Which top-tier heavy-duty truck offers the most comfort? Jiefang, Dongfeng, Sinotruk, Shacman, or Foton?

Sinotruk C9H

If the FAW J7 and Tianlong KX flagship cabs exude a composed and dignified style, and the Auman Galaxy cabs have a cool and futuristic feel, then the Sinotruk Shandeka C9H is rugged and powerful, with a more muscular presence.

The C9H is a completely upgraded version of the Sinotruk Shandeka C7H, with significant changes to the cab interior. Unlike the previous three, the C9H's center console largely uses straight, angular lines, giving it a more powerful look. The driver's side center console uses a lot of matte black, while the passenger side uses a combination of brown wood grain panels, black lacquered panels, and off-white, creating a more dynamic feel.

The driver's seat center console features a floating design and a large floating screen, a rarity in trucks, giving it a clean yet high-tech feel. Modern high-end heavy trucks strive for highly integrated information systems, requiring drivers to receive more direct and simpler information and grasp vehicle dynamics more quickly. The C9H's dual LCD screens perfectly meet these requirements.

The center console area has clearly defined button layouts. The automatic climate control panel is located below the floating screen, and below that are buttons for everyday driving functions such as the center differential lock. The handbrake and trailer brake are located on the right side of the center console.

The rotary gear selector is located on the lower left side of the center console, closest to the driver's seat, similar to the FAW J7. The manual shift mechanism is integrated into the column shifter on the right side of the steering wheel, and the hydraulic rev switch is also located there, resulting in a high degree of integration in operation.

The vehicle in the photos features high-spec Isling shock-absorbing seats for both the driver and front passenger. Functionally, these seats offer adjustable seat cushion angle, adjustable damping, lumbar support, and two levels of back support. However, the driver's seat is more luxurious, equipped with seat ventilation and heating. These features ensure the comfort of both the driver and front passenger.

In terms of sleeper berth width, the C9H also has an advantage, measuring approximately 88 centimeters in actual measurements. The functional panel is located at the head of the sleeper berth, integrating lighting, window lifts, and USB charging ports. The vehicle in the photos is equipped with a standard onboard refrigerator under the sleeper berth, providing added convenience for our journey.

As Sinotruk Shandeka's flagship model, the C9H boasts a robust and muscular design in its cab configuration. It also features high information integration and convenient operation. Furthermore, both the driver and passenger seats are equipped with high-spec Isling air-suspension suspension seats, ensuring a very comfortable ride.

Shacman Automobile Delong X6000

The Shacman Automobile Delong X6000, as Shaanxi Automobile's current flagship heavy-duty truck, features a truly flat floor in its cab, with an interior height of 2.13 meters—a remarkable achievement for a cab-over tractor, demonstrating excellent space utilization.

The X6000's center console employs a two-tone design of matte black and orange, similar to the Tianlong flagship KX. This color scheme divides the center console into a working area for the driver and a comfortable relaxation/rest area for the passenger.

The X6000's driver's seat features a high-spec, fully leather-wrapped Isling airbag-equipped seat with an integrated seatbelt and armrests. In addition to standard features like seat recline and damping adjustment, it offers lumbar support adjustment, two-level back support, and comes standard with seat ventilation and heating.

Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that the entire upper half of the seatback can be individually adjusted for recline. The X6000's seats demonstrate thoughtful design considerations.

Unlike the previous four models, the X6000's handbrake and trailer brake levers are integrated into the right side of the seat and move in tandem with the seat. This provides convenient operation and saves more space in the driver's seat and center aisle.

The multi-function steering wheel is meticulously designed. Firstly, it features full leather wrapping, a rarity even among flagship heavy trucks, offering a superior grip. Secondly, pressing the pneumatic button allows for significant height adjustment, a design similar to Scania's steering wheels.

Like the Sinotruk C9H, the X6000 also uses a fully digital instrument cluster. All information from the trip computer is displayed in the central area of the instrument panel, including average fuel consumption and driving rating.

Unlike the previous four models, the X6000 uses a traditional automatic gear lever located in the center console area. In my personal testing, with the driver's seat adjusted and in a normal driving posture, the gear lever is easily accessible with a slight reach, making operation equally convenient.

The vehicle's central control screen integrates voice control, automatic air conditioning, a four-way camera, and smartphone connectivity, among other functions. Notably, the X6000's driving assistant can be activated by voice, enabling voice control of navigation, air conditioning temperature, and window operation – a powerful feature. The four-way camera includes recording functionality, allowing for playback. The central control screen's capabilities can only be described as robust.

According to actual measurements, the sleeper berth width is 85 cm, which is standard for high-end heavy trucks. There are two storage compartments at the head of the lower berth. The functional control panel is also located at the head of the bed, including a headphone jack, volume control, bedside lamp, and USB port.

As Shacman Automobile's flagship heavy truck model, the Shacman Delong X6000 boasts a rich array of functions in its cab, from the seats and steering wheel to the central control screen. Its thoughtful and user-friendly design details make it a flagship heavy truck with a warm and human touch.

Foton Auman Galaxy

The Auman Galaxy is Foton's recently launched flagship heavy-duty truck. As its name suggests, the cab incorporates many new elements, giving it a highly technological feel.

Looking at the driver's side center console, the full LCD instrument panel, all driving function buttons, large central control screen, and air conditioning vents are all integrated into a single black piano lacquer panel, creating a strong visual impact.

The Auman Galaxy is the first truck to use paddle shifters, allowing for manual gear changes without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The Galaxy's multi-function steering wheel has a unique design; buttons on the left adjust information on the trip computer, while buttons on the right allow for Bluetooth phone calls. The cruise control buttons are located below the steering wheel.

Like the J7 and Tianlong Flagship, the Galaxy also uses a rotary gear selector, but unlike the former two, its knob is located below the center console, closer to the center.

The one-button start and electronic parking brake buttons are located on the far left of the center console. A wireless phone charging function is also located on the side near the passenger seat.

The entire interior features a two-tone design in matte black and beige, with extensive use of black piano lacquer panels and silver trim on the center console. The unexpected touch of orange ambient lighting adds a warm glow to the overall cool, high-tech style.

The vehicle shown in the photos uses an air-suspension seat co-developed by Galaxy and Grammer. In addition to the commonly used tilt, height, and damping adjustments, it also features lumbar support and two levels of back support adjustment, along with seat ventilation and heating functions.

In terms of sleeper berth size, Galaxy has an edge, with the lower berth exceeding one meter in width and including factory-installed curtains. The sleeper berth's functional areas are not located at the head of the bed but rather next to the rear window, featuring window operation and a separate USB port.

The Auman Galaxy is Foton's flagship heavy-duty truck and the latest domestically produced flagship heavy-duty truck. Overall, its cab configuration incorporates more advanced and technological design concepts, with clear functional areas and a high degree of integration, bringing us a different driving experience.