0 Simply elegant - the Setra TopClass 500

The world premiere of the new Setra TopClass 500 demonstrates the outstanding technological expertise of the European coach industry. This top-flight product of the Ulm brand lines up for the start bursting with self-confidence like no touring coach before. With the design of the new luxury three-axle coach, Daimler AG makes manifest that it has never catered to short-lived trends when designing new vehicle generations. Even today it is plain to see: the TopClass 500 will remain young for a long time to come and set lasting trends in design, innovation, comfort and safety.

One look at the TopClass 500 and it is clear: a Setra is and remains a Setra, but nonetheless evolves dynamically. Powerfully built and featuring clear lines, the TopClass 500 shows itself to be another member of the TopClass 500, yet impresses with unrivalled character traits. Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, is sure that the premium products of the TopClass 500 very soon will be an object of desire everywhere in Europe: "The TopClass 500 defines the premier league of coach building. The new Setra touring coaches are calling cards for any coach operator whose exclusive travel content sets them apart and who offer their guests only the best of the best in every respect."

Floating design elements convey lightness and dominance

The black top of the front with the highlighted panel gives the TopClass 500 a dynamic look and turns heads. Above the three-dimensional, underscored, metallic Setra lettering a decorative strip creates a curving link with the LED direction indicators. The independent design of the new Setra face in combination with chrome trim elements emphasises value, functionality and reliability – the "floating" design elements convey lightness and dominance. Like their predecessors, the TopClass 500 vehicles feature the distinctive 'La Linea', a divided three-dimensional character element which hugs the aerodynamically tweaked coach body and ends in an arrow-shaped lamp.

Prestige object revealing an exclusive sense of comfort

The TopClass 500 combines luxury and efficiency in an unprecedented way. As was the case with the ComfortClass 500 presented in 2012, the aerodynamic shape of the new touring coaches was formed in a complex development process and extensive wind tunnel tests. The optimised transitions from front end to side wall, roof and rear end guarantee a much lower noise level in the TopClass 500 passenger compartment. The distinctive aerodynamic edge and other details help give the exclusive long-distance athletes a Cd value of 0.33 – enabling them to conquer top position in the European coach industry also in terms of economy and low life-cycle costs.

The TopClass 500 is available as S 515 HDH, S 516 HDH and S 517 HDH in the lengths 12.5 m, 13.3 m and 14.2 m. The overall vehicle height is 3.88 m. Under the bonnet of the TopClass 500 the OM 471 LA in-line six-cylinder engine in the output ratings 350 kW and 375 kW, in combination with the GO 250-8 Powershift transmission, ensures powerful acceleration - maximum fuel efficiency included. In addition to complying with the Euro VI emission standard for new vehicles which comes into effect in 2014, the overall concept of the TopClass 500 already makes allowance for numerous safety regulations and legal provisions which will take effect in coming years. This includes the additional demands on driver assistance systems applicable from 2015 as well as directive ECE‑R 66/01, which requires enhanced roll-over stability of touring coaches and comes into effect two years later. TopClass 500 - this also stands for an intelligent lightweight construction concept, which reduces bodyshell weight by more than 150 kilograms and guarantees greater strength despite less weight.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.