Daimler Buses Makes its Coaches Even More Efficient, Digital and Safer

• New Engine Generation and New Transmissions Enable Fuel Savings of up to Six Percent, Depending on Engine Variant and Vehicle Configuration.
• New Electronic Architecture Provides the Basis for Additional Digital Functions and Assistance Systems.
• Multimedia Cockpit Interactive with Bus-Specific Navigation for a Modern Driver Workplace.
• The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo and Travego Coach Model Series, the Latter Exclusively for the Turkish Market, as well as the Setra ComfortClass, TopClass HDH and S 531 DT Benefit from the Product Update.

Daimler Buses is comprehensively upgrading its coach portfolio. Starting in 2027, the Mercedes-Benz and Setra coach model series will successively receive numerous technical innovations.

The information now available complements the product updates communicated at IAA Transportation 2026 with additional technical details relating to the powertrain, electronic architecture, assistance systems and driver workplace.
With the comprehensive product update, bus operators benefit from greater efficiency, higher vehicle availability and additional digital functions, while drivers are supported by modern assistance and comfort systems.

“The requirements placed on coaches are constantly increasing. Operators expect maximum efficiency, drivers expect modern support systems, and passengers expect a high level of comfort. With the comprehensive update of our coach portfolio, we are addressing exactly these requirements,” says Till Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses.

Greater efficiency through new engines and transmissions

A key component of the product update is the new engine generation. Through the interaction of the further developed engines, the new ZF transmissions and additional vehicle and software optimizations, fuel consumption can be reduced depending on the engine variant and vehicle configuration: by up to four percent for the OM 470 and by up to six percent for the OM 471. Further developments to the engine and exhaust aftertreatment system contribute to efficiency and robustness. These include new or modified coatings for the diesel particulate filter and SCR system.

The automated 12-speed ZF TraXon 2 transmission is included in the standard equipment of the coaches. Alternatively, the ZF EcoLife 2 CoachLine automatic transmission is optionally available for both engines and all power ratings. The Setra ComfortClass S 511 is available exclusively with the CoachLine transmission. In the ZF EcoLife 2 CoachLine, the TopoDyn topography-based shift program control automatically adapts the shifting strategy to the route profile. Additional software functions and coordination with the vehicle systems contribute to the efficiency of the powertrain. Long maintenance intervals and a design engineered for high mileages support economical vehicle operation and can contribute to high vehicle availability. In the ZF EcoLife 2 CoachLine, newly designed torsional dampers additionally reduce vibrations and noise, thereby enhancing driving comfort.

This puts the tangible benefits for bus operators and driving personnel at the forefront: lower fuel consumption, high vehicle availability and further improved driving comfort. Depending on the model series and equipment specification, the enhanced Predictive Powertrain Control system is available. In addition to motorways, the system can also utilize map data from rural roads. The predictive cruise control and transmission control system incorporates route profile and topography into the driving strategy and can therefore contribute to economical driving and greater driving comfort. The system demonstrates its strengths particularly on winding serpentine routes: the driver can focus entirely on steering while, within its system limits, the assistance system predictively handles acceleration and braking.

New electronic architecture: foundation for safety, connectivity and digital services

The new electronic architecture also enables an expansion of the assistance system portfolio. This includes Active Sideguard Assist 3. It supports drivers in critical turning and lane-changing situations. Within its system limits, the system can warn of a risk of collision and provide support through automatic braking intervention in defined situations.

In conjunction with comfort steering, it can also initiate a supportive steering movement during a critical lane change. Active Cross Traffic Assist specifically complements existing assistance systems in situations involving crossing traffic and can assist drivers within its system limits with automatic braking interventions. The availability of the respective systems and functions depends on the model series and equipment specification.

The new electronic architecture is designed for seamless connectivity. Software updates can be installed remotely on selected control units via over-the-air updates. For bus operators, this means fewer workshop visits solely for software updates and creates the basis for a vehicle that can continue to evolve through software throughout its service life. The update process is remote, but not uncontrolled. The fleet operator decides when an update is installed and on which vehicles it should be installed. This allows the process to be optimally integrated into operational workflows and increases vehicle uptime on the road.

Multimedia Cockpit Interactive: Digitalization with a Focus on the Driver

A particular highlight of the product update is the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive. This modern driver workplace concept connects the vehicle, its surroundings and the driver, making operation in the coach more comfortable and efficient. A high-resolution main display, a touch display and a newly designed multifunction steering wheel combine important information and functions at the driver workplace. Operation is intuitive via physical switches, new steering wheel controls and digital control elements. Frequently used applications are directly accessible or can be stored in an individually configurable favorites menu. Selected commands can also be executed via voice control.

The navigation system, specifically tailored to bus operations, provides drivers with reliable route guidance using up-to-date map data and live traffic information. Bus-specific vehicle parameters such as length, height and maximum axle load can be stored and adjusted for route planning. With the Navigation Services Package^[1], which can be easily activated via the OMNIplus ON portal after vehicle delivery, bus operators receive three years of continuous over-the-air map updates, live traffic information such as traffic jam alerts, and various online route suggestions free of charge after activation. In addition, the package includes “Connected Traffic Warnings,” which inform driving personnel via the central display about important traffic and hazard events such as side winds or dangerous sections along the route. Navigation destinations can be sent directly to the vehicle via the OMNIplus ON portal. This can support drivers in their daily operations.
The driver sound system complements the modernized workplace and creates an intensive listening experience at an entirely new level with its impressive, clear sound quality. A “Private Mode” allows the driver to listen to phone calls, system notifications or individually selected podcasts without disturbance and without affecting passengers.

Improved All-Round Visibility with a New Camera Generation

Visibility of the vehicle’s surroundings is also being further enhanced. The new generation of the 360-degree camera system integrates the camera display into the touch display of the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive. A wider camera viewing angle, higher resolution and dynamic overlays improve the representation of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings, thereby simplifying vehicle handling. Depending on the equipment specification, the Park Pilot with acoustic and visual warnings as well as the display of a “transparent chassis” further expand the range of functions. These features can support drivers particularly when maneuvering and positioning the vehicle.
Four cameras capture the vehicle’s immediate surroundings and provide an all-round view. This makes it possible to visualize pedestrians, cyclists or obstacles, for example, even in areas that are not directly visible from the driver’s seat.

The Setra S 531 DT also receives model-specific enhancements. Particularly noteworthy is the completely newly developed chassis of the double-decker coach: it includes a new, lower-maintenance axle, controlled dampers, driving dynamics specifically tuned to the S 531 DT, as well as smooth comfort steering. The maneuverability of the Setra S 531 DT is also improved: new, narrower tires reduce the turning circle by approximately half a meter. At the same time, the maximum passenger capacity and luggage compartment capacity remain unchanged. A further developed, even more powerful heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, together with the adoption of proven service sets, increase comfort for drivers and passengers alike.

Comprehensive Update Instead of Individual Technical Measures

With the product update, Daimler Buses is not merely introducing individual new components. Engines, transmissions, electronic architecture, assistance systems and the driver workplace are being further developed together. This creates a common technical platform for the European coach portfolio.

The updates will be introduced successively from 2027 for the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo, the Travego, which is offered exclusively in Turkey, as well as the Setra ComfortClass, TopClass and S 531 DT. The specific launch dates and equipment scopes vary depending on the model series and vehicle configuration.