Setra TopClass S 516 HDH: Coach of the Year 2026 | Busworld Europe 2025
Setra TopClass clinched the prestigious title “Coach of the Year 2026” by scoring higher than its competitors including the Neoplan Skyliner and the Iveco Evadys.
The esteemed “Coach of the Year 2026” title has been awarded to the Setra TopClass S 516 HDH, following a rigorous Coach Euro Test 2025 event in September this year. The award was presented to the brand’s parent Daimler Buses at the on-going Busworld Europe 2025.
The jury, comprised of 24 trade journalists from across Europe, subjected the shortlisted vehicles to approximately 1,000 kms of in-depth testing in Northern Italy. They evaluated performance of the buses in diverse settings, from motorways to mountain passes. The Setra TopClass’s sheer technical superiority and its commitment to operational excellence under pressure earned itself the covet award.
The decisive factor for the jury was the vehicle’s complete package of driver assistance and safety systems. Jurors specifically noted the “technical finesse and high effectiveness” of these features, underscoring the brand’s dedication to driver and passenger well-being. The bus is configured for 48 passengers to travel in premium “Voyage Seat” seats.
The Setra TopClass S 516 HDH showcased technology that goes beyond regulatory requirements, such as the sophisticated ABA6 Plus adaptive cruise control and the highly praised reversing cameras equipped with coloured light markers. This latter innovation provides the driver with clear visual cues for safely merging back into a lane after overtaking, a small detail that fundamentally improves complex highway maneuvers.
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Beyond its safety credentials, the TopClass exhibited a remarkable blend of stability and agile driving behavior. Powering the three-axle coach is the efficient OM 471 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, delivering a potent 510 hp. The engine is mated to a fully-automated GO 250-8 PowerShift manual transmission. According to the jury, this driveline combination ensured superior performance and handling even in the most demanding routes.
The Setra TopClass range consists of four models, namely the S 515 HDH, S 516 HDH, S 517 HDH, and the double-decker S 531 DT. The buses are built in lengths configurations ranging from 12.5 to 14.2 meters. The TopClass range is predominantly popular in the European and North American markets.
