Vehicle profile: Setra MultiClass S 515 LE hybrid: Low-entry vehicle with full city bus configuration

• Low-entry vehicle with full city bus configuration
• Interior is friendly, functional and comfortable
• Customised city bus cockpit, efficient drive

The new Setra MultiClass 500 LE is truly a maestro in every sense of the word and across the board. This new model of the MultiClass LE is now classified as a class 1 line bus for the first time and is eligible for registration as such. It is now also superbly suited for use as a functional and economical alternative to conventional low-floor buses for urban and suburban transport. The test vehicle is an outstanding example for this application.

Low-entry vehicle with full city bus configuration

The new Setra MultiClass 500 LE instantly reveals itself as a fully capable city and suburban bus in this configuration. It features particularly convenient low-floor entry, thanks to the low-profile city bus tyres sized 275/70 R 22.5 and a kneeling function on the door side. It is also equipped with double-width inward swivelling doors at entrances one and two. The Setra also welcomes passengers with limited mobility: manual folding ramps are available at both entrances for passengers using wheelchairs. Mother and child seats in the front of the bus and the omission of platforms provide the necessary freedom of movement for wheelchair users to enter on their way to the special use area opposite entrance two. Chairs can be securely fastened in this area by a mushroom head attachment. The typical city bus arrangement of the test vehicle also ensures a fast flow of passengers and easy access to the seats in the front half of the vehicle.

Friendly, functional and comfortable interior

The interior of the test vehicle is friendly, functional and comfortable at the same time. It has a wood-effect floor and easy-to-clean side wall panels with smooth surfaces. The cantilever seating features Setra Passage seat shells with Crisp Amarena fabric covers. For on-board Infotainment, passengers have access to illuminated dual USB sockets for each double seat on the side walls and 21.5-inch TFT screen. Double-glazed side windows provide a good view and, with their insulating effect, support the EvoCool light Basic air conditioning system in controlling the temperature of the interior. This system features centrally arranged vents in the inner ceiling.

Customised city bus cockpit, efficient drive

The separately air-conditioned driver’s workplace is equipped just as individually as the passenger compartment of this MulitiClass LE. The cab is separated by a rear wall made of opaque plastic and a driver's door with a partition over the full width. Cockpit City is tailor-made for urban and suburban traffic and has been newly developed according to VDV (Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen) specifications. It comes in a classic arch-shaped basic form and features joint adjustment of the multifunction steering wheel and instrument panel. Exterior mirrors mounted on functional brackets that are inexpensive to replace, an additional mirror for close-range visibility and a 360° camera system provide the best possible all-around visibility – a huge advantage, especially in bustling city traffic.

The powertrain consists of the compact and low-emission Mercedes-Benz OM 936 inline six-cylinder engine with a power output of 220 kW (299 hp), the Voith Diwa NXT automatic transmission with a D-N-R gear selector and a quiet and efficient hypoid drive axle. Equipping the bus with a recuperation module, a hybrid module and intelligent on-board power management lowers fuel consumption and so reduces emissions. The Driver Score driving style assistant provides additional support.

MultiClass S 515 LE hybrid technical data