If we compare the ComfortClass 400 vehicles from 20 years ago with the current vehicle generation, what is different technologically speaking?

There have been improved in all areas: safety, comfort, economy and design. Take, for example, the safety and assistance systems that were already available in the ComfortClass 400. I'm thinking of the first generation of adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist or Active Brake Assist. New technical highlights were added to the 500 model series, such as the very economical EURO VI engines and the hybrid lightweight design, which optimises the use of materials. In addition, we have significantly reduced the aerodynamic drag of the 500 model series compared with its predecessor. Taken together, these improvements make the ComfortClass buses very economical vehicles. The technical innovations are reflected in the vehicles' classic design that expresses our history – of which we are very proud.

The combination of comfort, economy and safety makes the ComfortClass vehicles real all-rounders. Such complexity must be difficult for the Vehicle Development department to handle. What challenges do they face?

In development, the main difficulty is coordinating many separate systems and requirements that have to be combined. It is also vital to take all other departments into account, such as Sales and Aftersales. After all, we ultimately develop our buses and touring coaches for our customers. We also continuously optimise how we work together to remain at the forefront of vehicle development. To name just one example: since the beginning of 2023, we have been operating in a fully agile organisation.

Setra can certainly be seen as the epitome of bus and coach safety. What safety and assistance systems did the ComfortClass have 20 years ago and what cutting-edge technology does it come with today?

We have always been the benchmark for safety. It goes without saying that we will never stop further development, and the ComfortClass naturally also benefits from this ambition. The latest upgrade of the 500 model series adds an innovative 360° camera system, Active Drive Assist 2 and the topography-dependent Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) cruise control system to the buses. Personally, the last two systems are the real highlights because they represent the next step towards semi-automated driving. In addition to these new features, the systems already established in the 400 model series have all been further improved.

From safety to economy and comfort: how has the ComfortClass brought all this together in such an exemplary way for 20 years?

One very important aspect here is the wide variety of models and equipment options. This lets us always tailor the vehicle perfectly to the specific customer application. We also use extremely efficient components – from the automatic torque converter transmission to the low-friction drive axle. From a purely technical point of view, the efficient drivetrain and the assistance systems that support the drivers in particular make the vehicles more economical. For example, the Predictive Powertrain Control system makes driving more fuel-efficient and optimises the engine load even on less demanding routes.

Speaking of drivers: drivers find the ComfortClass cockpits to be highly desirable workplaces. What makes the vehicles so popular with drivers?

The cockpit should be a place where drivers feel at home. At the same time, it is the place where all technical information comes together, for example from the assistance systems. That's why we make sure that the ergonomics in the driver's workplace are excellent; everything is easily visible and accessible for the drivers. The controls are tailor-made for everyday operations. This is also undergoing constant further development. For instance, with new features like the monitors for the 360° camera.

The last 20 years have been a period of continual progress for the ComfortClass. What can passengers, drivers and bus/touring coach operators look forward to in the future?

One area of focus is drive technology, with two main points. The EURO VII emissions standard heralds a new, even more efficient generation of combustion engines. We will also have electrically driven touring coaches on the market from the end of this decade. Our ELCH project (the abbreviation stands for Electrified Coach), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, puts us on the right track as leaders of technology. As you can see, technology is our obsession and we are continuously enhancing the ComfortClass still further.