A treat for passengers: modern interior design, safe and convenient stairs, innovative and comfortable washroom

• High standards on all fronts – passenger compartments on the double-decker bus
• The new variable lower deck covering all conceivable types of use
• New stairs: bright, elegant, convenient, and above all safe
• The new the cockpit for the passengers on the upper deck
• New washroom: more space thanks to innovative architecture
• Well connected at all times: passengers enjoy the benefit of connectivity
• The Setra double-decker bus is "heaven-scent"

Journeys on a Setra double-decker bus are always something special. The upper deck's location makes it a full-fledged sightseeing level, while those who value a snug and cosy setting are best accommodated on the lower deck. Passengers on board the new Setra S 531 DT of the TopClass 500 benefit from a bright and friendly interior, stairs in a totally new design and a newly designed front area on the upper deck. The washroom on the lower deck is completely new and now virtually barrier-free.

High standards on all fronts – passenger compartments on the double-decker bus

High-quality materials, comfortable and functional appointments – the passenger compartment of the Setra double-decker bus was already of a high standard in the previous model series. There's no need to change things that just can't be improved upon. In view of which, the new Setra TopClass S 531 DT has adopted from its successful predecessor the general layout of the two decks, the comfortable and varied seating range offering a broad scope of individual covers in fabric and Composition bonded leather, the optional luxury head restraints and the elegant service sets.

The headroom of 1.83 m on the lower deck and 1.68 m on the upper deck also remains unchanged, as Setra continues to fit 80 percent tyres rather than low-profile tyres with the unavoidable disadvantages which these entail for ride comfort and ground clearance. Everything else is new - and that means much more than the greige colour – an attractive, light mixture of grey and beige – for the trim on window pillars and the ceiling, for example.

The new variable lower deck covering all conceivable types of use

The lower deck of the new Setra is more variable than ever. The two doors originate from the bus's predecessor. Operators can still choose between three door widths for the rear entrance. The invisible technical components and the fuel tank have been rearranged to make the lower deck even more variable. The platforms on the right-hand side can now make way for wheelchair bays, for example, combined with a door with mechanical folding ramp or attachable Tri-Fold folding ramp.

Doing away with the platforms also opens up new options for individual fit-outs as a bistro bus or for special equipment – for deployment as a presentation vehicle at trade shows, for example. Conversely, when maximum seating capacity is desired, e.g. for operation on rural regular-service lines or internal company transport services, Setra is also able to deliver the double-decker bus without kitchenette and washroom, with a full seating complement of up to 93 seats. Alternatively, a wheelchair bay or pram area and folding seats can be installed on the right-hand side of the lower deck, instead of platforms.

New stairs: bright, elegant, convenient, and above all safe

Like its predecessor, the new double-decker bus offers two variants for the two stairways. While the rear stairs are always located behind the rear entrance, operators are free to choose the position of the front stairs. A popular choice in touring use is to have the stairs positioned on the left behind the driver, as seen in the direction of travel. For use on long-distance scheduled services, operators prefer the stairs to be positioned in the direct vicinity of the front entrance, on the right as seen in the direction of travel, on account of the faster passenger flow.

While the stair positions and variants remain unchanged, the design of the stairs is completely new. On many double-decker buses, the stairs are a tricky obstacle to be overcome - not so on the new Setra TopClass S 531 DT, whose stairs leading to the upper deck are generously dimensioned and designed to prevent slipping.

The stairways on board the double-decker bus are light and airy in character. The glazing lets in light from outside. On the inside of the stairways, the wall panelling in the upper area consists of light, translucent acrylic plastic in frosted look, while in the lower area and on the outer wall the robust panelling is finished in an attractive greige colour. This all adds up to a light and airy, surprisingly spacious scenario.

The stairways are reminiscent of spacious staircases or of the architecture of the connecting stairs between the different levels of a modern-day maisonette. Evenly spaced wide steps provide a firm hold underfoot. The steps are dark-coloured with light-grey fronts. This contrast, together with the light edging for the steps in high-quality aluminium, helps passengers to find their way safely up and down the stairs. Continuous handrails guide the passengers safely up onto the upper level.

In addition, each step is individually illuminated by means of trim elements at the sides, with additional lighting for the edges of the steps also optionally available. Half way up the stairs, a landing enables passengers to briefly catch their breath. The front stairs on the left-hand side of the vehicle even incorporate two landings. The self-contained and restful design with an integrated and thus concealed drive for the neighbouring outside doors exudes a modern air and, notwithstanding the restricted space that is unavoidable on board a double-decker bus, conjures up a surprisingly pleasant and spacious setting.

Setra makes use of every available cubic centimetre on board the double-decker bus. At the stairs on the front left, for example, the previous open stowage compartments have been replaced by a closed compartment. At the rear stairs there is a stowage compartment which is accessible from the inside by way of a folding step – a practical amenity for the driver or the service staff in the kitchenette which remains unchanged at the rear of the lower deck.

The new the cockpit for the passengers on the upper deck

A double-decker bus has a second cockpit - the cockpit for the passengers in the first row on the upper deck. A totally new second cockpit has been designed for the new Setra TopClass S 531 DT. Similarly to the cockpit on the lower deck, its counterpart on the upper deck also sports a two-tone colour scheme: the top and fronts have a dark finish, while the centre section is in greige.

The completely new design in the shape of an arch takes up the look of the driver's cockpit. The continuous handrail has been moved to the front, improving the impression of space. The cup holders have been repositioned, and the upper side of the cockpit now offers space for trays, e.g. for snacks from the kitchenette. Front-row passengers can also enjoy moving images, courtesy of compact monitors in the A-pillars.

Washroom: more space thanks to innovative architecture

Convenient and largely barrier-free access by means of a level floor, new fit-out in an innovative diagonal arrangement – the washroom and toilet compartment of the new Setra resemble a compact modern bathroom.

The new diagonal layout of the facilities is a master stroke which maximises the available legroom and freedom of movement when using the toilet and the washbasin installed on the left, while maintaining the same surface area as was available in the predecessor. A further contributory factor to the new feeling of space is the substantially increased headroom, from previously 1.70 m to 1.82 m. The two-tone finish for the facilities –n dark at the bottom, high-gloss white at the top – is both appealing and easy to maintain. Bright LED lighting, colour-highlighted grab handles and a concealed ventilation system round off the interior equipment and appointments.

A variant with reinforced installations is again available for long-distance regular-service use. The waste water tank remains unaltered, as it had previously already been enlarged from 105 litres to 150 litres in its standard configuration.

Passenger seats: virtually boundless variety

The new Setra adopts from its predecessor the tried and tested comfortable passenger seats that are produced in-house. The basic fit-out is with Setra Voyage seats. Depending on the type of use, the seating comfort can be enhanced by the comfortable Setra Voyage Plus, Voyage Ambassador or Ambassador 2+1 seat options.

All of these types are available in a wealth of equipment variants and a virtually boundless choice of different fabrics, Composition bonded leather and combinations of the same. The luxury head restraints with multiple adjustment options offer an extra special degree of comfort.

Well connected at all times: passengers enjoy the benefit of connectivity

On long-distance regular services, tours, excursions or inter-city lines, bus passengers nowadays expect a high-speed internet connection for their mobile end devices. Consequently, the new Setra double-decker bus is optionally available with a WiFi router and aerial. The Coach Media Router incorporates two slots for LTE-enabled SIM cards and two USB ports for the off-line provision of media content. In addition to simply providing an internet connection, this ensures that users can also use their end devices to access media stored locally in the bus while on the road. Accordingly, this reduces the level of internet use. For the purposes of powering passenger's devices, the Setra TopClass S 531 DT can be equipped either with USB ports or with 230 V sockets.

The Setra double-decker bus is "heaven-scent"

An optional fragrance dispensing system takes the already pleasant climate on board the new Setra to new heights. When the ignition is turned on and door one is opened, or when a door is left open, a fragrance generator automatically dispenses a discreet and unobtrusive yet highly pleasing scent in the entry area. The main components have been adopted from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Six high-quality interior fragrances - from sporty-fresh to a heavier scent that reminds one of leather - are available to choose from, to suit personal preference and mood: Nightlife Mood, Downtown Mood, Sports Mood, Freeside Mood, Pacific Mood and Daybreak Mood. The fragrance can be changed easily, simply by changing the fragrance flacon that is inserted into fragrance generator. The fragrance is always subtle, is dispersed gently and subsides again quickly after being switched off. Use of this feature does not change the scent of the interior permanently, nor do the fragrance molecules settle on the textile surfaces or the occupants' clothing. It's clear to see (and smell): the new double-decker bus is "heaven-scent", and passengers on board can certainly breathe easy and enjoy the ride.