MAN TGE raises standard comfort and safety features to a new level
The MAN TGE will receive an extensive functional and interior update with the 2025 model year. The "truck among vans" is thus making the biggest technological leap in its history. The van from MAN Truck & Bus is getting a completely new on-board network architecture. A new generation of control units fulfils the higher cyber security requirements on the one hand and sig-nificantly increases active and passive safety for drivers and other road users with the help of new driver assistance systems on the other. The MAN TGE is thus better protected against digital manipulation and unauthorised changes to the vehicle software and is also ideally equipped for future digital online services. Another advantage is the ability for over-the-air updates. This eliminates the need for workshop visits for software updates and con-tinuously improves software stability.
The combination of new control units and new radar sensors and cameras has also made it possible to significantly enhance the safety and driver as-sistance systems. For example, Blind Spot Warning and Drive Off Warning are completely new. These are now standard for all MAN TGEs over 3.5 tonnes with N2 approval and optional for vehicles with N1 approval. The op-tional assistance systems, Cruise Assist, Cruise Assist Plus and Turn Assist, are also new developments. In addition, almost all systems have been re-vised and their functions expanded. The extended list of assistance systems fitted as standard is also noteworthy. Every MAN TGE Next Level comes with Fatigue Detection, Traffic Sign Information, Intelligent Speed Assist, Emer-gency Brake Assist1, Parking Assist1, Active Lane Guard System, Cruise Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. This raises the active safety of MAN vans to a new level.
Also new in the standard equipment of MAN TGE with N1 approval are the passenger airbag and an accident recording system. The latter records and stores critical, collision-related parameters and information shortly before, during and immediately after a collision. In this way, important data is avail-able for accident investigations and analyses of the performance of safety equipment. The front passenger airbag is still available as an option for ve-hicles with N2 approval.
The TGE Next Level also comes with many new comfort features: a new dashboard with digital instrumentation and a large MAN Media Van touch display for controlling the vehicle functions and the infotainment system. The extensively revised vehicle electrics and electronics in combination with the new driver's workplace and the new and updated assistance systems raise the MAN TGE to a new level, which is why it was given the nickname "Next Level". Production of the first model variants will begin in June 2024, with more to follow over the course of the year.
Under the bonnet, the MAN TGE is new and future-proof with the 2025 model year. However, its striking, dynamic exterior remains virtually unchanged. MAN Truck & Bus has therefore created a subtle eye-catcher with the TGE Next Level Edition, which sets visual accents. The edition is already available to order. It consists of the launch colour Pale Copper Metallic, mirror covers in Piano Black, a boomerang trim at the bumper in silver, a "Next" badge in the front grille and 17" alloy wheels in silver or optionally in black.
In terms of drive, there is a small change in the portfolio. The 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine and the choice between manual and 8-speed automatic trans-mission remain the same. The previous entry-level engine of 75 kW (102 PS) will no longer be offered due to restrained customer demand. Three power levels are now available as standard: 103 kW (140 PS), 120 kW (163 PS) and 130 kW (177 PS).
The high service quality for the MAN TGE remains unchanged, with commer-cial vehicle-specific expertise, 24-hour breakdown service and long opening hours at many branches. The MAN ServiceCare digital service is also avail-able with the MAN TGE Next Level for smooth communication between the vehicle operator and the workshop. MAN ServiceCare is a digital mainte-nance and repair management system for the vehicle operator.
The ultra-modern cockpit
The dashboard in the MAN TGE has been completely redesigned and now features a free-standing touch display in the centre. The ergonomic steering wheel, which can be used to directly select the new assistance systems, has also been redesigned. The new instrument cluster is fully digitalised as standard and offers the driver extensive options for customising displays and information.
However, the most striking highlight of the new cockpit is the new MAN Media Van infotainment system, which is the modern control centre for controlling infotainment and vehicle functions. Three variants of the infotainment system are available: The standard MAN Media Van with 10.4" screen, MAN Media Van Navigation with 10.4" screen (plus optional functions) and MAN Media Van Navigation Business with 12.9" screen (plus optional functions). The op-tional functions include, for example, media streaming via the Tidal stream-ing service and voice control. An inductive charging cradle for wireless charg-ing of smart devices can also be ordered on request. For better communica-tion with the rear row of seats in the crew cab, the front microphone and rear speakers can be selected. This optional function is called In-Car Communication.
DAB tuner, Bluetooth interface and MAN SmartLink for smartphone integra-tion (Android Auto or Apple CarPlay) are installed as standard in the MAN Media Van. The latter allows selected apps to be displayed on the MAN Me-dia Van screen and operated either directly via the touchscreen or via the MAN TGE's controls.
Other new standard features that make driving the MAN TGE even more pleasant, safer and easier include Keyless Go, electronic parking brake and two USB-C ports. Furthermore, the TGE with automatic transmission no longer has the previous gear stick. An automatic gear lever on the steering wheel is now available for selecting the driving modes. This increases the available space in the cab, as does the new electronic parking brake, which is activated via a button in the cockpit. The previous handbrake lever next to the driver's seat is no longer required. In addition, the electronic parking brake with the "Auto Hold" function secures the vehicle against rolling away when stationary by automatically engaging the parking brake without having to hold the brake pedal. This takes the strain off the driver, e.g. in stop-and-go traffic, when stopped at traffic lights or at a level crossing with an uphill or downhill gradient.
With the new Keyless Go function, the ignition is activated remotely instead of with a key. An additional button in the cockpit is used to start and stop the engine without a key. A convenient function that saves time.
Up to four new USB-C ports are available for transferring data and charging mobile devices with 45W charging power: two under the center console, one on top of the dashboard and one above the windscreen.
The assistance systems - standard equipment
With the introduction of the TGE Next Level, the number of systems available as standard has been raised to a significantly higher level. The completely new driver assistance systems Blind Spot Warning and Drive Off Warning are fitted as standard for TGEs with N2 approval and are offered as an option for TGEs with N1 approval. The blind spot warning uses radar sensors to monitor the blind spot area next to the vehicle (depending on whether the vehicle is travelling on the left or right) and reduces the risk of collision with cyclists, particularly when turning. It can optionally be extended to monitor both sides of the vehicle. The Drive Off Warning uses a multifunction camera and radar to monitor the area in front of the vehicle and helps to avoid colli-sions with pedestrians or cyclists when pulling away. With both systems, the driver is warned visually and acoustically.
The following systems are new to the standard equipment: Active Lane Guard System, Parking Assist, Fatigue Detection, Traffic Sign Information, Intelligent Speed Assist and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. There are also the cruise control and speed limiter functions. And the Emergency Brake Assist is also still part of the standard equipment. This means that the MAN TGE is safer than ever, even as standard.
Active Lane Guard System
The Active Lane Guard System helps the driver to keep the vehicle in lane by correcting steering interventions. In particular, recognition of the lane boundary has been improved and now also works on the basis of the turf and roadside. The course of the lane boundaries is detected by a camera. In ad-dition, the system warns the driver by means of steering wheel vibration or an acoustic signal if a lane boundary is crossed unintentionally.
Parking assist
The parking aid uses parking distance sensors to monitor the area in front of and behind the vehicle and supports the driver when parking by displaying the distance to static obstacles both in the instrument cluster and on the MAN Media Van screen. A new feature is that emergency braking is automatically initiated in the event of an imminent collision. No parking aid can be installed on wind-running vehicles with a flat frame.
Fatigue Detection
The Fatigue Detection system indicates to the driver both visually in the in-strument cluster and on the MAN Media Van screen, as well as haptically with a brief tightening of the seat belts, a short or long-term loss of attention. The current drowsiness and distraction level and the journey time since the last break are displayed, with break recommendations and offers to find a rest area.
Traffic Sign Information
The Traffic Sign Information informs the driver in the instrument cluster and on the MAN Media Van screen about traffic signs detected by cameras or determined from navigation and route data. If the speed limit is exceeded, the driver is warned visually and acoustically.
Intelligent Speed Assist
The Intelligent Speed Assist determines the speed limit from the activated speed limiter, recorded traffic signs and predictive route data and automati-cally decelerates to the speed limit. It automatically accelerates to the speed previously set in the display when the speed limit is cancelled. If the driver exceeds the speed limit manually, he receives a visual and acoustic warning.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency Brake Assist helps to avoid collisions with vehicles in front. It supports the driver with automatic braking, warns visually, haptically and acoustically if the distance is too short and can also initiate automatic emer-gency braking if the automatic transmission is fitted. The new, integrated pe-destrian and cyclist detection function also extends the range of functions to other road users.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is now also possible with dual tyres. It determines the current tyre pressure using sensors in the wheels (new: in-cluding spare wheel) and informs the driver before and during the journey, together with a visual and acoustic warning in the event of low tyre pressure or rapid pressure loss.
The assistance systems - optional equipment
The technological advancement of the new control units, sensors and cam-eras installed in the vehicle enables the introduction of new and improved assistance systems. One of the main reasons for this is the increased com-puting power under the bonnet. With the assistance systems, the MAN TGE offers even better protection for vehicle occupants and other road users and makes a contribution to increasing road safety.
Completely new, optional driver assistance systems are the Turning Assist and Cruise Assist Plus (including Emergency Assist). Noticeable enhance-ments have been made to Park Steering Assist, the Rear View Camera with dynamic guidance lines, ACC Stop & Go and Emergency Assist.
Turn Assist
Turn Assist helps to avoid head-on collisions with oncoming vehicles by au-tomatically braking when turning into the opposite lane.
Park Steering Assist
The Park Steering Assist supports the driver when parking in parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. To do this, the parking space is first detected by sensors and the appropriate size is displayed to the driver. During the assisted parking process, the driver presses the accelerator and brake ped-als, the parking assistant takes over the steering and automatically initiates emergency braking if the speed is too high or a collision is imminent.
Rear View Camera
The Rear View Camera now shows the driver the surroundings behind the vehicle on the MAN Media Van screen with dynamic instead of static guide lines. This improves orientation for the driver, as the guide lines continuously adapt to the route. The higher resolution of the camera has also improved the display on the MAN Media Van screen and thus visibility.
ACC Stop & Go
ACC Stop & Go is a semi-automated control of acceleration and braking pro-cesses based on the speed set by the driver or the distance to the vehicle in front. After braking to a standstill, the system starts up semi-automatically; after a message, the driver must confirm the automatic restart by tapping the accelerator pedal. ACC Stop & Go is only available as part of Cruise Assist or Cruise Assist Plus.
Active Lane Guard System and Traffic Jam Assist
The Active Lane Guard System and Traffic Jam Assist also controls acceler-ation and braking based on the speed set by the driver or the distance to the vehicle in front. It also corrects steering movements to keep the vehicle in lane. After braking to a standstill, the system starts up fully automatically and automatically keeps the vehicle in the centre of the lane. Active Lane Guard System and Traffic Jam Assist are only available in conjunction with ACC Stop & Go in Cruise Assist.
Emergency Assist
Emergency Assist continuously monitors the driver's activity on the acceler-ator pedal, steering and brakes. If there is no driver activity in an exceptional situation - e.g. in the event of a health impairment or loss of fitness to drive - Emergency Assist can take over vehicle control to bring the vehicle to a standstill and then secure it (activate hazard warning lights, make an eCall, unlock doors).
Impending consequences such as leaving the carriageway, rear-end colli-sions and endangering other road users can thus be averted within the sys-tem limits.
Emergency Assist is only available in conjunction with ACC Stop & Go in Cruise Assist Plus and therefore only for vehicles with automatic transmis-sion.
Cruise Assist
Cruise Assist combines the functions of ACC Stop & Go, Active Lane Guard System and Traffic Jam Assist to help the driver maintain distance, speed and lane position. To this end, the semi-automated control of acceleration and braking processes is combined with the lateral control of steering move-ments for lane keeping.
Cruise Assist Plus
Cruise Assist Plus consists of the functions of ACC Stop & Go as well as Emergency Assist, Active Lane Guard System and Traffic Jam Assist. It is only available for vehicles with automatic transmission.
Lane Change Assist
Lane Change Assist supports the driver when changing lanes by actively monitoring the surrounding area - now with a significantly larger detection range thanks to new sensors. In addition, the integrated warning now pro-vides even better support against rear cross traffic when reversing out of an exit or parking space and automatically initiates emergency braking in the event of an imminent collision. In both cases, collisions with other vehicles can be effectively avoided. Lane Change Assist is only available for panel vans.