Cost-effectiveness: Advancing with new technologies and assistance systems

• Top starting point: Cutting-edge aerodynamics, perfectly tuned powertrain, Omniplus comprehensive service
• PPC takes over the speed and gearshift strategy on almost all non-urban roads
• Efficient onboard voltage reduces energy consumption
• From Eco Driver Feedback to Driver Score: The driver trainer is on board too

Bus fans know it: One of the outstanding features of every Setra coach is maximum cost-effectiveness. It will be enhanced further in the next generation HD models of the ComfortClass - a special benefit during economically challenging times with high fuel prices. The next generation of ComfortClass builds on its efficiency with revolutionary assistance systems. The optional Active Drive Assist 2 enables semi-automated driving in all speed ranges - for the first time in a bus or coach. This means increased safety and cost-effectiveness. The intelligent, fuel-saving Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) cruise control is now even more powerful and comes as a standard feature. With its expanded map data, it covers almost all non-urban roads in Europe, in addition to motorways and trunk roads. And the new optional Driver Score assistance system provides ongoing feedback to the driver, including specific recommendations for maximum fuel-efficient driving.

Top starting point: Top aerodynamics, perfectly tuned powertrain, all-round service

It was an unmistakable breakthrough: At its premiere, with a long roof spoiler, heavily curved windshield, Aero rear with trailing edge, and numerous other detailed measures, the Setra ComfortClass set a new benchmark in its segment with a drag coefficient of c_w = 0.33. Automatic lowering of the body at motorway speeds to reduce the frontal area was another bonus. A perfectly tuned powertrain, including engines, transmissions, and low-friction drive axles, highlights its performance even further.

Maintenance intervals of up to 120,000 kilometres or two years, exemplary 24 hour service, and the largest bus-specific service network in Europe provided by Omniplus add to its appeal. Furthermore, Omniplus offers a range of digital services, including Omniplus Uptime, which ensures continuous monitoring of all essential functions of the bus. Industry experts also have the high value retention of a Setra in mind. The next generation of ComfortClass continues to build on its lead.

PPC takes over the speed and shifting strategy on almost all non-urban roads

The enhanced and predictive Predictive°Powertrain°Control (PPC) cruise control, integrated as standard in the Setra ComfortClass, incorporates terrain-adapted driving into the automated transmission and enables noticeable fuel savings in tandem with the precisely tuned shifting strategy. With the new, optimised generation, the system is now even more powerful. PPC operates on country roads, takes into account intersections and roundabouts, and is interconnected with the adaptive cruise control. It can be activated from speeds of 15 km/h.

Optimised and developed for the future of intelligent driving, the predictive PPC cruise control is a prime example of the digital connectivity in buses. It uses topographic data from over 95 percent of motorways, trunk roads, and rural roads in many European countries. By using GPS, PPC constantly knows the current position of the coach or bus and the upcoming route with its elevation profile and gradients. Based on this data, along with the current and target speed, vehicle weight, and information on engine power, torque, and transmission, PPC adjusts the speed and influences the shifting strategy. EcoRoll is also used in this process: When beneficial, the technology puts the transmission in neutral, allowing the coach to coast for longer periods to save fuel and minimise drag losses. The engine continues to idle. After that, the technology selects the appropriate gear again.

The improved PPC cruise control also avoids unnecessary braking, accelerating, or shifting on winding rural roads, thereby assisting the driver in wear-free and fuel-efficient driving.

When PPC is activated on rural routes and a coasting situation is detected, the target speed and the reason for speed reduction (curve, roundabout, yield sign, stop sign) are displayed on the instrument panel. PPC uses the stored map data to automatically reduce 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. Drivers are responsible for coming to a complete stop when necessary. They can adjust the deceleration behaviour to match the current driving conditions in five stages, ranging from dynamic to highly economical driving styles. Similarly, they can set a speed factor for taking curves in five stages to account for variables such as lane width and built-up areas. This range extends from a particularly passenger-friendly setting to a dynamic variant, during a trip without passengers, for example. The interventions made by PPC can be overridden by the driver at any time through independent braking or by pressing the accelerator pedal, ensuring that the driver always remains in control. After manually passing the obstacle, the driver has the option to reactivate the cruise control, which will then accelerate back to the set speed. In any case, the driver remains fully responsible for the safety of their passengers. The interaction between PPC and the adaptive cruise control (ART) can further improve fuel efficiency: ART continuously provides the system with information about preceding vehicles, allowing the intelligent cruise control to optimally plan gear shifts and speed profiles, making the most efficient use of the vehicle's momentum for coasting phases.

Efficient onboard voltage reduces energy consumption

Even seemingly minor details can have a noticeable effect. The previous goal of onboard voltage was to quickly charge the batteries to 100% and maintain them at that level. Now, the onboard voltage of the Setra ComfortClass is selected based on efficiency considerations. This means: While coasting, the charging voltage is increased to utilise regenerative energy and charge the battery. Conversely, the charging voltage is reduced during acceleration or when greater power is required when driving uphill. This reduces the load on the generators, thus lowering fuel consumption. If the battery charge level drops below 70%, this function is deactivated, and an optimised charging voltage is set for the battery. At regular operating hour intervals, the function is deactivated for a certain period to support battery maintenance and prolong their lifespan, applying the optimised charging voltage. Efficient regulation of the onboard voltage reduces fuel consumption by approximately 0.3%.

From Eco°Driver°Feedback to Driver°Score: The driver trainer is always on board

Driver°Score for greater sustainability: The new assistance system evaluates current driving behaviour based on various parameters and the use of driver assistance systems. It enables timely improvement of driving behaviour through individual feedback and suggestions displayed on-screen. Driver°Score provides valuable support to the driver. Through practical messages displayed on-screen, the driver can continuously optimise their driving style. The system assesses performance in four categories: acceleration, braking, smoothness, and coasting.

For each of these categories, Driver Score evaluates the personal driving style based on specific parameters. For example, in the braking category, the assessment looks at the frequency of retarder usage at the highest level instead of applying the service brake or the proper braking process. On the other hand, in the acceleration category, factors such as pedal usage or engine speed are examined. In the next generation, the scope of monitored parameters will increase significantly again. A step that makes efficiency tangible.

Based on years of experience, developers have redefined the parameters for assessing the vehicle's condition. Important for efficient driving are also indications of low fuel levels, AdBlue, and engine oil. Driver°Score also recognises the influence of additional categories that affect cost awareness, such as tyre pressure. In addition, there is feedback on individual driving style. During the journey or optionally afterwards, the driver can view an overview of their driving behaviour. Through a bar displayed on the screen, they receive practical suggestions for optimising their driving when there are significant deviations from the ideal driving style. This ensures cost-conscious and efficient use at all times.

Optimal use of vehicle systems– with the Omniplus Expert Handling Training

New features, complex technology – the innovative assistance systems in the Setra ComfortClass put high demand on drivers. Understanding them is key to benefiting from them. Omniplus' Expert Handling Training is a program designed to provide training on the optimal use of all technological systems in the next generation of ComfortClass. It aims to make bus drivers safer, more economical and more confident on the road.

The Omniplus Expert Handling training sensitises drivers to the safe, economical and environmentally-friendly use of coaches. As a special service, the driver training takes place where the knowledge is needed: at the companies' premises. The training program includes a theoretical part as well as practical driving sessions with hands-on instructions. The Expert Handling Training can also be combined with other Omniplus Driver Trainings. Furthermore: All Omniplus Driver Trainings are recognised as further education in accordance with the German Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG).