Down with fuel consumption, up with comfort: the improved predictive cruise control, PPC, makes life easier for the driver. Project leader Philipp Kaupper took us for a spin.

The right speed and the right gear – now also off the motorway: the new version of Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) celebrates its world premiere in the next-generation Setra TopClass and ComfortClass coaches. “It stores more than 95 percent of Europe’s highways and trunk roads,” says project leader Philipp Kaupper. And it comes as standard. This means drivers can work more efficiently and comfortably.

The display signals to the driver that a speed adjustment is imminent: 75 metres ahead, the road takes a sharp bend to the left. The TopClass will tackle this tricky spot at a leisurely speed of 17 km/h: perfect. In 465 metres is a roundabout, for which the Setra announces a passenger-friendly approach speed of 15 km/h. Also perfect: the coffee will stay in the cups on the tables as the coach completes its circle.

Seeing Predictive Powertrain Control in action on the motorway is an impressive experience. But seeing what it can do on rural highways is a whole new ball game. “The maps are accurate, the GPS knows the vehicle location and the algorithm is highly precise,” Philipp Kaupper explains.

Its “predictive” driving style saves fuel, as PPC starts decelerating long before an obstacle and takes on hills with gusto in the perfect gear. Before the summit, it tolerates a speed a little below what it has set. On the descent it knows there is no need to use the accelerator – momentum will be sufficient; in hilly areas, it uses EcoRoll.

This all saves stress, as a driver can concentrate on steering when in unfamiliar territory. This improves comfort, as the passengers can enjoy a fluid, smooth ride. “We have lovely stretches where we simply coast,” Kaupper notes. What’s more: “if the town’s welcome sign sets a speed limit of 50 km/h,” he assures us, “PPC lets the bus gently decelerate of its own accord beforehand, just like a true pro.”

PPC also knows the rules of the road: “border crossings are detected by the GPS and the laws of other countries taken into consideration at once.”

The factory settings ensure a user- and passenger-friendly experience. But other options are available. Turning speed, for example, can be set to one of five levels. If the restaurant booking time is looming, or if the bus is empty and the bends wide, you can be a bit nimbler on your wheels. Or you can take it at an even more leisurely pace, say, if time is not running short and the passengers want to enjoy watching the landscape go by.

PPC can also vary the approach to route events, such as village entrances and roundabouts, from dynamic to relaxed. Its clever interplay with ART, the adaptive cruise control, is another special feature. “This lets us also detect the vehicle in front,” Philipp Kaupper notes.

The introduction of the new PPC functionality required intensive trials. “We have carried out a vast number of test drives,” Kaupper emphasises, “in various different countries, with border crossings and on very bendy roads.” His take: “it is fantastic now to be able to turn on the cruise control off the motorway. This gives the driver yet more support.” Not least, in times of high fuel prices, firms can profit from the savings achieved by this standard feature.

A tip: if you want to get everything out of the new assistance system, you should book ExpertHandlingTraining in OMNIplus. Here, drivers can learn how to work professionally with the new version of Predictive Powertrain Control.