Daimler Buses at IAA Transportation 2024: World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K, safety and assistance systems from Daimler Buses, premiere for the general public of the new Safety Coach, attractive service bundle

• World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K: Compact e-mobility
• New electric articulated bus chassis “eO500UA” for Latin America
• New safety and assistance systems in buses and coaches from Daimler Buses
• Coach safety is synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Safety Coach
• Setra MultiClass LE: particularly wide intercity range with four models
• Service Bundle Coach: an all-inclusive package for touring coaches

Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Hanover – Daimler Buses is celebrating the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K, the 10.63-metre short version of the successful eCitaro, at IAA Transportation 2024. Its forte is narrow, angular routes in suburbs and old towns, as well as operations with a limited number of passengers. Safety and assistance systems from Daimler Buses once again set the standard for buses and coaches. This will also be made clear on the media days at IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, as it is here that the company is presenting the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Safety Coach to the public for the first time – equipped with the latest safety and assistance systems. The Setra MultiClass with the S 510 LE hybrid will also be showcased to the media at IAA Transportation 2024. The compact intercity bus is not simply highly manoeuvrable, it also stands out with its high level of comfort and an extremely efficient drive system. Also new at the IAA is the attractive service bundle for coach customers of Daimler Buses.

Till Oberwörder, CEO Daimler Buses: “We are actively driving the transformation towards locally CO₂-neutral passenger transportation. Our new eCitaro K means that, in the meantime, we have five electrified city buses in our portfolio, enabling us to cover virtually all relevant use-cases in public local transportation. Over and above this, we offer together with our subsidiary Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH turnkey solutions for the operation of a fleet of electric city buses.”

World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K: Compact e-mobility

Daimler Buses is expanding the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro model range and, with the 10.63-metre-long Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K, is now offering a short version of the popular, all-electric low-floor bus in addition to the 12.14-metre-long eCitaro and the 18.13-metre-long eCitaro G. Despite its compact size, the eCitaro K is a fully-fledged public service bus with all the qualities of its larger siblings. With a wheelbase of 4,398 millimetres, shorter than the eCitaro by around 1.5 metres, the eCitaro K offers outstanding manoeuvrability.

The eCitaro K is available with a minimum of four and a maximum of six battery packs, with a total capacity of up to 588 kWh. In the maximum configuration, the eCitaro K reaches a range of more than 300 kilometres under favourable conditions – over the entire service life of the battery. For even longer routes, intermediate charging using a pantograph is also possible in the eCitaro K.

The new eCitaro K is available with either two or three doors. The layout of the eCitaro K passenger compartment is identical to that of the Citaro and eCitaro. Just as the passengers don’t have to adapt, neither does the driver of the eCitaro K. The cockpit and operating concept of the city bus correspond to those seen in the eCitaro, ensuring quick driver changeovers, as usual. Like its longer siblings, the eCitaro K is also powered by the ZF AVE 130 electric portal axle with two motors, each with a peak output of 125 kW. It has also been equipped with the latest safety and assistance systems.

The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K is optionally available with cameras instead of the previous exterior mirrors. The advantages of the MirrorCam camera system are obvious: an extended field of vision for the driver through the windows and significantly better visibility to the rear in the dark, thanks to residual light amplification. Compared with conventional mirrors, the MirrorCam barely or only slightly protrudes beyond the vehicle edges. This means easier manoeuvring and less damage.

New electric articulated bus chassis “eO500UA” for Latin America

Daimler Buses will add an articulated variant to its electric portfolio for the Latin American market. The 18-meter-long eO500UA articulated bus chassis complements the eO500UA solo variant, which has been available since 2022. The new chassis will offer capacity for up to 120 passengers as well as a range of around 250 kilometers. The start of series production is planned for 2026. For comparison: the solo chassis is up to 13.2 meters long, offers capacity for up to 86 passengers and also has a range of up to 250 kilometers. In line with the solo version, the new articulated bus chassis is being developed directly in Brazil, specially designed for Latin American cities and produced at the Mercedes-Benz do Brasil site in
São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo state.

New safety and assistance systems in buses and coaches from Daimler Buses

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

A good example of going beyond mere compliance with the GSR is Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA 6). The system is able to respond to pedestrians and cyclists up to a speed of 60 km/h – for ABA 5 this was already 50 km/h. The ABA 6 safety system can react to cyclists and people who are crossing the road, approaching the vehicle or walking in the vehicle’s lane with automatic emergency braking. Recognition of the lane markings enables optimum mapping of objects and can thus reduce false alarms. Even on typical motorway bends with a radius from approx. 260 metres, the system can react reliably to vehicles in front, as well as stationary obstacles. Accident prevention is possible at speeds of up to 90 km/h, and up to 70 km/h in bends with a radius of approx. 260 metres or more. Under optimal conditions, the severity of an accident can be significantly reduced at higher speeds.

Sideguard Assist 2 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 from Daimler Buses can prove to be a very 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 can cope with the different signage throughout Europe. 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 bus and coach models from Daimler Buses. 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.

Coach safety is synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Safety Coach

The introduction of the new safety systems is also an opportunity for Daimler Buses to continue the long tradition of the Safety Coach. The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Safety Coach will make its first public appearance during the media days at IAA Transportation 2024. This sixth edition of the Safety Coach now boasts the largest number of safety and assistance systems to date in the long line of its predecessors, and consequently does full credit to the name Safety Coach name. The new, even more powerful Active Brake Assist 6 emergency braking assistant is also on board, as are Sideguard Assist 2, the completely new Frontguard Assist and the new Traffic Sign Assist, which warns the driver of excessive speed. In addition to these functions, Lane Assist (SPA), Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM), adaptive cruise control (ART) with additional stop-and-go function, Attention Assist (AtAs), Brake Assist (BA), continuous brake limiter (DBL), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), rain/light sensor and the 360° camera system are all included. The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Safety Coach is also equipped with the optional MirrorCam mirror replacement system. The benefits of the MirrorCam include the extended field of vision for the driver, significantly better visibility in the dark, less dirt, less manoeuvring damage and a further reduction in fuel consumption thanks to a smaller front section.

Setra MultiClass LE: particularly wide intercity range with four models

Setra MultiClass – this name has always been a cornerstone of the range because the Setra MultiClass traditionally successfully covers the entire interurban bus transport sector. The new MultiClass LE now offers a particularly wide range of four models instead of the three models previously offered. As a low-entry (LE) vehicle, the quartet combines two worlds: low-floor convenience and comfortable travel. Consistently designed with a low floor until just ahead of the rear axle, its fast and convenient entry and exit in the front section is impressive. Three small steps lead into the rear section in front of the rear axle. The coach-based drive and chassis technology sets new standards of comfort even on long journeys. The Setra
S 510 LE hybrid is being launched as a representative of the new Setra MultiClass LE during the media days at IAA Transportation 2024.

The Setra MultiClass LE comprises scheduled-service buses with lengths between 10.51 and 14.52 metres. The combination of low-floor technology with varied equipment options and different configurations of doors, platforms, seating, cockpits, engines and transmissions means that the new Setra MultiClass LE is also ideal for use in urban traffic. This new generation of buses proves its worth in classic scheduled and school bus applications, when used as shuttles, or in feeder and factory transport.

The new Setra MultiClass LE knows almost no limits when it comes to passenger compartment design: the range of possibilities includes a completely low-floor front section,
210-millimetre-high platforms on the left or right in the direction of travel or platforms on both sides – left or right in long or short versions. The seating options are equally diverse, with configurations ranging from scheduled city to excursion. Three variants are available for the driver’s workplace of the new Setra MultiClass LE: Cockpit City (city), Cockpit Basic City (city/intercity) or Cockpit Basic (intercity).

The drive system of the Setra MultiClass LE is based on proven and economical components that have been extensively tested. A compact inline six-cylinder OM 936 engine with a displacement of 7.7 litres is at work in the rear of the two-axle models. It is available in two power variants: 220 kW (299 hp) with 1200 Nm of torque and 260 kW (354 hp) with 1400 Nm of torque. The three-axle flagship model, the Setra S 518 LE, is always equipped with the inline six-cylinder OM 470 engine with a displacement of 10.7 litres. It has an output of 290 kW (394 hp) and a powerful torque of 1900 Nm. The MultiClass LE is even more economical with the OM 936 in conjunction with the optional hybrid module.

All Setra MultiClass LE models are equipped as standard with the latest safety and assistance systems, such as Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Attention Assist (AtAs) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM). The Preventive Brake Assist 2 brake assistant, specially developed for scheduled-service buses, is also available as an option. The assistance system warns the driver of a collision with stationary or moving objects and automatically triggers partial braking. The Setra MultiClass LE can also be optionally equipped with the MirrorCam camera system instead of conventional exterior mirrors. The camera system offers an extended field of vision, better visibility to the rear in the dark and makes manoeuvring easier as the cameras only extend slightly beyond the vehicle edges.

Service Bundle Coach: an all-inclusive package for coaches

Bus and coach customers of the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands benefit from the comprehensive services offered by Omniplus, the Daimler Buses service brand. Omniplus has the largest bus-specific service network in Europe, with services not only including maintenance and repair, but also the supply of spare parts, for example. Tailor-made service contracts provide security and cost transparency, as do the diverse and continuously expanded digital services of Omniplus On.

Daimler Buses is bundling some of these already existing and valued services into a new integrated offering – the Service Bundle Coach. This service package allows coach customers to focus on their core business and receive perfectly coordinated services from a single source in proven quality. The package provides a new vehicle with a well-aligned service contract, as well as digital services and training offers.

The advantages are obvious:

·         No need for time-consuming searching and comparing of suitable service solutions

·         Reliable cost planning during the entire business relationship

·         An integrated and tailored complete package for the customer

·         Makes management easier

The rollout of the Service Bundle Coach will start with the pilot market Poland at the end of 2024, with further markets to follow.