Maximum cost effectiveness is one of the outstanding features of the new Setra MultiClass 500. It so important because every euro and every cent usually counts in tendering for intercity buses.

Advantage of Low Entry: With its passenger-friendly stepless entry at doors one and two, it counts as a genuine low-floor bus. And the high-floor rear end still uses conventionally arranged major assemblies – which saves on costs starting from cheaper components up to straightforward service. But that's not all: The new MultiClass 500 is designed for cost effectiveness from head to tail.

Besides the economically advantageous low entry basic concept, the MultiClass 500 has particular advantages. It comes as a tailor-made bus with different lengths, door variants, air conditioning, lifts, and a variety of equipment from the cockpit and platforms to the seating.

With the MultiClass 500, bus companies benefit from a bus that is tailor-made for their business model. Urban and intercity routes, shuttles and school buses, works transport and feeder services – the Setra can do it all. Bespoke and uncompromising.

Two engines with a total of three output levels, manual transmission, automated manual transmission plus two different torque converter automatic transmissions as well as hypoid axes with gear ratios to choose from – likewise tailor-made not prefabricated for individual use. Economical and proven major assemblies tested thousands of times. An extra advantage of Low Entry is the proprietary quiet and economical drive axle.

Some details you don't notice at first, but they all add up to major savings. The optional on-board electrical system management with intelligent battery sensor optimises the battery charging voltage. The likewise optional recuperation module stores the current generated in the overrun phase and supplies it to the auxiliary assemblies when starting. The alternators then run idle and do not put any load on the engine.

“The hybrid version is especially recommended for routes with frequent stopping and short distances between stops,” explains Florian Wagner, Transmission Project Manager at Daimler Buses. Here, braking energy is converted into electricity, which drives an additional compact electric motor the next time the vehicle starts off, thus relieving the load on the diesel. “This significantly economises on fuel and reduces emissions,” adds Wagner.

For Philipp Kaupper, PPC Project Manager at Daimler Buses, PPC is “also an interesting option for intercity buses”. In conjunction with the fully automated manual transmission, the latest variant of the intelligent cruise control Predictive Powertrain Cruise Control contributes to fuel savings. To this end, PPC integrates a driving style adapted to the topography into the automated gearshift.

The stored map data now covers almost all non-urban main roads in Europe. PPC takes junctions and roundabouts into account. PPC automatically reduces the speed when entering towns as well as before tight bends on country roads or obstacles such as roundabouts and stop or give-way signs.

The Driver Score assistance system is an optional aid for the driver. It evaluates the current driving behaviour and provides individual feedback and suggestions for a cost-effective driving style on the display. Driver Score thus allows a rapid improvement in driving behaviour. “The virtual driver trainer looks over the driver’s shoulder and gives them tips,” explains Kaupper.

The optional 360° camera system offers perfect all-round visibility when manoeuvring and in tight spaces. It prevents damage and therefore costs and expensive downtimes.

The new Setra MultiClass 500 looks very different. But it uses numerous parts taken over from other model series. This simplifies the replacement parts inventory and reduces costs.

This starts at the front with the windscreen and the lighting elements above the headlamps for the indicators, position lamps and daytime running lights, and goes as far as the rear module with engine compartment flap and bumper. In between, the common parts strategy is applied to the front axle, instruments and steering wheel, the seating and the climate control. The drive components are likewise known quantities just like the components of the hybrid drive.

Readily available mass-production major assemblies, practical long maintenance intervals – the new Setra MultiClass 500 is a rare visitor to the workshop. The tailor-made Basic, BasicPlus, Premium or Premium Regional service contracts ensure transparent costs and keep the buses the road.

Digitisation also helps. The Bus Data Centre is on board as standard as an interface for data transmission and a gateway to OMNIplus ON, the bundling of all digital services of the OMNIplus service brand.

Ultimately, with the OMNIplus ExpertHandling Training for the Setra MultiClass 500, professionals behind the wheel will become true experts who can exploit the full potential of safety and cost effectiveness.

The maximum cost effectiveness of the new Setra MultiClass 500 is based on a 360-degree view, and no factor is ignored. There's no question that Low Entry is good, but the Setra MultiClass 500 is better.