The brand new Setra MultiClass LE interurban buses: Extraordinary, economical and impressive in every way

• Setra: A traditional brand with a cutting-edge lineup of buses
• Extended range: the new Setra MultiClass quartet

The completely revamped Setra MultiClass LE sets new standards among low-entry interurban buses with a unique and exciting design, exceptional versatility and flexibility, maximum efficiency, highest safety standards, and practical solutions down to the most minute detail. Companies, passengers and drivers alike all benefit from the unique low-entry (LE) models of the new MultiClass LE bus. The new Setra MultiClass LE has many extraordinary features and is unquestionably economical.

Setra: A traditional brand with a cutting-edge lineup of buses

Setra's vast range has always been a particular strength of this major, legendary bus brand. In addition to top-class coaches, they also produce extremely economical and functional interurban and city buses. From the very first generation of Setra buses manufactured in the 1950s to the 100, 200, 300 and 400 series, the brand's elegant coaches have always been supplemented by purpose-built interurban buses. The low-entry interurban buses of the MultiClass 400 LE business series have recently achieved great success.

After launching the next generation of striking Setra ComfortClass 500 and TopClass 500 coaches, Setra is now writing a new chapter in this segment by introducing the completely revamped low-entry interurban buses of the MultiClass LE series – in unmistakable Setra quality. Setra provides a range of buses that is not only contemporary and highly advanced but also unique in the industry. The new MultiClass LE buses also embody typical Setra brand values with their impressive efficiency and quite astonishing individuality.

Extended range: the new Setra MultiClass quartet

Setra MultiClass – this name has always been a cornerstone of the product range, because the Setra MultiClass has traditionally covered the entire interurban bus transport sector with great success. The new MultiClass LE can do even more and now also handles urban and suburban transportation. It comes in a particularly wide range of variants: four models are now available instead of the previous three. As a low-entry (LE) vehicle, the quartet combines two worlds: low-floor convenience and comfortable travel. Designed with a low-floor layout extending all the way to the rear axle, passengers can board and alight quickly and easily at the front. This benefits all passengers, especially people with restricted mobility. In front of the rear axle, three shallow steps lead up to the rear compartment. The coach-based drive and chassis technology sets new standards of comfort even on long journeys.

With the launch of the new Setra MultiClass LE, the low-entry range has been extended to include a compact version and now features scheduled-service buses ranging from 10.51 to 14.52 metres in length. They are designed to accommodate a wide range of operations, from urban transportation to long-distance interurban travel in sparsely populated regions. These buses can be registered either as class 1 (scheduled city bus) or class 2 (scheduled interurban bus).

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 MultiClass LE is also ideal for use in urban traffic. This new generation of buses proves its worth in every way: in classic scheduled and school bus applications, when used as shuttles or in feeder and factory transport – in fact, wherever a maximum of individuality and economy are required.

A modular system, meticulously designed down to the smallest detail, forms the foundation of the new model lineup. All vehicles have a uniform front overhang of 2,710 millimetres and rear overhang of 3,300 millimetres. The doors are also identically positioned in front of the drive axle and 1,540 millimetres from the centre of the axle. Only the wheelbase and the number of axles vary. The result is a model range that covers all interurban transportation requirements:

• MultiClass S 510 LE: the new compact interurban bus. This new model has a wheelbase of only 4,500 millimetres and is 10.51 metres long. It has a remarkably tight turning circle of just 17.3 metres and can accommodate up to 39 seats when fully equipped. This exceptionally manoeuvrable compact bus is ideal for navigating narrow and winding mountain passes, tight roads in old towns, and routes with low passenger volumes.
• MultiClass S 515 LE: this low-entry, classic bus is 12.21 metres long, has two axles and a seating capacity of up to 51. It is a versatile all-rounder suitable for almost any urban or rural application over short or long distances.
• MultiClass S 516 LE: this variant is 12.92 metres long and has two axles, allowing it to be fitted with up to 55 seats. This makes it extremely economical when used as an interurban bus, shuttle, school bus or works transport vehicle.
• MultiClass S 518 LE: with room for up to 63 seats, this is the titan of the low-entry segment. The longest Setra in the new series is 14.52 metres long and has three axles. High-volume scheduled services, school transport and long interurban routes are its specialities.

In addition to the standard layout, the new MultiClass LE is a highly customisable interurban bus that can be equipped to suit any requirements. Numerous door variants are available along with several different cockpits, platform designs, various seating options and ramps and lifts for passengers with restricted mobility. One thing is certain: in all its practicality, it is still a real head-turner.