In addition to showcasing the new medium-duty electric truck eTgl, MAN Trucks presented a series of innovations for its traditional heavy-duty diesel powertrain, all under the PowerLion brand. According to the German manufacturer, these improvements will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to four percent.
“Our new PowerLion transmission system, featuring the D30 engine and the new MAN TipMatic 14 gearbox, is key to increasing profitability for transport companies,” said Friedrich Baumann, a member of MAN Truck & Bus’s board of directors for sales and customer solutions.
At the heart of the PowerLion system is the new D30 engine, designed to enhance fuel efficiency by up to 50% and reduce emissions. Available in six power variants ranging from 380 to 560 HP, this engine boasts an advanced high-pressure common rail injection system paired with enhanced turbocharging. The D30 will replace the older D26 and D15 models and is equipped with a new double SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust treatment system, ensuring compliance with the strictest European emission standards.
The second major innovation in the PowerLion system is the automatic MAN TipMatic 14 transmission, replacing the previous TipMatic 12. This new 14-speed gearbox offers smoother and more precise gear shifting, thanks to intelligent features like SmartShifting, which enables faster shifts with minimal torque interruption. The gearbox is also 60 kg lighter than its predecessor, contributing further to fuel savings. Additionally, its over-the-air upgrade capability allows for the addition of six reverse gears, providing greater flexibility in reverse maneuvers and the ability to achieve higher speeds when necessary.
The updates don't stop with the engine and transmission. MAN has introduced a new internally ventilated disc brake system, designed for vehicles with a gross weight of over 18 tons. Thanks to the new brake pad return system, the brakes offer reduced wear and fuel consumption, as well as lower noise levels.
Beyond the powertrain, MAN has also improved the truck's aerodynamics. The sides and underbody of the chassis have been redesigned to reduce air resistance. New accessories, such as the front spoiler, further optimize airflow, resulting in additional fuel savings.
Inside the cabin, the 2025 generation boasts a fully digital 12.3-inch main display, featuring new functionalities like gross weight visualization and essential information for the driver upon entry, without needing to start the engine. A reduced display mode allows drivers to focus more on driving by limiting the information shown on the screen.
Another key innovation concerns noise insulation. With the addition of a soundproof windshield and the encapsulation of the D30 engine, noise levels inside and outside the cabin have been reduced, enhancing driver comfort. Interior updates are completed with new color combinations, including Desert Beige, Tuscan Red, and Moon Gray, with silver accents.
For vehicle body builders, MAN’s heavy-duty trucks now feature the MAN PAL (Power Application Loader) system, which allows the configuration of specific vehicle functions—such as PTO activation or rotating lights—via a digital interface. This web-based system enables vehicle parameters to be configured without the need for diagnostic tools or workshop visits.
On the digital front, MAN introduced SimplePay, a new service for hauliers that enables the digital management of fuel and charging cards for each vehicle. This digital platform provides a clear overview of costs related to refueling, washing, parking, and tank cleaning, simplifying fleet management. SimplePay also allows refueling authorizations via the MAN Driver app or the vehicle's multimedia system, and it can be used to book parking and washing services.
