Setra TopClass S 531 DT: Double-decker touring coach is even safer, more efficient and more elegant

• Safety: Active Brake Assist 6, Frontguard Assist and more
• Efficiency: outstanding aerodynamics, further enhanced
• Design: further upgraded by new brand face

Maximum efficiency and variability, maximum comfort and maximum safety: as a solitary element in the TopClass, the Setra S 531 DT double-decker touring coach sets standards in its category. The impressive touring coach achieves record fuel consumption rates in its segment due to top aerodynamic values. Thanks to the flexible lower deck, it covers all operations in touring and regular service. The comfort of the interior is impressive. The already high level of safety is further boosted by new assistance systems. Designers have wrapped all of this up in a fascinating design that sets its own trend – more than ever before thanks to the new brand face.

Safety: Active Brake Assist 6, Frontguard Assist and more

Together with the double-decker touring coach, that was new at the time, the Active Brake Assist 4 and Sideguard Assist assistance systems celebrated their bus and coach world premiere in summer 2018. Now the world of safety technology has made another crucial leap, and the mighty double-decker touring coach is once again setting standards. The new Active Brake Assist 6 emergency braking assistant is even more capable. Features include: it detects moving or stationary persons and cyclists in front of the vehicle and can independently implement emergency braking. With ABA 6, accidents can be avoided even more reliably. The system covers the entire speed range of the vehicle and is active in the background.

And that's not all: The Sideguard Assist 2 turning assistant reacts and outputs an even more precise warning if there is a risk of collision with pedestrians and cyclists. Previously available for the door side, it will also be used for the driver's side in the future. Frontguard Assist is completely new. Up to a speed of 15 km/h, it warns of obstacles or people directly in front of the vehicle. Sideguard Assist 2 and Frontguard Assist combine to create a complete warning system that warns of obstacles and people at the sides and in front of the vehicle. Together with the standard reversing camera or even the optional 360° camera system, the driver is provided with a comprehensive warning system for all aspects of his vehicle.

Traffic Sign Assist is also new. Based on traffic sign recognition, it warns the driver if the permissible speed is exceeded. Finally, Adaptive Cruise Control (ART), Lane Assistant (SPA), the Tyre Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) and Attention Assist (AtAs) as well as an interface for the use of alcohol testers for the driver's workplace have been adopted as standard equipment.

Efficiency: outstanding aerodynamics, further enhanced

The Setra double-decker touring coach has been designed for optimum aerodynamics all around. You can take this statement literally: at the front, highly curved windscreens and large edge radii allow the air to flow around the vehicle, while at the rear, recesses and spoiler lips guide it in a targeted manner. Developers have looked into every minute detail: for example, the windscreen wiper on the upper deck is positioned vertically in the rest position – an element inspired by motorsport. The result is a drag coefficient of Cd = 0.35, the best value within this segment. The aerodynamics form the basis for a record-breaking low fuel consumption.

Setra is now once again optimising aerodynamics. Automatic lowering of the body at high speeds is now part of the standard equipment. It is also effective throughout a wider vehicle speed range. On request, MirrorCam replaces the conventional outside mirrors. The images from the cameras are transmitted to 15-inch monitors mounted on the inside of the A-pillars. Lines displayed indicate the end of the vehicle and help the driver estimate the speed of approaching vehicles as well as to cut in at the end of an overtaking manoeuvre. An additional camera and a second compact monitor ensure a view of the front right-hand corner of the vehicle.

The MirrorCam combines numerous advantages. These include the extended field of vision for the driver, the significantly better visibility in the dark thanks to residual light amplification, less dirt, less manoeuvring damage and a further reduction of fuel consumption thanks to a smaller front section.

Variability: the Setra is a vehicle for all purposes

Holiday trips, long-distance routes, sophisticated bistro buses, intercity routes – the new Setra covers any conceivable application for buses of its format. In addition to the individual equipment and seating typical of the brand, the variable usage possibilities of the lower deck form the basis for this. Thanks to a completely new design, the platform on the ground floor on the right in the direction of travel can optionally be omitted. This results in new options: wheelchair spaces, facilities for bistro buses, interchangeable platform with pushchair space for intercity routes or traditional touring seating layout with platform. The diversity is also evident in the cockpit: customers can choose between the elegantly functional cockpit from the Setra ComfortClass and the luxurious cockpit from the TopClass.

Comfort: bright vehicle interior, comfortable staircases, innovative washroom

With plenty of light and a modern design, the bright vehicle interior of the Setra conveys a generous sense of spaciousness. Above all, the staircases catch the eye as a connection between the lower and upper deck. Featuring glass panels on the outside, they are clad on the inside with translucent acrylic plastic. Even two-tone steps with individual lighting, platforms and continuous handrails provide safety when boarding and disembarking the vehicle. The washroom is also worth mentioning. Its furnishings are arranged diagonally, which means maximum available space. The high-gloss, white furniture at the top and the inviting LED lighting are reminiscent of a modern bathroom.

Design: further upgraded by new brand face

A Setra is a vehicle like no other – this is evident from the discreet further development of the spectacular look of the double-decker touring coach. The new face of the Setra brand is particularly eye-catching. The central point is the high-gloss, black front panel, which is framed by inserted trims in chrome. The confident, three-dimensional brand lettering is also chrome-plated. Above it, the round brand badge is now located in its centre. The housing of the new headlamps is in black chrome. The look of the LED lamps is reminiscent of theatre spotlights or the sun visor of a camera lens. At the same time, the new headlamp generation shines brighter than ever.

Further up, a chrome trim separates the windscreens of the giant's lower and upper decks across the entire width of the vehicle. It structures the large area and balances the front view. On the side, the double-decker touring coach confidently bears a three-dimensional character element with integrated brand lettering on the side of the Setra – the Setra inspires from every angle.

The basic design features remain unchanged. There is the brand's hallmark "La Linea" aluminium trim, which extends horizontally along the roof edge. The lavish glazing is characterised by a counter-swing where the rear staircase is. It is made of aluminium and lends the bus a dynamic element. The panelling of the upper deck floats like an island on the glazing. The rear end is surrounded by side fins with a spoiler lip. On the double-decker touring coach, the two ventilation grilles of the engine are connected to each other. Above this, the black grille of the integrated TopAir air-conditioning system adds emphasis. Under the rear window, the chrome-plated logo panel with the brand lettering from the TopClass catches the eye – together with the new rear lamps, this is a perfect finish for a spectacular vehicle.