Cockpit: coveted workplace further upgraded with numerous new features

• Please get in: Keyless Start leaves the key in your pocket
• The electronic parking brake: safe and practical
• High beam Assist: maximum visibility increases driver comfort and safety
• The 360° camera system: an all-round view
• The Coach Infotainment Series (CIS): good entertainment on board

It is no coincidence that the cockpit of the Setra TopClass is considered a coveted workplace. It is attractive due to its high-quality equipment, comfortable due to its outstanding ergonomics. The intuitive operating concept is designed precisely for the requirements of everyday driving. And with the new equipment features and assistance systems, application benefits and safety are now even greater.

Please get in: Keyless Start leaves the key in your pocket

The driver operates the central locking system by briefly pressing the button on the vehicle key. The key then remains in the pocket, as the vehicle recognizes the key in the cockpit area after entering the coach. The driver can now unlock the ignition lock or switch on the ignition at the press of a button. The engine starts by pressing the start button briefly while depressing the brake pedal, or by pressing the start button for more than five seconds. At the same time, Keyless Start increases security against vehicle theft thanks to the integrated immobilizer.

The electronic parking brake: safe and practical

On the left of the instrument panel, the driver finds a console with the control unit for the standard electronic parking brake. It combines easy handling and high safety. The driver activates the parking brake manually by pulling the manual parking brake lever or pressing the “P” button. In the Setra TopClass he releases the parking brake by stepping on the accelerator pedal. The integrated HOLD function is activated when the vehicle is stationary by depressing the brake pedal more firmly. The brake is not released until the driver presses the accelerator pedal again. The system also supports the driver when pulling away on hills with the standard, additionally integrated starting-off aid. Finally, the parking brake is optionally automatically activated when the vehicle is stationary, the driver unfastens the seat belt and leaves his seat. This prevents the coach from rolling away unintentionally.

High beam Assist: maximum visibility increases driver comfort and safety

Depending on the traffic situation, High beam Assist automatically switches the high beams on or off to ensure optimum illumination of the roadway. It thus contributes to greater safety through improved light conditions and optimized illumination and increases ride comfort and safety. It is active from a speed of 35 km/h and is automatically deactivated below a speed of 27 km/h. The function adapts to the lighting/brightness of the surroundings. Together with the new, even brighter LED headlamps, the TopClass once again sets standards for best visibility, even under unfavorable conditions.

The new 360° camera system: an all-round view

The 360° camera system offers perfect all-around visibility when maneuvering and in tight spaces. With this system, pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles can also be detected in areas that are otherwise difficult or impossible to see for the driver. A total of four cameras at the front, rear and above the side windows record the immediate vehicle surroundings and generate an indirect 360° all-around visibility. The corresponding image from a bird’s-eye view is shown on a 10-inch monitor on the A-pillar. The screen is divided into two units. There are five different views to choose from: a full-format 360° bird’s-eye view and optionally supplemented by the images from the individual cameras. The second image on the monitor depends on the driving situation: depending on the set turn signal or the engaged reverse gear, for example, it automatically switches to the corresponding side.

The driver can also select the desired image via a menu on the screen. The views of the 360° cameras are always available when forward traveling up to a speed of approx. 30 km/h and when reversing. Markings on the front and rear edge of the coach as well as an indicative driving corridor make orientation easier. The images show a field of vision up to about five to six meters away, thus ensuring that the adjacent lane is covered.

The Coach Infotainment Series: good entertainment on board

With so much support, the pleasure on board should not be compromised: the Coach Infotainment Series infotainment system offers the latest generation of media use for professional use in coaches. It sets high standards for entertainment electronics in coaches in terms of operation and equipment. This starts with the high-quality digital radio reception DAB+ and continues via Bluetooth audio streaming. An HDMI interface also allows a laptop to be connected – for example for travel information during a study trip or seminar content. The travel companion can also pair their smartphone with the Coach Infotainment Series via Bosch mySpin. Two USB ports and an HDMI interface can be used to connect devices brought along as required.

The central interface of the Coach Infotainment Series is a seven-inch monitor in the cockpit. Like the predecessor model, it is located in the right-hand control panel of the driver cockpit and can therefore also be reached from the co-driver’s seat. Operation can take place in different ways: via the touch-sensitive buttons on the touchscreen, via voice control as well as via classic buttons and rotary controls. The driver can also control the volume control and telephony using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. This reduces distraction while driving and thus increases safety.

The contents of the Coach Infotainment Series can be played back via the monitors in the passenger compartment and the speakers. This applies to both media downloaded from the Internet while driving and media from a local database on board the coach, such as a data stick. Another advantage from the passengers’ point of view: large monitors with a 21.5-inch (54.4 cm) screen diagonal in full HD quality are now used to provide a brilliant image throughout. This applies to both fixed and folding monitors.

Integrated into the Coach Infotainment Series is a navigation system with 3D map for the driver. It receives up-to-date traffic reports online and can adjust its route accordingly or quickly inform its passengers of any changes or delays as required.