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If you’re wondering whether to make an expensive semi-truck investment or are considering buying a fleet of luxury semi-trucks for your business, you likely have some questions. Are high-end semi-trucks really worth the extra cost? And do they offer any benefits or savings in the long run? At LubeZone Truck Lube Center, we cover all things big-rig related. Trucks are our passion, and we love to share our knowledge and expertise with drivers, fleet managers, and business owners everywhere.
Next time you’re on the road, stop at a LubeZone location near you. We offer quick and reliable preventative maintenance for semi-trucks, including oil changes, tire checks and alignment, DOT inspections, and more. So you can get to the next stop along your route safely without delay.
Overview of High-End Semi-Trucks
High-end semi-trucks have various upgrades, including luxury features, advanced technology, and premium materials. They’re known for their craftsmanship, superior amenities, and impressive style. Luxury semi-trucks are a true form of art, designed to be a driver’s best friend. After all, with the numerous hours drivers spend on the road in their rigs, a few upgrades can make a significant difference in the driving experience. You can turn what would otherwise be a grueling journey into an enjoyable one by investing in high-end rigs.
From Mercedes-Benz to Volvo, Mack Titan to Scania, THOR to Marmon, and more, there are several notable luxury trucks on the market. International, Peterbilt, Freightliner, and Kenworth are other big names known for reliability, resale value retention, and impressive upgrades. These big wheelers offer some of our favorite features. Many truck aficionados refer to Marmons as the “Rolls-Royce of semi-trucks,” while Mack Titans are known for durable, rugged construction.
Our Favorite Luxury Semi-Truck Features
While cozier, improved sleep cabins and convenient onboard kitchenettes are among the upgrades you can expect when making an expensive semi-truck investment, a few model features deserve special mention.
- Peterbilt Model 579. The 579 sleeper cabin has an 8-foot head clearance and enough room to fit a 32-inch TV and a full-size microwave. The sleeper cabin has an independent HVAC system for ultimate environmental control, and the driver’s dash has a 15-inch display screen with integrated navigation technology, the largest screen in its class.
- Volvo VNL. The VNL has Pilot Assist for lane-centering and Dynamic Steering for maneuvering, making this semi-truck a dream to drive. With a 360-degree camera system to reduce blind spots and forward pedestrian detection, this is one of the safest rigs on the road. The Volvo Connect platform gives drivers unique vehicle insights, trip overviews, remote diagnostics, and fuel efficiency reports.
- Kenworth T680. With predictive cruise control and neutral coast, the T680’s advanced features provide top-tier fuel economy. This model is known as the most highly evolved aerodynamic long-haul tractor. Additionally, it offers world-class accommodations, with features like a drawer-style mounted refrigerator, a flat-screen TV mount, and a swivel work and dining table.
- Mercedes-Benz Actros. The eActros 600 won the International Truck of the Year 2025 award due to its pioneering technology and innovative power. This electric semi-truck offers long-term fuel savings.
The Cost vs. Benefits of High-End Semi-Trucks
The average cost of a high-end semi-truck ranges from $200,000 to $250,000. The most expensive 18-wheeler ever sold for $13.2 million. It was a Thor 24 featuring the ultimate customization with an extremely powerful engine. Since your standard big rig usually costs around $160,000, this can seem like a big difference. Is it worth it to spend all that extra cash? And will the investment pay off?
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance Savings
Some of the most impressive luxury semi-trucks boast the ultimate in aerodynamic design. Take, for instance, the Volvo SuperTruck 2. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this vehicle improves freight efficiency by over 100%. It features a 50% aerodynamic improvement over the VNL model truck, with a lighter, stronger, and faster component base. The curved windshield, mid-roof tractor with roof fairing, and precisely minimized cab width provide improved fuel economy, allowing for the ability to pull more freight.
Next, take the Freightliner SuperTruck II. Manufacturers state this rig is “sculpted by air.” With stats that include a 12% reduction in tractor drag, a 12% reduction in rolling resistance, a 50% increase in air system efficiency, and a 5.7% reduction in fuel consumption, you’ll see savings from day one.
These are just a few real-life examples of savings that current-model semi-trucks can offer at the luxury level. Experienced owners know that the average cost of maintenance on a standard big rig is anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 annually. When you own a fleet, these numbers add up.
However, you can cut costs by investing in expensive semi-truck luxury vehicles. For example, the Kenworth luxury semi-trucks have a reputation for lower maintenance costs compared to other brands due to their extensive service network.
Resale Value of High-End Semi-Trucks
How does luxury semi-truck resale value retention really compare to standard 18-wheelers? A standard semi-truck’s resale value typically ranges from $30,000 to $120,000, meaning it holds just a small fraction of its original cost. In December 2021, the average resale value for Class 6-8 trucks was $74,450.
However, luxury semi-trucks hold a much higher value retention rate. Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner trucks are particularly recognized for their exceptional resale value. Take the Peterbilt 579, for example. The full MSRP on a new rig ranges from $156,900 to $169,900. One recent listing shows a 2024 579 with over 156,000 miles selling for $144,900. Another shows a 2023 579 with 167,272 miles for $119,000. These figures are impressive.
Driver Comfort and Safety Features
Advanced comfort features, such as ergonomic seats, quieter cabins, and climate control, in luxury semi-trucks enhance driver satisfaction and retention. According to the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, hiring a new long-haul trucker costs around $8,234 once you lose an employee.
Additionally, road safety is paramount with long-haul trucking. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the average cost of a semi-truck accident is $91,000.
Why Comfort Features Matter for Driver Retention
The average long-haul trucker drives 11 hours a day, with the average trip spanning 1,000+ miles. Drivers can be on the road for days, weeks, or even months at a time. This makes it imperative to ensure your drivers are as comfortable as possible and promote healthy rest and good morale.
The reality is that drivers are in it for the money, of course, but they don’t want to break their backs unnecessarily to get the cash. Small perks, such as onboard fridges, televisions, and luxury sleep accommodations, can make all the difference in retaining drivers long-term.
How Advanced Safety Features Reduce Risk
There are nearly half a million semi-truck accidents in the United States each year. These range from minor events like tire blowouts to major and catastrophic collisions. One thing is certain: no fleet manager or owner wants to hear about their rigs being involved in a crash. The good news is that expensive semi-truck investments in high-end vehicles can greatly improve safety on the road.
Advanced safety features provide many benefits. They improve driver focus and provide operators greater situational awareness and knowledge of what’s happening around them. In our opinion, these are must-have safety features on a semi-truck.
Advanced luxury semi-truck safety features often include:
- Digital Mirrors
- Lane Assist and Steering Assist
- Lane Centering
- Collision Avoidance
- Blind Spot Warning
- Predicative Cruise Control
- 360-Cameras
- Front Pedestrian Warning
- Dash Cameras
- Driver Monitoring Systems
- Rear-Cross Traffic Alerts
- Electronic Stability Control
- And More
Visit LubeZone Truck Lube Center Today
At LubeZone Truck Lube Centers, we’re happy to share our semi-truck expertise with drivers, fleet managers, and business owners. Improving the safety, comfort, and efficiency of big-rig driving is what we love. We also love bringing you speedy and affordable preventative maintenance options while you’re on the road.
Stop into the home of the 40-minute Quick Lube Service along your next route. Find a LubeZone location near you.
LubeZone is the fastest growing dedicated semi-truck service in the United States with locations in Texas, California, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Georgia. Our preventative maintenance solutions are designed to get the professional driver back on the road FAST.
