HANOVER, Germany — Daimler Buses plans to introduce new engines, transmissions, safety systems and an updated driver cockpit across its Setra and Mercedes-Benz coach lineups beginning in 2027.
The company unveiled the enhancements at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover. Depending on the model and configuration, the upgrades could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 6%, Daimler Buses said.
The technology will be used in Setra ComfortClass, TopClass and double-decker coaches, as well as Mercedes-Benz Travego, Tourismo and Tourrider models. The inclusion of the Tourrider makes the upgrades particularly relevant to North American operators.
From left to right: Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group; Olof Persson, CEO of Iveco Group; Jim Walenczak, President of DAF Trucks; Sigrid de Vries, ACEA Director General; Karin Rådström, CEO Daimler Truck and Chairperson of the ACEA Commercial Vehicle Board; Güven Özyurt, CEO of Ford Otosan; Christian Levin, President and CEO of Scania Group and TRATON GROUP; Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus.
The efficiency improvements combine updated OM 470 and OM 471 diesel engines with new ZF transmissions. The engines feature an optimized combustion process with precisely controlled and cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Newly developed coatings for the diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction system are designed to improve the durability of the exhaust aftertreatment system.
The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo will use the ZF EcoLife CoachLine automatic transmission, while the Setra ComfortClass and TopClass will receive the ZF TraXon 2 Coach automated manual transmission.
Daimler Buses said engine oil-change intervals will be extended to as much as 480,000 kilometers, or about 298,000 miles, or four years.
“With the new engine generation and the enhanced safety assistance systems, Daimler Truck is underscoring its innovative strength,” said Till Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses. “Our buses also benefit from these developments. This demonstrates how we leverage synergies across the group and rapidly bring new technologies to different vehicle segments for the benefit of our customers.”
Safety, driver-assist innovations
A new electronic architecture will support additional safety and driver-assistance features. They include Active Sideguard Assist 3, which supports drivers during turns and lane changes and can apply targeted braking to help prevent collisions.
The system expands turning assistance to both sides of the vehicle and adds automated braking support when turning across the driver’s side.
Active Cross Traffic Assist detects vehicles and motorcycles approaching from either side and crossing the coach’s path. The system uses 270-degree sensor fusion combining long-range radar, short-range radar sensors and a multifunction camera. It can warn the driver and initiate automatic braking when needed.
The safety package also includes Active Drive Assist 2, which helps manage speed, following distance and lane positioning; Electronic Park Brake Control; and Active Power Steering 3, which adjusts steering assistance based on vehicle speed and driving conditions.
Daimler Buses also is redesigning the driver’s workplace with its Multimedia Cockpit Interactive. A high-resolution main display and touchscreen will consolidate trip information, fuel consumption and other vehicle data.
Selected functions can be controlled through voice commands. New digital services will provide current traffic information, automatic map updates and connected traffic warnings. The cockpit also will feature a new multifunction steering wheel, ergonomically arranged controls and additional storage compartments.
Daimler Buses said the redesigned cockpit and assistance systems are intended to reduce drivers’ workload and help them operate the vehicle safely.
