13 metres long and only 32 seats: Marx Reisen swears by its special business model. The generously equipped Setra S 516 HD with its exceptional 2+1 seating has been met with an enthusiastic response – from passengers and drivers alike.

For the first time in its history, Marx Reisen has purchased a coach with a new VIP seating concept and 5-star premium equipment. The Setra ComfortClass S 516 HD was integrated into the family-run company’s coach fleet in spring 2022 and quickly became a guarantee for economic success.

“Our decision was correct and we made it at the right time,” Anna Marx emphasises as one part of the Board of Management together with Rosmarie Marx. “We were not naive, but rather we tailored this special coach specifically to exclusive trips for small groups and adapted it to the changed conditions in these challenging times.”

The unique design of the coach is based on elegant elements, such as the black radiator grille on the outside. In the interior, the unique design continues with elegant window blinds instead of the usual curtains.

The highlight of the new premium coach is its extraordinary 2+1 VIP seating. A maximum of 32 passengers benefit from the comfortable distance between the reclining seats. They feature armrests on both sides as well as adjustable headrests and footrests, and are partly upholstered in elegant composite leather material.

There are no platforms along the even floor with a wooden, nautical-style finish. The LED lighting in the footwell of the aisle-side seats has also proven very popular. It originates from the Setra TopClass and has been installed in the Setra ComfortClass for the very first time. “The new premium luxury coach perfectly meets the high expectations of our passengers,” Anna Marx confirms.

Bookings and capacity utilisation rates remained stable both during pandemic restrictions and once they had been lifted. Marx Reisen was not forced to suspend operations at any point and the new coach concept proved to be a popular decision. “This shows that the combination of exclusivity and profitability is worthwhile,” Anna Marx positively concludes.

Markus Strasser, who has been working as a coach driver for Marx Reisen for almost 30 years, has played a key role in configuring the coach. In his opinion, a feel-good atmosphere and maximum comfort on long journeys are the most important indicators for satisfied passengers – and with this Setra, he thinks everything is just right, down to the smallest detail.

The first trip took him to Lake Garda and he has just returned from a trip to Hamburg and Copenhagen. "This coach is incomparable. It is homely, appealing, practical, very quiet, runs extremely smoothly and, last but not least, it is easy to clean," Markus Strasser explains.

The fact that the Setra features all available safety assistance systems puts Markus Strasser at ease. And like his boss, he is delighted with the economical fuel consumption.

Passengers can expect a high level of equipment comfort on board: a waste-free on-board toilet with electric hand dryer, an extendable table for catering, two coffee machines and an espresso machine. Thanks to a special design for storing cups, designers have eliminated the annoying rattling noise. Most of the ideas were developed by Markus Strasser.

“Passenger satisfaction starts with breakfast on board at the beginning of the journey,” he emphasises. “And with the many comfort features in this coach, we have managed to boost their satisfaction many times over by the end of the journey.”

According to Markus Strasser, the mood is always good on board thanks to the lower number of passengers – who often end up forming a genuine unit during the journeys: "A journey with such satisfied customers is a lot of fun. My passengers admit that, from now on, they only want to travel on this coach. That says it all and is the best gift for our company!"