In 1985, Renault presented a prototype truck, the VE 10, with special aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption.

Since 1997 the truck was marketed as Renault Magnum and the cab was redesigned, and new engines became available.

In 1995, the VE 20 prototype was presented, giving a preview of the second generation Magnum.

In 2001, the major facelift was presented, with a new cab designed by Xavier Allard, keeping its characteristic boxed shape and separate engine-cab model.

The engine was available in the following configurations: [3] The transmission offered as standard is a ZF servoshift air-assisted 16-speed manual.