Economy
The new MultiClass 500 LE

Economy

Exceptional. Economical.

The MultiClass 500 was developed with the clear goal of increasing the efficiency of your fleet. For this purpose, we have developed a tender-optimised, low-entry vehicle for urban, regional and intercity transport and consistently tailored it to economic efficiency. We have reduced drag coefficient, weight and consumption. And in return, increased passenger capacity and ease of service. Drive into the profit zone now!

We have paid particular attention to fuel consumption. The highly configurable powertrain is based on tried-and-tested as well as reliable components from Mercedes-Benz. The latest generation of highly efficient, automatic transmissions with torque converter cluch consistently shift gears for maximum fuel economy. Depending on the engine, consumption can be further reduced with a recuperation or hybrid module. Or with the optional vehicle electrical system management, featuring a smart battery sensor that optimises the battery charging voltage. Only energy-saving and long-lasting LEDs are used for exterior and interior lighting. And revolutionary assistance systems make the MultiClass 500 even more economical: the latest version of the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) intelligent cruise control integrates a driving style adapted to the topography into the automatic gearshift system, thereby saving even more fuel.

The outstanding cost-effectiveness of the new MultiClass 500 can be seen in many areas. The bumper corners can be opened open without tools. The windscreen with windscreen wiper system, the new LED lighting elements above the headlights, the engine flap or the rear bumper are tried-and-tested identical parts from Daimler Buses’ modular system – this simplifies spare parts stocks and reduces costs. The support arm of the outward swivelling door is mounted at the top and cannot be damaged if the bus/touring coach accidentally comes into contact with an embankment or bump. The periphery lighting for reversing and new assistance systems such as the 360° camera system help to prevent damage when manoeuvring. OMNIplus, Europe’s largest bus and coach-specific service network, is by your side for all aspects of repair and maintenance of your bus or touring coach. Whether it’s service contracts, employee training or spare parts services – with OMNIplus you can further optimise the cost-effectiveness of your Setra MultiClass 500. And with the integrated IT vehicle infrastructure in the international ITxPT standard, you are also equipped from a business point of view in the digital connectivity area. This ensures easy and efficient interoperability between hardware, software and data interfaces. The OMNIplus ON’s digital service world also makes a valuable contribution to the highly economical operation of your fleet.

The advanced and predictive cruise control PPC integrates a driving style adapted to the landscape into the automatic gearshift and, in conjunction with the precisely tuned gearshift strategy, enables noticeable fuel savings. With the new, optimised generation, the system is now even more powerful. PPC guides you along country roads, takes junctions and roundabouts into account and is networked with the Adaptive Cruise Control. It can already be used from a speed of 15 km/h.

Optimised and further developed for the future of intelligent driving, the predictive cruise control PPC is a prime example of the digital networking of buses and coaches. It draws on the topographical data of more than 95 per cent of motorways, trunk roads and interurban roads in many European countries. Via GPS, PPC always knows the current position of the vehicle and its route ahead with its altitude profile or gradient. Based on this data, the current and preset speed, the current vehicle mass and the data on engine power, torque and transmission, PPC regulates the speed and influences the shift strategy. EcoRoll is also used in the process: In worthwhile cases, the technology selects the neutral position of the transmission and thus allows the vehicle to roll longer without drag losses to save fuel. The engine continues to idle. Afterwards, the technology shifts back into gear.

The improved PPC cruise control also avoids unnecessary braking, accelerating or shifting gears on winding interurban journeys and thus supports the driver in wear-free and fuel-saving driving. If PPC is activated on an interurban route and a coasting situation is detected, the target speed and the reason for the speed reduction (bend, roundabout, right of way, stop point) are displayed in the instrument binnacle. Based on the stored maps, PPC automatically reduces the speed when entering towns and villages, as well as before country road bends with a tight radius or obstacles such as roundabouts and stop or right-of-way points. The driver can adjust the deceleration behaviour to route events in five stages to suit the current application, from a dynamic to an emphatically economical driving style. Likewise, it can set a curve speed factor in five steps to take into account boundary conditions such as lane width and verge construction. In this case, the range extends from the particularly passenger-friendly to a dynamic variant, for example when travelling without passengers. The PPC interventions can be overridden at any time by the driver via their own brake intervention or operation of the accelerator pedal, to retain complete control. After manually driving through the obstacle, they have the option of switching the cruise control back on, which then accelerates back to the set speed. In any case, the driver remains fully responsible for the safety of their passengers. The interaction between PPC and Adaptive Cruise Control can also further improve fuel efficiency: ACC continuously provides the system with information about vehicles ahead so that the intelligent cruise control system can ideally plan gear changes and speed progression and make the best possible use of the vehicle's momentum for coasting phases. The new, optimised generation of Predictive Powertrain Control thus further expands the recognised advantages of the assistance system and extends the area of application from motorways and trunk roads to almost all non-urban roads in Europe. This step increases the overall economy of the coach. With the reduction in consumption, CO2 emissions are also reduced.

Predictive Powertrain Control recently optimised the driving style even on intercity routes where the use of cruise control was previously not sensible. For this purpose, curve radii, speed limits and right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts throughout Europe have been stored in the map material.

Assuming Predictive Powertrain Control, this is shown in the cockpit display by a green shining symbol. Graphics are also shown that schematically announce the route events ahead.

Predictive Powertrain Control controls the cruise control in a fuel-saving manner. Depending on the terrain and situation, the tolerance values above and below the set speed (hysteresis) may be exceeded or fallen short of at certain points.

Engine OM 936.

The OM 936 from Mercedes-Benz is powerful and, with Euro VI Stage E, meets the highest standards in terms of environmental friendliness. The use of modern, high-strength materials and intelligent technology makes the engines lighter, stronger and significantly more economical. At the same time, the power characteristics of the engines enable downsizing, i.e. reducing the engine displacement while maintaining the same power output, which reduces both energy consumption and emissions. This means that Euro VI Stage E is achieved. The engines therefore achieve an output with a displacement of 7.7 litres which would previously have required a capacity of more than ten litres. As a result, the OM 936/OM 936 h can replace heavier engines with a considerably greater volume. Moreover, this new development offers dynamic low-end torque at low speeds. Maximum torque is therefore available from 1,200 rpm and remains constant up to 1,600 rpm. Even at speeds below 1,000 rpm, the engines deliver an impressive performance. A longer service life is a further advantage of this series. With a predicted mileage equivalent to 700,000 km in interurban service without a general overhaul, the new engines also achieve values here that were previously reserved for larger capacity power units. BlueEFFICIENCY Power engines therefore represent maximum efficiency and longevity, lower Adblue® and engine oil consumption and longer maintenance intervals.

OM 470 engine.

The OM 470 with a capacity of 10.7 l is convincing all round. The in-line six-cylinder is the optimum engine when compact design with low weight, high performance with high torque and maximum efficiency with low fuel consumption and long maintenance intervals are required. A torque of 2,100 Nm is available from 1,100 rpm. Despite its compactness, the top variant achieves an output of 335 kW. The engine features cast iron alloy crankcases, steel pistons, one-piece cylinder heads with two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and the newly developed X-PULSE high-pressure injection system. This not only minimises fuel consumption, but also maximises the smooth running characteristics of the engines while meeting Euro VI Stage E emission levels. In spite of the considerable additional effort required for exhaust treatment, we have succeeded in reducing the consumption of the engine. Together with longer maintenance intervals and a long service life, the engine meets all the requirements for future-proof and profitable road use. The X-PULSE common rail diesel direct injection system is a completely new technological development. X-PULSE ensures that only moderate pressure is developed initially in high-pressure lines. Depending on the requirement, the fuel pressure needed for injection is only produced when needed in the injectors. In addition to reducing the quantity of fuel required for combustion to an absolute minimum, this principle also causes much lower material stress and considerably increases the service life of the engine as a result.

  • Engine OM 936.
  • OM 470 engine.

The new Driver Score assist system offers the driver important support. The driver’s driving style can be continuously optimised with practical messages in the display. The system scores in four categories – Acceleration, Braking, Smoothness of Drive, Coasting. Also relevant is the information on the vehicle status, such as low levels of fuel, AdBlue or engine oil. 

Driver Score evaluates the personal driving style according to certain parameters for each of these categories. In the Braking category, for example, the frequency with which the retarder is used at the highest level instead of operating the service brake or the sensible sequence of braking is evaluated. In the Acceleration category, on the other hand, a closer look is taken at how the accelerator pedal is used and the engine speed. With the new generation, the scope of the monitored parameters again increases significantly. Thus, in future, both the new and the existing parameters will be allocated to the four categories Acceleration, Braking, Smoothness of Ride, Coasting. A step that makes efficiency tangible.

Based on the experience gained in recent years, our developers have redefined the existing parameters that are relevant for assessing the condition of the vehicle. Indications of low fuel levels, AdBlue and engine oil are important for efficient driving. Driver Score also recognises the influence of other categories, such as tyre pressure, that affect cost awareness. Added to this is the feedback on the individual driving style. This is displayed to the driver during the journey or, optionally, afterwards. In the event of significant deviations from the ideal driving style the driver receives practical advice on how to optimise the journey in the form of a bar in the display. This ensures cost-conscious and efficient use and guarantees additional advantages on the highly competitive market.

The wireless tyre pressure monitoring with indication in the multifunctional display is an electronic safety system that permanently monitors the air pressure of all tyres. Tyre pressure losses are displayed within the system limits.

The right tyre pressure contributes to driving safety and significantly reduced fuel consumption. Even a tyre pressure set 0.5 bar too low can increase fuel consumption by up to 5%. The wheel electronics are positioned on the valve on the inside of the rim. The sensors record the data relevant to the tyre pressure and transmit it to the display instrument.

The tyre pressure is recorded both when the vehicle is stationary and when it is moving. Caution! A sudden loss of pressure, for example due to the penetration of a foreign body, is not immediately indicated by the tyre pressure monitoring system. Damage to the tyres that does not lead to acute pressure loss is also not detected by the monitoring system. Here, visual inspection by the driver is and remains essential.

Low-entry Setra MultiClass pays off for you. The perfectly coordinated drivetrain with advanced gearbox generation, modern assistance systems, weight optimisation and improved aerodynamics minimise fuel consumption. Long service intervals, a dense service network and a highly professional spare parts supply guarantee operational readiness. What's more, its adaptability makes it the best choice for any application.

The total cost of ownership (TCO) reflects all costs over the useful life of your MultiClass. After all, what your MultiClass costs isn't just a question of purchase price and financing. That's why at Setra, when we develop a bus, we look at the full picture. Key TCO factors include capital costs, energy costs, maintenance and repair costs, and the residual value when selling your low-entry bus. We optimise all these factors, in so doing creating the best possible overall value for money for you. How? By creating the technical prerequisites for the digital networking of your fleet, continuously developing assistance systems and optimising maintenance intervals, as well as with customised service and, last but not least, our buses' famous quality and durability.

For low TCO costs, we work with you to tailor the equipment of your MultiClass precisely to its required purpose. The diverse selection of door and ramp variants, platforms and seats, cockpits and driver assistance systems as well as air-conditioning systems play a central role in this. It's also important to have the right service package. Whether it be with service contracts, employee training or digital services – our OMNIplus service brand supports you with a tailor-made offer that guarantees operational readiness. And if a Setra has to be serviced or repaired, OMNIplus has the densest bus-specific service network in Europe, combined with an unrivalled spare parts service including individual 3D printing directly at the support points. This complete package guarantees that you will benefit from the efficiency of your MultiClass in the long term. And if you ever want to replace your Low Entry with a successor model, BusStore guarantees the residual value of your bus on request and buys it back later, giving you the best possible planning security. Your Setra contact person will be happy to provide you with individual calculations.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Looking at the big picture.

There is a lot more that goes into what your Setra costs than its purchase price. At Setra, we always make it a point to look at the big picture when we develop a coach or bus. We optimise all TCO factors in view of achieving the best possible cost-effectiveness for you. These factors include investment costs, energy costs, maintenance and repair costs, as well as the residual value when your vehicle is sold.

The good news is that yes, we can influence them and we do – to the greatest possible extent. For example, by continuing to develop and evolve our drive components, by reducing the need for maintenance, by offering customised services – and of course, through the well-known outstanding quality and durability of our coaches and buses.

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