Volkswagen’s Meteor Highline 28.480HD has been driving the highways of South America for a while now, but it might be a new name for some of us in South Africa.
Launched in 2020, this truck is a powerhouse engineered specifically for the South American market.
Despite its close resemblance to the MAN TGX – which is available locally – the Meteor Highline 28.480HD is exclusive to the other side of the Atlantic.
The Meteor Highline: VW’s Mighty Truck for South America
The Meteor Highline 28.480HD packs some serious punch. With 480 horsepower from its MAN D26 engine, it’s built for long hauls and heavy-duty tasks, boasting a towing capacity of around 53 tonnes.
This makes it more than capable of handling the long, rugged roads of South America, where fewer fuel stops and remote routes demand high fuel capacity.
Volkswagen offers tank options up to 940 litres for this very reason, extending its range on these challenging hauls.
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Why We Don’t See It Here
So why haven’t we seen this beast on South African roads? Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, the brand’s commercial arm, tailored the Meteor series specifically for South American markets like Brazil and Argentina.
Here in South Africa, truckers rely on the MAN TGX, which shares much of the Meteor’s core technology and robust performance.
However, with its VW branding, the Meteor Highline offers something unique to the South American market, while MAN remains the go-to brand for similar heavy-duty needs here.
Similar Yet Separated by an Ocean
Despite their similarities, the Meteor and TGX remain distinct, each dominating different parts of the world.
Both offer a premium cab setup with cutting-edge tech, ergonomic seats, and driver-assistance systems, bringing comfort to long-haul journeys.
The shared MAN DNA in both trucks ensures reliable, high-performance engines, backed by the ZF TraXon 12-speed transmission for smooth handling on the road.
For South African truckers who would love to see the Meteor, it’s a case of “so close, yet so far.” It remains a twin titan to the TGX, but exclusive to the Americas. If you’re curious, you can read more about this model on Trans.info.
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