Assistance systems: increased safety and economic efficiency

• All new: Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) in interurban transport
• The new benchmark: the safety and assistance systems in the Setra MultiClass LE
• Outstanding safety: new Preventive Brake Assist 2
• Passive safety: maximum protection for driver and occupants 

Setra is synonymous with bus safety. Many safety and assistance systems have made their debut in a Setra bus – the range of innovations extending from the retarder to the anti-lock braking system and Sideguard Assist, to name just a few. Setra's integral safety concept helps proactively prevent accidents. It protects both passengers and the driver, taking into account vulnerable road users as well. Advanced assistance systems in the new Setra MultiClass LE, like the new Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), not only ensure greater safety, they also support an economical driving style.

All new: Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) in interurban transport

In conjunction with the fully automated GO 250–8 PowerShift manual transmission, the driver is supported by the latest version of the intelligent, fuel-saving Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) cruise control system. It integrates a driving style adapted to the topography into the automatic transmission system. The extended map data of PPC now covers nearly all rural roads in Europe as well as motorways and highways. PPC considers intersections and roundabouts and is linked to the adaptive cruise control system. Based on the stored map data, PPC automatically reduces the vehicle's speed when entering built-up areas, before tight bends on country roads or at obstacles such as roundabouts and stop or yield intersections. This has numerous advantages: drivers receive effective support as the constantly adjusted driving style improves safety while reducing fuel consumption.

In addition to innovative assistance systems, the MultiClass LE also comes with impressive classic features to improve the driver's normal workday. For example, there are exterior storage compartments for accommodating snow chains or tools. The Aquablade windscreen wipers are exceptionally efficient. There is also an optional safe located in the step leading to the driver's cab.

A new benchmark: the safety and assistance systems in the Setra MultiClass LE

Since July 2024, the EU’s updated General Safety Regulation (GSR-B) has been mandatory for all newly registered buses. The current safety and assistance systems in Setra brand buses do not simply meet the requirements of the GSR; some functions even go beyond the level required by the GSR beginning in 2024. They form the new standard in all vehicle variants and represent further added value for the city, interurban and touring coaches from the Setra brand.

A good example of going beyond mere compliance with the GSR is Sideguard Assist 2. It now monitors not only the front passenger side, but also the driver’s side, and thus goes beyond the level required by the GSR. To ensure a broad view to the front and side, a combination of five short and long-range radar sensors and a camera are used for Sideguard Assist 2 and the new Frontguard Assist. At speeds above 40 km/h, Sideguard Assist 2 also assumes the role of a lane change assistant.

In order to avoid accidents when moving off, for example at traffic lights or bus stops, the new Frontguard Assist can prove to be a helpful feature. Frontguard Assist detects and warns of potential collisions with unprotected road users in the immediate vicinity of the front of the vehicle.

The intelligent Traffic Sign Assist speed assistant compares the current speed of the vehicle with the permissible vehicle speed and warns the driver if the permitted speed is exceeded. The system functions throughout Europe, regardless of signage variations in different countries. Traffic Sign Assist can thus reduce the risk of accidents caused by speeding and inattentiveness. It also reduces the risk of fines due to speeding.

The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPM) now also forms part of the standard equipment on all Setra bus models. TPM prevents tyre damage by displaying any pressure loss. Setting the correct tyre pressure also decreases both wear and fuel consumption. In addition, TPM also monitors the tyre temperature and warns the driver if any overheating is detected. The standard equipment also includes Attention Assist (AtAs) as well as an interface for the use of alcohol testers in the driver’s workplace. The same applies to the previously optional reversing camera.

Outstanding safety: new Preventive Brake Assist 2

Preventive Brake Assist 2, the next generation of the world’s first active brake assistant for specialised scheduled-service buses from Daimler Buses, offers additional safety and is available as an option for the new MultiClass LE. Preventive Brake Assist 2 utilises a combination of short-range and long-range radar sensors as well as a camera. This allows it to react to stationary and moving objects including pedestrians and cyclists. The system is capable of processing multiple objects simultaneously. Within the system limits, objects off the carriageway, such as traffic signs, parked vehicles or traffic in adjacent lanes, are also detected more accurately, which minimises false warnings.

The assistance system warns the driver of potential collisions with stationary or moving objects. Warnings are issued visually by means of a red flashing alert on the central display and audibly. It automatically initiates a partial braking manoeuvre at the same time. The braking action is maintained until either the driver intervenes, the situation is no longer critical or the bus comes to a complete stop. The warning cascade and brake intervention are specifically designed for use in scheduled service with the aim of protecting standing passengers. Preventive Brake Assist 2 is available as an optional feature for all models of the new Setra MultiClass LE – just another milestone in the protection of vulnerable road users.

Passive safety: maximum protection for driver and occupants

Despite all the assistance and safety systems, it is never possible to completely eliminate accidents. For this reason, the developers of the new Setra MultiClass LE have also included extra precautions. An underride guard reduces the consequences of rear-end or frontal collisions. It protects both the driver and the occupants of the other involved vehicle. Furthermore, the MultiClass LE complies with the requirements of ECE R 66.02 for the rollover test and, on request, voluntarily meets the requirements of the pendulum impact test according to ECE R 29.