Versatile success with unique model series
- The Setra buses of the 10 to 400 model series were built from 1951 to 2012
- 7500 units of the 10 model series were sold
- The 100 model series signalled the start of industrialisation in bus-building
- Newly-developed cross-flow ventilation characteristic of 200 model series
- 300 model series received a lot of attention for its integral mirror system
- Numerous novel safety systems for the 400 model series
The 10 model series
Bringing Setra success to the streets
Be it for luxury-level travel or as an ultra-modern test bus conversion in times of crisis. The versatility in terms of comfort, technological know-how and flexibility at Setra has its routes in ingenuity and continuous further development. And with the presentation of the S 8 and the start of production for the first 10 model series, Setra saw the triumphant beginnings of its story of success. With the S 9, S 10, S 11, S 12, S 14 and S 15 models, the innovative Setra brand was able to bring the self-supporting construction principle to fruition and thus signalled the beginning of the international success which Setra buses enjoy. Throughout the 16-year production period since the market launch of the S 8 in 1951, a total of around 7500 units were sold.
The sales hit of this first Setra model series was the S 10, the second Setra model following on from the
S 8. It had a longer body than its predecessor as well as a larger front overhang. As a touring and urban bus, the S 10 was offered with the newly patented Kässbohrer outward-swinging door. In February 1955, the smallest Setra to have ever existed to-date – the S 6 – was presented at the Geneva Motor Show as the third Setra model. On the 10 model series, the number after the model designation S stands for the maximum number of seat rows and thus indirectly also the length of the vehicles.
Four buses a day
One thing that was completely new in bus-building at this time was the first Setra modular construction principle which was introduced in 1959. Thanks to this well thought-out modular principle, it was possible to produce vehicles especially efficiently. Four buses could be produced daily in this way. As 80 percent of the components of the vehicle models were interchangeable, state-run and private-owner bus companies were able to drastically reduce their stock of spare parts. For drivers and workshop staff alike, this system also had a major advantage: they only needed to familiarise themselves with a single basic model. Even maintenance and repair times were able to be drastically reduced at the time.
The S 10 to S 14 models were available in touring coach, inter-city regular service bus and urban regular-service bus variants, while the S 9 and S 15 models were predominantly used as touring coaches and inter-city buses. By increasing the height of the interior floors on the sides, it was possible to create more spacious luggage compartments. In 1954 the Setra SP was presented as an urban regular-service bus made of light alloy and had a kerb weight which was lower than its payload. This was followed in 1958 by the Setra ST 110, a further development of the SP with air suspension and independent wheel suspension at the front and rear, as well as an underfloor engine.
The era of the 10 model series also included the production of the Setra Silver Eagle and Golden Eagle as well as the Setra Luxus articulated buses which were delivered to the USA. In 1959, the brand also brought out the first European articulated bus featuring a self-supporting body in the form of the Setra SG 165.
100 model series
Rectangular shapes and even greater comfort
In 1967, the 10 model series was replaced by the 100 model series and the five models: S 100, S 110, S 120, S 130 and S 150. From this model series onwards, the first number of the model designation referred to the respective model series. The transition from the Setra 10 model series to the 100 model series marked a further development in the industrialisation of bus-building at the company. All new models were produced in accordance with the second Setra modular construction principle using numerous common parts. Visually, the buses stood out with their rectangular shapes as well as for their high level of comfort, a larger passenger compartment and greater interior headroom. All models from the S 100 to S 150 generally had independent wheel suspension on the front axle. For their time, the buses of the 100 model series also already featured an exemplary braking system with dual-circuit hydropneumatic brakes. The chassis of the 100 model series was equipped with finely tuned air suspension which ensured very good road-holding.
Air conditioning system with cross-flow fan
Ground-breaking results from the further development of the heating and ventilation system were the Setra room ventilation and Setra air conditioning system with cross-flow fan. Due to the high side windows, the standard glazed roof could be optionally omitted. Further advantages were the full-length luggage compartments, corrosion-free light-alloy components on the window frames, bumpers, front grille and trim elements as well as the underride guard. Already within one year of market launch, a total of 300 units of the 100 model series had already been sold. In 1969, the brand was able to celebrate the handover the 10,000th Setra bus.
A large percent of the success of the model series was also down to the Setra regular-service bus range. The inter-city vehicles S 80 E, S 120 E, S 130 E, S 140 E, S 150 E, SG 175 ÜL and SG 180 Ü as well as the special models for urban operations in the form of the S 125, S 130 S, SG 175 and SG 180 rounded off the product offering. The "S" designation stood for "Stadtverkehr" (urban operations) and "Ü" for "Überlandverkehr" (inter-city operations). Almost 3000 units of these buses were registered by Setra customers in the time from 1971 to 1984 in western Europe.
200 model series
Third Setra generation with timeless elegance
In 1976, the 20,000th Setra bus was delivered. And in the summer of the same year, the Setra 200 model series was also launched. It started off with six models: the high-floor versions S 211 H, S 212 H, S 213 H and S 215 H with a height of 3090 mm as well as the high-deck variants S 213 HD and S 215 HD with an overall height of 3340 mm. The standardisation of the individual models and assemblies which was introduced with this model series, as well as the improved production process made it possible to increase production figures to eight complete buses daily. Annual production thus climbed from the previous 1300 to 1600 units.
With a total of 27,680 units built from 1976 to 1991, the sales figures of the predecessor model series were exceeded by around 150 percent. Expert journalists voted the Setra
S 215 HD as the "1977 Bus of the Year".
The touring coaches, urban and inter-city regular-service buses of the 200 model series became five model lines after five years: Optimal (touring coaches H / HD, HDS, DT, HDSI and DTI), International (HI / HDI), Rational (HR, HRI, RL), Regional (UL) and Communal (SL). Then there were also special buses, library vehicles and buses for transporting prisoners. The range of special vehicles included 33 variants.
The vehicles of the third Setra generation impressed with a classic elegance in the lines of its design, which was geared towards both value retention and practicality. Soft curves, smooth transitions and clear contours conformed with the elementary principles of vehicle design that were emerging at the time. The technical conception of the vehicles was shaped by two excellent innovations: the use of Mercedes-Benz engines and the completely new cross-flow ventilation system developed in-house by Kässbohrer.
Perforated strip as an air vent
With full thermostatic control ensuring climate-controlled air and heating, the previously usual "cap peak" above the windscreen is no longer required as an air inlet. A metal strip with holes stretches along the entire length of the vehicle above the side windows. The front section of this serves as an air outlet whilst the section rearwards from the first window pillar serves as an air inlet tuned to the flow characteristics along the vehicle body. The improved construction of the vehicle skeleton was fine-tuned for the first time using computer-aided modelling (finite elements) and ensures a better skeleton rigidity, particularly in the areas which are subject to the greatest strain.
The buses of the 200 model series were also characterised by a completely independently operating ventilation and heating system for the driver and cockpit area, as well as an intensive windscreen demisting function. With the idea of ergonomics taking on a bigger role in vehicle manufacturing at the time, particular attention was paid to the design of the instrument panel.
300 model series
International awards for touring coaches and combi-buses
After a development period of six years, the 300 model series and its S 309 HD, S 315 HD and S 315 HDH models were presented to the public for the first time in 1991 in Ulm, Germany. One of the most eye-catching features of the new buses was the distinctive sweeping line behind the cockpit area and the fully redeveloped integral mirror system which gave the 300 model series its unique "face". Housed in kinked mirror arms, which were initially referred to as "beetle antennae", the heated mirrors were adjustable from inside the bus and provided the driver with an excellent view along both sides of the bus in conjunction with the view-enhancing A pillars.
Ergonomic cockpit
Anti-lock brakes and acceleration skid control (ABS/ASR) were as much a part of the standard equipment as a retarder from either Telma or Voith. A further important characteristic of the 300 model series produced until 2001 was the ergonomically designed cockpit in which the most important instruments, such as the speedometer and rev counter, were positioned within the driver's primary field of vision.
Fitted as standard for the first time, the new vehicles featured a multifunction display which provided the driver with the most important messages using internationally recognisable symbols and six languages.
A year after its market launch, the S 315 HDH already received the "Coach of the Year 1993" accolade. The jury made up of twelve European specialist journalists gave the vehicle from Ulm twice as many votes as the vehicle which came in second place.
Same body, different passenger compartments
While the 300 model series touring coaches had successfully established themselves on the European bus market, the development team was working on the market launch of the so-called combi-buses for regular-service routes, inter-city lines and excursions. From a single base model, the modular construction principle enabled three different bus variants to be developed in the form of the S 315 UL, S 315 H and S 315 GT. They were all equipped with the same body and suspension but had different passenger compartments. The advantage of this was that the smaller range of components reduced the manufacturing outlay, all whilst maintaining the versatility of model types. In the subsequent years, new variants continued to be added to the portfolio.
Among other things, a year after the premiere of the combi-buses, 1995 saw Setra premiere the SG 321 articulated bus at the IAA for commercial vehicles in Hanover. Thanks to its integrated luggage compartments, the bus can also be used for excursions.
200 model series portfolio expanded
With the S 315 NF the Setra combi-bus model series quickly received the international "Bus of the Year 1996" accolade. The particularity of the 12-metre low-floor bus is the 6.5-degree inclination and 3-degree diagonal position of the drivetrain. This asymmetric transmission installation allowed for a stepless central isle to be created.
The 200 model series is an integral part of the ever-increasing 300 model series product range and was expanded with a further two vehicles. In May 1994, Setra presented the
S 250 Special. This economical and favourably priced touring coach variant also used components from the 300 model series. In autumn 1995, the S 217 HDH was launched on the market. The 13.7-metre-long three-axle vehicle was developed not only for the European but also for the American markets.
400 model series
Remarkably impressive technology, safety and comfort
In Setra's anniversary year 2001, 50 years since Setra launched the S 8 as the first bus with a self-supporting body, the company released the 400 model series with the TopClass, ComfortClass and MultiClass models. The new TopClass touring coach generation was available in seven variants. Among them was the S 411 HD club bus, the S 415 HD, the three-axle S 415 HDH, the three-axle S 416 HDH, and the S 417 HDH. The flagship of the Setra premium range was the S 431 DT double-decker bus. Specifically for the North American market, Setra developed the new TopClass S 417 which was tailored to the requirements there.
Symbiosis of form and function
Already eight months after its first appearance, the TopClass 400 was voted "Coach of the Year 2002" by European specialist journalists. The jury's reasoning included the impressive technology and the striking design which was a true symbiosis of form and function. Since that time, numerous international accolades and prices followed.
All vehicles from the new TopClass are equipped with disc brakes, the Electronic Braking System (EBS), anti-lock brakes (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), Brake Assist (BA) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) – an active system for improving driving safety and stability. What's more, Setra also offered the vehicles with Lane Assist (SPA) which ensured that the vehicle didn't drive over the edge of the road.
Facelift with an emphasis on safety
As part of a comprehensive facelift in 2008, the focus was clearly on the topic of safety. Since then, the bus brand from Ulm offers vehicles of the new TopClass as standard with equipment such as Front Collision Guard (FCG) – a module which moves the entire driver's workplace backwards in the event of an accident – and an integral absorber structure.
At the end of 2008, Setra delivered the first touring coach to be equipped with Active Brake Assist (ABA). ABA is also known in specialist circles as an emergency braking assistant. It reacts to slow-moving vehicles travelling in front by initially issuing multi-stage warnings before initiating a full application of the brakes. The system is coupled with the autonomous intelligent cruise control (AICC), whose sensors serve to detect "obstacles" travelling in front of the vehicle.
On regular-service bus routes and coach tours, the Setra ComfortClass 400 is worlds ahead
The seven vehicle variants in the ComfortClass 400 unite discerning levels of comfort and attractively economical operating costs. With the high-floor and high-deck buses for excursions, long-distance travel or regular-service routes, Setra created an innovative length concept. The omission of the provision that touring coaches should not exceed a length of 12 metres is implemented rigorously by the brand in order to create interiors with noticeably more space and larger front entrance areas. The front-end overhang of the S 415 GT, the S 415 GT-HD, the two and three-axle variants of the S 416 GT-HD and the S 417 GT-HD, not to mention the wider body were enabled thanks to the annular frame construction. This design principle also provides the buses with a greater torsional rigidity. The bodyshell's skeleton is protected in the same way as the touring coaches of the TopClass 400 series by means of cathodic dip painting.
Cockpit with shift lever joystick
A further noticeable characteristic of the ComfortClass 400 is the independently and ergonomically designed cockpit. The driver's workplace resembles that of a touring coach and is equipped, among other things, with a shift lever joystick, integral navigation monitors and a number of stowage compartments for the driver. When used on regular-service routes, the installation of a ticketing machine is possible without great effort. What's more, the larger luggage compartment flaps and additional partition walls on the S 415 GT-HD and S 416 GT-HD create even more stowage space as well as convenient access for drivers and passengers alike.
In the spring of 2005, the right-hand drive variants S 415 GT-HD and S 416 GT-HD for countries with left-hand traffic were added to the product line-up. In autumn 2009, the brand launched the facelifted ComfortClass 400 vehicles. These buses were now equipped with all relevant safety equipment, including the Front Collision Guard (FCG) crash protection system, autonomous intelligent cruise control (AICC) and Active Brake Assist (ABA), Lane Assist, powerful Litronic headlamps, a new navigation system and a fire extinguishing system as standard.
Lower-cost USA variant
At the beginning of 2011, Setra presented the ComfortClass in the form of the S 407 for the USA – it was a touring coach intended for the business segment in North America. The vehicle a traditional touring coach with a North-American design idiom and was a lower-cost alternative for touring coach companies. The appearance of the new buses was shaped by the standard American-style mirror system, as well as bumpers at the front and rear.
Setra MultiClass – a vehicle for every type of operation
Spacious luggage compartments, comfortable seats and versatile equipment options. These were three powerful arguments which spoke in favour of the MultiClass buses first presented in 2005. With an on-board galley, toilet and air conditioning, the economical and functional UL and H models made for ideal vehicles on both regular-service routes and club excursions.
The S 412 UL is the most manoeuvrable of the Setra inter-city buses and is optimally suited to regular-service operations in regions with challenging topographies as well as those with tight and steep mountain passes. The other UL vehicles available were the S 415 UL, the S 417 UL and the S 419 UL, which came as standard with as many as 69 seats.
World premiere of the H models
The advantage of these new inter-city buses: the central aisle is around 1040 mm above the road level, which means the vehicles have attractively sized luggage compartments with up to 7.9 m³ of space. The interior (excluding the wheel housings) also makes it possible to install the powerful OM 470 Euro VI engine.
The UL business – minimalist equipment for the greatest of demands
Sparing but not Spartan. This is exactly how the Setra UL business buses were equipped when they joined the brand's standard product line-up in autumn 2013. In presenting the S 415 UL business, S 416 UL business and S 417 UL business, Setra proposed three cost-effective UL variants with minimalist equipment and high passenger capacities which offered the highest possible operating efficiency on inter-city routes, school operations and on shuttle journeys.
Multifunction display and on-board diagnosis
Whether the destination is the next village down the road or the airport, the driver's task is always made as easy as possible. From the ergonomic design of the UL cockpit with its standard integrated multifunction display as familiar from the Setra MultiClass modular system and which simultaneously also serves as the on-board diagnosis system. Thanks to a wide range of adjustment options, the bus driver enjoys an especially comfortable workplace. The steering column can be adjusted both in height and angle to suit the driver's size.
And even on short journeys, passengers don't have to make concessions in comfort. As an option, the vehicles can be additionally equipped to suit the respective tender with air conditioning, a double-width 2nd door, a bus stop request button, luggage racks, a lift for disabled passengers as well as a parking space for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Long service life guaranteed
With the Setra UL business having been trimmed to deliver the best-possible economy, business owners remain extremely flexible, not only to react to the rapidly changing European market situation, but also to respond to any relevant tenders in municipalities and cities. The aim of Setra, in addition to placing great emphasis on the topic of sustainability, is to deliver individual, profitable alternatives to customers in price-sensitive market segments. And there's not a single gramme more than there needs to be. Sturdy individual components guarantee operators a high level of operational readiness. Plus, with maintenance intervals of 90,000 kilometres, they can also expect a long service life and easy-to-calculate operating and maintenance costs, not to mention a high re-sale value.
Barrier-free travel around Europe with the Setra LE business
In 2014, Setra expanded its MultiClass portfolio with two long-awaited low-floor vehicles which were presented at the IAA for commercial vehicles in Hanover in the form of the low-entry S 415 LE business and S 416 LE business, which combined a low floor and high-floor technologies in a completely new way. The ease of access to the drive components ensures convenient and low-cost maintenance of the barrier-free bus.
The latest variant is the S 418 LE business which, depending on the variant selected, has space for up to 61 seated passengers. This vehicle enables Setra to meet demand in highly frequented intercity operations.
Efficient and robust – the internal workings of the LE business
The LE business is equipped with the tried-and-tested cockpit from the UL business models. Upon customer request, Setra also offers the driver's workplace with lockable stowage compartments as well as an additional stowage space in front of the 1st entrance. A ticketing system, cash machine and ticket printer can also be installed without a problem.
The interior spaces of the LE business vehicles are efficient and robust, in part also thanks to their easy-case side and ceiling panelling. The seats in the front section of the vehicle are positioned on 190-mm-high platforms. Interior standing height in this low-floor area of the bus measures a pleasant 2620 mm. You can rest assured that no passenger is likely to hit their head in this part of the bus.
Easy entry for all passengers
The low beltline sits at 650 mm and also offers seated passengers a good view to the exterior. The front glazed door of the LE business is a single-wing door with a width of 1150 mm. Entrance 2 comes as standard with a pneumatically actuated single-wing outward-swinging door. It fulfils the requirements for equipment which is suitable for use by disabled passengers. Through it, wheelchair users can comfortably access the vehicle. As an option, a two-wing door with a width of 1380 mm is also available. Installation of a manually operated folding ramp with a load-bearing capacity of up to 350 kilograms is equally possible.
Older passengers also benefit from the low entrance height. As standard, it measures 345 mm at the front door and 385 mm at the rear. Using the kneeling function it is possible to further reduce the height by up to 70 mm.