attention. It’s not flashy, but it’s got the goods where it matters: under the cab, on the dash, and in the support behind it.

Trusted driveline, proven power
At the heart of the XF 480 SMART is the PACCAR MX-13 Euro III engine, a familiar face in local fleets. Pushing out 355‚ÄØkW (483‚ÄØhp) and 2,500‚ÄØNm of torque, it’s been getting the job done reliably on routes across the country – whether you’re pulling 55-tonne rigs through Van Reenen’s or clocking mileage on the N1.

It’s paired with the ZF TraXon 12-speed direct-drive AMT gearbox, which delivers smoother shifts, reduced fuel consumption, and helps reduce fatigue for drivers covering serious kilometres.

Safety spec that makes sense
Let’s be honest – no operator wants to pay for tech that no one uses. That’s where the XF 480 SMART hits the sweet spot. It’s fitted with practical features that keep drivers safer and help reduce fleet risk, without making things unnecessarily complicated.

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): helps maintain safe following distances
  • Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS): kicks in when it counts
  • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Downhill Speed Control (DSC): keep things steady on slopes and corners
  • Driver Performance Assistant (DPA): offers actionable feedback for coaching and improvement
  • Axle Load Monitoring (ALM): helps keep you compliant and within limits
  • These are systems drivers can use – not ignore. No gimmicks, just safety where it counts.

Comfort that shows respect for drivers
The Space Cab isn’t oversized, but it’s comfortable and thought through. Controls are where they should be, the bunk is fit for purpose, and there’s enough room to stretch out after a long day. When driver turnover is high and fatigue is real, cab design is more than a luxury – it’s a business decision.

Backed by Babcock
Support is only as good as your worst day – and when things go wrong, you need a partner that’s got your back. Babcock’s national footprint means parts, service, and warranty support are never far away. That’s key when breakdowns mean blown delivery windows and lost income.

The XF 480 SMART comes with a 1-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and a 3-year driveline warranty, giving operators peace of mind on high-pressure contracts.

Built for the now
Operators are facing fuel volatility, compliance headaches, and driver shortages. In that climate, over-speccing your fleet with high-maintenance tech doesn’t make sense. The XF 480 SMART delivers the muscle, brains, and backup you need – without the fluff.

It’s not trying to be the biggest name in the yard. It’s just a good, solid truck that does what it says on the spec sheet.

More info on the DAF XF 480 SMART is available here.

Babcock contact info and social media links.

DAF XF 480 SMART: reliable muscle with a practical brain

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