Vehicle profile - Setra MultiClass S 515 LE hybrid: Comfortable low-entry bus for long interurban routes

18.09.2024
  • Comfortable low-entry bus for long interurban routes
  • Elegant on the outside, functional and comfortable on the inside
  • Attractive cockpit, powerful drive

The new Setra MultiClass demonstrates its tremendous versatility even during long interurban routes with extended periods spent on board. It is suitable for factory and feeder services or generally for those with enhanced comfort requirements. The test vehicle proved this as a two-axle variant with high-quality equipment. It demonstrated that Setra low-entry buses are always economical –and much more besides.

Elegant on the outside, functional and comfortable on the inside

The test vehicle presents itself in an elegant Adriatic blue with decorative contrasting stripes. With its chrome-plated brand logo on the black gloss front panel framed in matte silver, and the black headlights with full LED lamps, the distinctive face of the next-generation Setra family is recognisable from a distance.

Passengers enter the vehicle at the front through a single-leaf, 900 millimetre wide outward swivelling door, and at the rear through a double-leaf, 1380 millimetre wide outward swivelling door. Inside, they are greeted by homely fittings and a wood-look floor, platforms on both sides, and wall panels covered in Granite needle felt, all to ensure that passengers will feel comfortable even during longer trips. They can find their preferred place amongst the Setra Transit interurban seats. The seats and backrests are comfortably padded and covered with a blue-grey fabric. Additionally, there are blue headrests made of composition leather fibre material. Mesh luggage racks and storage compartments above the wheel arches in the front section are used for hand luggage. All this, including the arrangement of the seats on platforms, creates a tasteful atmosphere.

A manually operated folding ramp is available at entrance two for passengers with restricted mobility. In the special use area just opposite, wheelchairs can be secured using retractors, which are recessed in the platforms.

The infotainment equipment includes the Bosch Smartradio audio system with DAB+ and connections for external media via USB, mini SD card or AUX connection. Passengers can charge their mobile devices at illuminated double USB sockets in the side wall at each double seat. Long-distance comfort can optionally be enhanced with Setra Route coach seats.

The test vehicle's air conditioning system is also of high quality. The powerful EvoCool Basic roof-mounted air conditioning system with air ducts keeps the temperature on board at comfortable levels. The driver’s workplace has separate air conditioning. The side windows are double glazed.

Attractive cockpit, powerful drive

The driver’s workplace is as functional as it is comfortable. A transparent rear wall and the door to the driver's cab ensure proximity while maintaining distance. The Basic Cockpit comes up to coach standards in terms of appearance, operation and instrumentation with large round dials, a centrally located colour display and a multifunction steering wheel. There is ample provision for the driver's personal belongings: in addition to the numerous storage compartments within the driver's cab, there is a spacious storage cupboard at the front right of the entrance. Optimum visibility is a fundamental requirement for a high level of safety: In addition to the elegant integral mirrors, there is an additional mirror for close-range visibility and a 360° camera system. The electronic parking brake with integrated HOLD function improves handling, while increasing safety at the same time.

Greater safety with new assistance systems

The Setra S 515 LE test vehicle is equipped with several safety and assistance systems, some of which go beyond the scope required under the EU General Safety Regulation for 2024. For instance, Sideguard Assist 2 monitors not only the front passenger side, but also the driver’s side. At speeds above 40 km/h, Sideguard Assist 2 also serves as a lane change assistant. Frontguard Assist monitors the area immediately in front of the vehicle when moving off and driving slowly and warns of stationary or moving objects. Preventive Brake Assist 2, the next generation of the first active braking assistant for scheduled-service buses, can react to stationary and moving objects, including pedestrians and cyclists. The assistance system uses visual and audible signals to warn the driver of potential collisions with stationary or moving objects. It automatically initiates a partial braking manoeuvre at the same time. Other safety and assistance systems on board the test vehicle include Traffic Sign Assist, Attention Assist (AtAS), the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPM) as well as Lane Assistant (SPA) and the rain/light sensor.

Powerful and economical drive with hybrid module

The powertrain of the test vehicle provides the right amount of propulsion. It is based on the compact and low-emission OM 936 inline six-cylinder engine, here with a power output of 260 kW (354 hp). It is coupled with the ZF Ecolife 2 automatic transmission with torque converter, 1-2-3-D-N-R gear selector and a quiet and economic hypoid drive axle. Powerful and economical by design, the Setra also reduces fuel consumption (and thus emissions) with a recuperation module, a hybrid module and intelligent on-board power management. Furthermore, drivers of the Setra MultiClass LE can optimise their driving style with the assistance of the Driver Score system.

MultiClass S 515 LE hybrid technical data

Length/width/height

12,210/2,550/3,315 mm

Wheelbase

6200 mm

Front/rear overhang

2,710/3,300 mm

Turning radius

Approx. 21,776 mm

Centre aisle headroom

approx. 2,600 mm

Floor height of driver’s area above the carriageway

809 mm

Stowage capacity

approx. 0.5 m³

Fuel tank capacity

approx. 300 l

AdBlue capacity

approx. 53 l

Tyre size

295/80 R 22.5

Permissible total weight

19,500 kg

Permissible front/rear axle load

7,500/12,600 kg

Engine type/emissions level

OM 936/Euro VI-E

Cylinders/displacement

R6/7,700 cm³

Power output

260 kW (354 hp) at 2,200 rpm

Max. torque

1,400 Nm at 1,200 rpm

Transmission

ZF Ecolife 2 automatic transmission, 6-speed

Front axle

ZF RL 82 EC, independent wheel suspension

Rear axle

RO 440, ratio 5.222:1