Claas has overhauled its 330 to 450hp prime movers with the hope of reeling in a fresh cohort of customers.

Updates to the Axion 9 (formerly 900s) include a refined transmission, peppier hydraulic performance and snappier styling.

But the biggest news is the larger, better equipped cabin.

See also: Fendt unveils long-awaited Gen5 800-series Vario tractors

This has expanded in all directions, giving it an airy 17% volume boost over its predecessor that puts it roughly on par with a John Deere 8R. In fact, Claas has ensured it’s a smidge larger.

In tandem comes a fresh interior crafted out of higher quality materials.

Gone is the old one-dimensional shuttle paddle in favour of a sculpted lever with soft-touch finish. And the shiny plastic analogue dash has been superseded by glossy A-pillar display.

A redesigned armrest cuts down on clutter by grouping functions to save space, while updated joysticks are able to perform more tasks.

In the case of the main Cmotion drive controller, an extra left-right movement – in addition to the usual back and forth – allows drivers to quickly toggle between speed ranges or cruise modes without having to use a separate switch.

Then there’s the button-laden secondary hydraulic/isobus joystick, which can be configured to perform some 38 functions on either the tractor or attached implements.

Screens are another area to receive some attention, with the main display now able to run GPS. Previously, buyers were forced to add a separate unit.

There is still the option of adding a second from the factory, but this time operators have the luxury of choosing which information they want displayed on each.

Easier access

Other benefits of the redesign include shallower sloped cast aluminium steps, a wider door opening and factory-fitted foot pegs.

Air conditioning performance has been ramped up too, the four-point cab suspension system has been refined and noise levels have been reduced.

This is partly down to an acoustic windscreen and the liberal use of sound deadening material. But a redesigned casing for the ZF CVT transmission plays its part by stifling the usual whining and swooshing.

Additional tweaks include a refined drive controller that smoothes power delivery and the introduction of some automatic driving modes.

Hydraulic performance has also been boosted thanks to the option of a dual pump setup that offers a flow of up to 370 litres/min.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the 8.7-litre FPT engine. That said, this has been tuned to deliver a little more power and only requires an oil change every 750 hours, compared with 600 hours on an Axion 900.

All updates mentioned above apply to both wheeled Axion 9s and half-track TT versions, with smaller Axion 800s set to benefit next and Arions likely to follow shortly after.