CLAAS XERION 12.650 2024 review

It has been 27 years since CLAAS launched its XERION range of tractors, and its concept at the time, which is still valid today, was nothing short of revolutionary. The range was designed to be multi-purpose, ready to be transformed into anything: a tractor, a forage harvester or even a combine harvester.

Even more impressive was the rotating cab which allowed the driver to monitor implements at the rear of the tractor. Who needs swiveling seats if you’ve got a cab that can spin 180 degrees? That feature sure came in handy when German race car driver, Christian Menzel, decided to steer the then range-topping XERION 5000 into the record books. Driving the tractor with the cab spun around meant the nose of the tractor wasn’t in the way and the driver had full visibility of the race track in front of him.

Fast forward to the 2010s when CLAAS decided it wanted to focus on creating a heavy-duty draft tractor whose job – and only job – was to pull and power implements with horsepower breaching 600hp.

After years of development and testing, the XERION 12 series was born. The tractor lineup was launched locally in July 2024 in Williamstown (Vic), and we recently had the opportunity to take the range-topping X12.650 TERRA TRAC for a quick spin.

A common response from those who see the tractor for the first time is “How cool is this? It looks like a space vehicle!” That says a lot about the overall design of the tractor, which has won prestigious awards such as the IF design prize earlier this year.

It has inherited a number of features from CLAAS’ harvesters, including the sleek Y-design on the bonnet. Speaking of awards, the XERION 12 has received plenty since its release in late 2023, including the Tractor of the Year 2024, a Farm Machine Award 2024, and an AE50 award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ASABE), among others.

CLAAS is offering three models in Australia: the 12.650 with 653hp; the 12.590 with 585hp, and the 12.540 with 544hp.

The 12.650 model we tested features CLAAS’ renowned TERRA TRAC system with four triangular crawler tracks that offer superior floatation and traction.

The two larger models can be equipped with TERRA TRAC crawler tracks with widths of 914 or 762mm or 800/70 R42 dual wheels. The smallest XERION 12.540 can be fitted with tracks, dual wheels or 900/60 R42 single tyres.

Regardless of how the CLAAS XERION 12 is configured, one thing is for sure – this tractor is designed to pull and power the heaviest of implements.

If you’re looking for power, the CLAAS XERION 12 offers oodles of it, and then some.

At the heart of the CLAAS XERION 12 is a 15.6-litre, six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engine that CLAAS used to power its combine and forage harvesters, capable of producing a whopping 653hp. A big plus for farmers Down Under is that the models offered here are Tier 3 compliant, meaning they do not require AdBlue to run.

Its innovative low engine speed allows the XERION 12.650 to achieve maximum torque of 3100Nm at a low 1300rpm, ensuring maximum performance with minimum fuel consumption.

Another key feature of the XERION 12 is the ZF Eccom 5.5 CVT transmission, making the tractor the most powerful on the market with a CVT.

Don’t let the size of the tractor fool you, though: it is capable of a top speed of 40km/h on tracks and 50km/h on wheels.

Access to the engine is via a one-piece bonnet that opens up wide. However, it isn’t electronically controlled, so lifting it up and pulling it down can be a challenge for people of smaller stature due to its size and weight.

Moving to the rear, aka the business end of the tractor, operators can fit up to three hydraulic pumps offering a maximum flow of 537l/min to run just about anything behind the machine.

The pumps are also load-sensing, meaning only the right amount of power and flow are sent to the implement, saving fuel and prolonging the life of machine parts.

A Cat 4N hitch comes standard, offering a maximum lift capacity of 13.6 tonnes. The XERION 12 features a standard PTO speed of 1000rpm.

The XERION 12 is a four-wheel drive tractor with a 50/50 weight distribution, giving it stability and power to tow heavy-duty implements.

If you think everything that has been mentioned is impressive, wait until you step inside the cab.

CLAAS has sure ramped up the comfort factor, with the cab carried over from its combine harvesters providing operators a massive four cubic metres of space. Even with my legs fully stretched sitting in the operator’s seat, there’s still plenty of space up front, ensuring operators of any size and stature can feel comfortable in the cab.

There are two sets of footpegs on the cabin floor to rest feet on – one on the front and one towards the right. While there are no swiveling cabs on the XERION 12, the seat swivels for better visibility of surroundings and implements.

The interior of the cab is neat and clean with a touch of European luxury. Controls are well placed within reach of operators, ensuring maximum comfort throughout the day and minimal fatigue.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish during a long day, there is no need to stop what you’re doing to head back into the house. A cooler under the passenger seat lets you store your snacks and drinks to keep you going.

Other comfort features include automatic climate control and a radio.

With a tractor this size, technology and innovation are a must, especially with the large scale broadacre farming the machine is designed to carry out.

The XERION 12 comes standard with CLAAS’ most intuitive and comprehensive control terminal – the CEBIS terminal with a 12-inch touchscreen. That, combined with the CMOTION multi-function lever, gives operators complete control over tractor and implement functions.

Another fantastic standard equipment is CLAAS’ CEMIS 1200 terminal which puts precision farming functions like autosteer, ISOBUS control, task management and real-time data exchange at operators’ fingertips.

But the real game-changer is the optional CEMOS system, which acts as your personal assistant. Feed it information about the soil, implement type, and tyres, and CEMOS will recommend the best ballasting and tyre pressure for optimal performance, for example.

It even helps in real time, offering suggestions when issues arise in the field to reduce downtime and maximise efficiency.

We were unable to test the XERION 12 with an implement in tow due to paddock restrictions, however, on its own, the XERION 12 drives like an absolute dream. For such a big tractor, the XERION 12 is surprisingly nimble. Navigating headlands and making tight turns proved to be no challenge for the unit.

The CVT transmission takes care of all gear shifts automatically, making driving it a breeze – even for novices. Throw autosteer into the mix and operators need not even have their hands on the steering wheel or control lever, as the tractor does the driving all by itself.

Add in its ability to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h on tracks, and this tractor feels more like a smooth cruiser than a heavy-duty workhorse.

As the tractor comes with a four-point cab suspension, the drive was as smooth as can be.

The CLAAS XERION 12 is an absolute powerhouse, bringing unmatched technology, comfort and performance to the table.

While it might not be the single most powerful tractor out there, it certainly ranks among the most advanced in its class.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tractor that can handle any job with ease, while keeping you comfortable and connected, the CLAAS XERION 12 is a worthy investment. Just don’t be surprised if you attract plenty of attention and stares from your neighbours with one of these fine-looking units sitting in your paddock.

The CLAAS XERION 12 series is available for order now, with stock expected to arrive by mid-2025.

Engine: 15.6-litre six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM473
Engine power: rated – 612hp; max – 653hp
Max torque: 3100Nm
Transmission: ZF Eccom 5.5 CVT
Hydraulics: Max three load-sensing hydraulic pumps with 537l/min flow
Max rear linkage lift capacity: 13,600kg
Undercarriage: TERRA TRAC tracks (914 or 762mm) or 800/70 R42 dual wheels
Fuel tank capacity: 1400L
Operating weight: 25,400kg