• Premiere of the S 8 in 1951 set new benchmarks in the bus industry
• Setra success story spanning six model series
• Versatile portfolio: from economical intercity vehicles to luxury long‑distance touring coaches
• Driver assistance and safety systems at the highest level
• Product history as a guarantee of far‑reaching innovations

Leinfelden‑Echterdingen/Neu‑Ulm. Setra is celebrating an anniversary. Seventy‑five years have passed since the Daimler Buses premium brand presented its first self‑supporting touring coach, the S 8. The debut of the vehicle in 1951 marked the beginning of a success story that continues to this day. Over the past 75 years, Setra has set benchmarks in European bus manufacturing with a total of six model series—fueling progress, shaping the industry, and advancing it in exemplary fashion.

A key factor in Setra’s success is the continuous development of its vehicles in the areas of vehicle technology, quality, comfort, safety, design, and efficiency.

Premiere of the S 8 – New benchmarks

The Ulm‑based achievement of developing a touring coach with a self‑supporting design ready for series production can rightly be described as a revolution in bus manufacturing. Seventy‑five years of Setra are also the result of strong customer relationships and long‑standing loyalty that began with the presentation of the S 8.

The premiere took place in 1951 on the sidelines of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main, on the premises of a Kässbohrer general representative. Very quickly, however, Germany’s first integral bus—uniting chassis and body—became the focus of industry experts, marking the beginning of Setra’s rise to success. This design principle developed by the Ulm‑based vehicle manufacturer Kässbohrer, combined with the streamlined exterior design, large luggage compartments, and the installation of a rear engine with direct drive to the rear axle, set new benchmarks in European bus manufacturing.

New: The modular design principle

The Setra S 8 was followed by the first Setra Series 10, which comprised a total of eight variants. The transition to Series 100 in 1967 represented another step toward the industrialization of bus manufacturing at Kässbohrer. All new models were now produced according to a modular design principle using numerous identical parts. Visually, the buses of Series 100 were characterized by more angular shapes, enhanced comfort, and a larger passenger compartment with increased interior headroom.

To mark Setra’s 25th anniversary, Series 200 was introduced with six models. Among other features, it stood out for the standard installation of disc brakes on the front axle. In addition, this series entered production with an innovative cross‑flow ventilation system. The year 1991 marked the launch of Series 300, whose most distinctive features included the striking design element behind the cockpit area and a completely newly developed integrated mirror system.

With the introduction of the TopClass 400 in 2001, Setra ushered in a new dimension of touring coach design. The Series 400 lineup comprised more than 20 variants, including two versions for the U.S. market. The latest generation is Series 500, whose ComfortClass and TopClass touring coaches redefine standards in perceived quality, safety, and efficiency. Consistent and deeply rooted in tradition, these exclusive vehicles stand for a dynamic evolution of form and function. With powerful proportions and clear lines, the vehicles—including the S 531 DT double‑decker—confidently present themselves as the new flagships of the product family.

500 as a versatile bus concept

In 2022, Setra presented the next generation of Series 500. The Setra ComfortClass represents a versatile bus concept that meets the highest demands in efficiency, safety, and flexibility. The exclusive HDH models of the TopClass elevate coach travel to a new level. Maximum long‑distance comfort, individual luxury, and technical excellence come together to create a truly premium travel experience.

Shortly after the premiere of the new generations of the Setra ComfortClass 500 and TopClass 500 touring coaches, Setra opened a new chapter in the intercity segment with the completely newly developed MultiClass 500 LE Low Entry buses.

The new MultiClass 500 LE offers an especially broad range with four models. As a Low Entry (LE) concept, it combines two worlds: low‑floor accessibility and touring comfort. Designed with a consistent low‑floor layout extending almost to the rear axle, it enables fast and convenient boarding and alighting in the front section.

Maximum individuality

Whether for luxury long‑distance travel, city tours, or exclusive club excursions, Setra vehicles meet the diverse requirements and preferences of bus operators around the world through a wide range of innovative exterior and interior features and solutions. The personal preferences of operators play a decisive role in vehicle specification, and the brand has always stood for the highest degree of individuality.

Whether touring coach or scheduled‑service vehicle, the development of accessible buses has long been a priority for Setra’s engineers. In close cooperation with customers, the brand has developed a variety of lift system solutions in recent years to enable barrier‑free access to the passenger compartment.

Seventy‑five years of Setra represent not only an outstanding product history, but also a guarantee of further groundbreaking innovations. The continuous development of vehicles in the areas of vehicle technology, quality, comfort, design, efficiency, and a wide range of forward‑looking driver assistance and safety systems will help ensure that Setra remains a pioneer in European bus manufacturing in the years to come.

The link to the full press kit including additional image material can be found here: https://www.daimlertruck.com/en/newsroom/presskit/53441088