MAN Unveils 250-Tonne TGX Heavy-Duty Tractor Unit: First Unit Delivered to German Rental Partner BFS
MAN Truck & Bus has officially launched its new TGX 41.640 8×4/4 heavy-duty tractor unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of 250 tonnes, marking the company’s return to the supreme discipline of heavy-duty transport.
The world premiere was celebrated at MAN’s headquarters in Munich, where approximately 80 international heavy-duty transporters gathered to witness the unveiling of the new series solution.
Portfolio Now Spans 3.5 to 250 Tonnes
With this launch, MAN now offers one of the few series-based complete solutions covering every transport task from light to heavy duty. The company’s portfolio now spans from 3.5 to 250 tonnes, including the TGE, TGL, TGM, TGS, and TGX models – with fully electric options available from 12 to 42 tonnes on request.
Friedrich Baumann, Executive Board Member for Sales & Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus, said,
“With our new 250-ton tractor unit, we are returning to the supreme discipline of heavy-duty transport. Thanks to MAN Individual’s expertise, we are offering our customers a highly specialised vehicle that combines maximum performance and reliability.”
Built for Extreme Heavy-Duty Applications
The 640 hp four-axle vehicle is designed to transport massive loads including large turbines for wind energy installations, high-voltage transformers, and even entire submarines.
At the heart of the new heavy-duty model is the MAN D3876 in-line six-cylinder engine with 640 hp and 3,000 Nm torque, available in a wide range from 900 to 1,380 rpm – ideal for high loads at low speeds.
Key technical specifications include:
- Transmission: MAN TipMatic 12.30 OD with torque converter clutch (WSK)
- Torque Multiplication: Up to 1.59x for powerful starting
- Braking System: Retarder 40 for continuous braking performance
- Hydraulic System: Two-stage, up to 300 bar pressure
- Diesel Tank Capacity: 960 litres
- Air Supply: 160 litres (four pressure tanks)
- Hydraulic Oil Tank: 290 litres
The integrated torque converter clutch enables low-wear, powerful starting with sensitive manoeuvring capabilities. Special TipMatic programs support operations including a Heavy Transport program for loads up to 250 tonnes and an Efficiency mode for loads up to 70 tonnes with economical fuel consumption.
Complete Factory Solution from MAN Individual
The new heavy-duty range is produced as a complete vehicle across two MAN production sites. The four-axle base vehicle is produced at the Munich Plant, then equipped with heavy-duty couplings, reinforced cooling, and diesel/hydraulic tank installation at the Wittlich MAN Truck Modification Centre.
This factory-built approach ensures the vehicle comes with the same comprehensive after-sales, warranty, and financing services as all MAN series vehicles.
MAN has bundled central heavy-duty components in a heavy-duty tower behind the cab, featuring a heavy-duty transport cooler for stable engine temperature at low speeds, JOST JSK 38 C fifth wheel (3.5″) with 800 mm shifting device, and optional ROCKINGER 56 EA rear coupling with automatic locking mechanism.
First Customer Vehicle Delivered to BFS
MAN has delivered the first 250-tonne TGX to German rental specialist BFS. The dark blue tractor unit is now available for heavy-duty transport companies requiring vehicles at short notice for particularly demanding operations.
Jan Plieninger, Managing Director of BFS, said,
“We are very proud to have the very first of these special high-performance trucks in our fleet! It is the perfect flagship for our special vehicle rental fleet and another highlight in our 60-year partnership with MAN.”
BFS serves as a cooperation partner for MAN commercial vehicle rental, offering flexible short to long-term rental options supported by a comprehensive service network of over 90 MAN-owned workshops across Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, and the Netherlands.
Premium Comfort with MAN Individual Lion S
For operators spending extended periods on the road, the tractor unit is available with the optional MAN Individual Lion S equipment package, featuring exclusive carbon applications, black aerodomes, red accent details, Alcantara seat covers with decorative stitching, red seat belts, optional 24-inch television, electrically adjustable TV recliner, and ambient lighting.
Comprehensive Service & Financing Support
MAN complements the new heavy-duty model with a full service and financing portfolio including MAN Service Contracts, Extended Warranty, Uptime Guarantee, and digital services (Perform, Compliant M, Timed, ServiceCare).
The company’s global service network spans approximately 1,670 locations in over 140 countries, ensuring rapid support for heavy-duty customers worldwide. Flexible financing models from MAN Financial Services include Hire Purchase and PremiumCover insurance.
MAN Truck & Bus is one of Europe’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers with annual sales revenue of approximately €14.1 billion (2025).
CarTok Editor’s Note:
While this 250-tonne beast won’t be rolling onto Malaysian roads anytime soon given our weight restrictions and infrastructure limitations, MAN’s expansion to 250 tonnes demonstrates their commitment to covering every transport segment. For Malaysian heavy-duty operators, the TGX range up to 70 tonnes remains relevant for specialized transport operations, and the comprehensive service network backing these vehicles is what truly matters for fleet operators considering MAN products.
