RENAULT AE500 MAGNUM (4x2)
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CM test published 16-22 January.
Power: 370kW (503hp).
Average fuel consumption: 43.1121/100km (6.55mpg).
Average speed: 75.8km/h (47.1mph). Payload as tested: 23.28 tonnes.
• By the time we got our hands on Renault's distinctive AE500 Magnum it's tenure as "European Truck of the Year" had almost ended. But it was worth waiting for. Its Mack vee-eight delivers a whopping 2,000Nm (1,4751bft) of torque so the AE was bound to turn in fast journey times; around CM's Scottish test route it fulfilled its promise by beating high-powered rivals from Merc, Volvo and Scania. But it was also thirstier, so there's a price to pay for all that performance. Combine that with its kerbweight (our 4x2 weighed 7.72 tonnes fully fuelled) and it's clear that the AE500 Magnum is a truck with a limited market.
Nonetheless it impressed our tester, who described its ride as "superb", thanks to the air-ride drive axle and air-suspended cab. We also praised the AE's "well-balanced, powerful" brakes, "good on-road stability" and above average visibility: you can certainly see a lot from that towering cab.
The AE 500's individuality will put some buyers off, if not because of the engine then certainly for the size of its cab, But when it came to enjoying the comfort of the AE our tester was prepared to argue that it was 'one of the best driver's cabins on wheels", not least when stationary.
Its flat floor provides oodles of headroom and storage. Add to that extras such as air conditioning, central locking and a refrigerator and you're beginning to see why many consider it's the best driver's machine on the market.
What the AE500 isn't is a gaffer's motor, but then that wasn't what Renault had in mind when it designed it.