The New Setra ComfortClass 500

Ryan Joseph Ramos May 23, 2012

Daimler subsidiary Setra, which manufactures top-of-the-line touring coaches, has just debuted its new ComfortClass 500 coaches. The new Mercedes-Benz-powered models are ready for retail by autumn this year, and they are touted to have superb fuel efficiency along with unparalleled aerodynamic qualities.

Setra is banking on the inherent style that the ComfortClass 500 possesses, along with a slew of other desirable features. See, the coaches already comply with Euro VI emissions standards. Aside from that, there are plans to include various safety features like driver assistance systems and other safety elements as indicated by new regulations imposed on tour buses that will take effect within a few years.

“With the new ComfortClass 500, we want to do more than just prepare our customers for the challenges of the next few years,” said Setra brand spokesman Lothar Holder. “As a technology leader, we are setting standards for design, aerodynamics and efficiency with this new generation of vehicles, making the future tangible today.”

Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency engines act as the beating hearts of these ComfortClass 500 buses. There’s the 10.7-liter 6-cylinder OM 470 that has already been tweaked to provide optimized performance and fuel efficiency figures. It’s good for 428 horsepower with a max torque of 2,100 Nm—so even with the fuel efficiency, the power output is still considerable.