Many safety and assistance systems made their debut in a Setra touring coach. The next generation of the TopClass consistently continues this tradition. New and unique systems are being added with Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA 6), with Active Drive Assist 2, Sideguard Assist 2, even brighter LED headlamps and the 360° camera system. They support the driver and make bus journeys even safer.
HDH models
Safety
Safety. Check!
Safety. Check!
The Setra TopClass – now even safer with new assistance systems.
Systematic safety.
Preventing accidents and protecting weaker road users is at the heart of Setra’s safety development. An outstanding example of this is Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA 6). The new, standard emergency braking assistant for touring coaches detects moving or stationary persons and cyclists in front of the vehicle and can initiate emergency braking automatically. A pioneering innovation in the field of assistance systems for touring coaches is the optional Active Drive Assist 2. This offers the driver semi-automated driving at all speeds for the first time in a bus. Compared with conventional outside mirrors, the new MirrorCam impresses with a significantly larger field of vision when looking out of the side windows. And when manoeuvring, the next generation of the TopClass supports the driver with the optional 360° camera system and thereby helps to avoid manoeuvring damage.
All round protection.
The next generation of the Setra TopClass shines with first-class safety equipment. A spectacular innovation in the field of assistance systems for touring coaches is the optional Active Drive Assist 2. This offers the driver semi-automated driving at all speeds for the first time in a bus. For this purpose, existing and proven systems and technologies have been further expanded in their functional scope, and they work together in Active Drive Assist 2. This includes the further developed anticipatory cruise control Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), Lane Assistant (SPA) and the new Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA 6). Accelerating, braking, keeping distance, steering, staying in lane – the Active Drive Assist 2 is a decisive step on the path towards the automated driving of buses. It is active in the entire speed range from 0 to 100 km/h on motorways and motorway-like roads. At low speeds, for example, when manoeuvring, is where the 360° camera system shows its advantages. It is based on four cameras at the front, both sides and at the rear of the bus. The four images from the cameras are combined through data fusion to provide a 360° bird’s-eye view of the touring coach and its surroundings. The new, even brighter integrated full LED headlamps with Highbeam Assist show that even good things can be improved. As a result, the next generation of the TopClass is once again a true safety bus in the best Setra tradition.
Active Drive Assist 2.
Active Drive Assist 2 actively assists the driver with distance and lane keeping by combining various assistance systems. The system can brake, accelerate and keep the vehicle on track through active steering movements. To this end, it combines the functions of the individual systems in a unique way and thus already enables semi-automated driving in all speed ranges.
The smart entry into automated coach driving
All assistance systems work together with Active Drive Assist 2: to ensure the most economical driving style possible, the system acts according to the specifications of the Predictive Powertrain Control. The system uses functional extensions based on the tried-and-tested adaptive cruise control and the active lane assist for longitudinal and lateral vehicle guidance. To detect the traffic ahead, Active Drive Assist 2 uses the same advanced radar and camera technology as Active Brake Assist 6.
360° camera.
The 360° camera system consists of four cameras that capture the immediate vehicle environment and generate an indirect all-round view. The associated 10" screen is located on the A-pillar above the cockpit. This system allows pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles to be seen even in areas that are otherwise not visible to the driver. In this way, the system increases road safety, as collision hazards can be detected and, at best, prevented.
The views from the 360° camera are available up to a speed of approx. 20 mph (30 km/h) when driving forwards and always when reversing. Note: Risk of accidents due to objects protruding into the traffic area above the cameras, e.g. protruding roofs, exterior mirrors of your own and other buses, etc. The cameras cannot detect these objects. Particularly in the 360° view, the impression of a free environment can be created even though objects above the mounted cameras protrude into the turning space.
Active Brake Assist 6.
The emergency braking system ABA 6 assists the driver by automatically initiating emergency braking if there is a risk of rear-impact collision with vehicles in front or stationary obstacles. It also detects moving or stationary persons and cyclists in front of the vehicle. The system reacts to this with an acoustic and visual warning to the driver as well as an automatically initiated partial braking or emergency braking.
With Active Brake Assist 6, accidents can be avoided even more reliably. The system covers the entire vehicle speed range and is active in the background. Up to a speed of 60 km/h, pedestrians and cyclists can react. The ABA 6 safety system reacts to crossing and oncoming pedestrians and moving cyclists in the vehicle’s own lane with automatic emergency braking. This automation also provides increased safety for cyclists, whether in intercity or urban traffic.
Sideguard Assist 2.
Sideguard Assist 2 is a safety assistance system that supports the driver in critical situations when turning right or turning left when visibility is possibly restricted. The system is designed to help detect moving obstacles within the system limits, and warns the driver so as to avoid critical situations or reduce the consequences of accidents when turning off or changing lanes.
The side areas of the vehicle are constantly monitored. As a result, vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists who may be in the blind spot are detected on both the front passenger side and the driver’s side. The radar system precisely detects the movements and warns the driver of possible collisions. The intuitive user interface and clear warnings allow the driver to drive safely and relaxed.
Traffic Sign Assist (TSA).
The innovative Traffic Sign Assist offers maximum safety and comfort on the road. Thanks to GPS and camera support, the vehicle speed is constantly compared with the current traffic regulations.
The system is designed to provide dedicated and appropriate feedback if the permitted speed is exceeded. Thanks to the state-of-the-art instrument cluster, the driver receives both visual and audible signals that immediately draw attention to the speed.
MirrorCam.
The modern MirrorCam system provides a clear and full view of the road traffic. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, the driving safety is improved and the risk of accidents is minimised. The extended field of vision enables the driver to see pedestrians, cyclists and other road users in the surrounding area. This eliminates the blind spot when turning right.
Depending on the vehicle, the images are displayed on 7" and 15" monitors. The two high-resolution displays show the different fields of vision. The photodiodes integrated in the monitors detect the incident light and adjust the brightness of the respective monitor individually. To make it easier for the driver to evaluate the images, the 15" variants have three different guide lines. Together with the permanently calibrated vehicle end line, the distance line assists the driver in assessing approaching objects. The Overtaking Assist overlay is activated from a speed of 10 km/h with flashing, in order to safely assist overtaking or turning. In addition, the display for Blind Spot Assist is installed in the monitor.
High beam assistant.
The high beam assistant automatically switches the high beam on or off depending on traffic, so that optimum illumination of the road is always ensured. In this way, it contributes to greater safety through improved lighting conditions and optimized illumination, and increases driving comfort and safety.
Lane Assist (SPA).
With the aid of a camera system behind the windshield, the Lane Departure Warning system detects when the vehicle unintentionally leaves a marked lane. As soon as the vehicle crosses the markings, the driver is warned by a clear vibration on the corresponding side of the driver's seat.
Lane Assist (SPA).
The LDWS is activated from a speed of 40 mph (60 km/h). The lane assist system is switched off when the turn signal is activated, for example when the driver initiates a deliberate lane change. The system can be deactivated in the ICUC menu, e.g. in a construction site.
A small camera behind the windshield uses boundary lines to record the road directly in front of the vehicle. If the vehicle is about to cross any of the markings without a turn signal being activated, the driver is alerted by a pulsation in the seat. The camera determines the instant of warning based on the width of the lane, the distance to the marking line, and the speed of approach to the marking. The LDWS becomes active above a speed of 40 mph (60 km/h); it is switched off by operating the turn signal, for example when initiating a deliberate change of lane.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM).
The wireless tyre pressure monitoring with indication in the multifunctional display is an electronic safety system that permanently monitors the air pressure of all tyres. Tyre pressure losses are displayed within the system limits.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM).
The right tyre pressure contributes to driving safety and significantly reduced fuel consumption. Even a tyre pressure set 0.5 bar too low can increase fuel consumption by up to 5%. The wheel electronics are positioned on the valve on the inside of the rim. The sensors record the data relevant to the tyre pressure and transmit it to the display instrument.
The tyre pressure is recorded both when the vehicle is stationary and when it is moving. Caution! A sudden loss of pressure, for example due to the penetration of a foreign body, is not immediately indicated by the tyre pressure monitoring system. Damage to the tyres that does not lead to acute pressure loss is also not detected by the monitoring system. Here, visual inspection by the driver is and remains essential.
Attention Assist (AtAs).
Attention Assist (AtAs) is a safety assistance system that can help prevent microsleep. It thus contributes to improved driving safety, especially on long journeys and when driving at night. The system warns the driver visually and acoustically when it detects typical signs of overtiredness or inattention and prompts him/her to take a break. The warning is independent of the electronic logging device (ELD).
To analyze driving behavior, the steering movements are evaluated and an individual driver profile is created from them. The evaluation of the steering style is based on a stored algorithm. It evaluates steering errors made by the driver. At the beginning of the journey, the system first “learns” the driver's steering profile – this only occurs at speeds above 37 mph (60km/h). During the journey the custom steering behavior learned in this manner is then constantly compared in an electronic control unit with the driver’s current steering behavior and the respective driving conditions. A warning with a symbol (coffee cup in the display) appears when the current steering style deviates from the steering profile learned by the system.
AquaBlade® windscreen wipers.
The windscreen wiper flat blade system with integrated screen wash supply in the wiper blade distributes cleaning fluid through several nozzles directly over the wiper blades on the windscreen.
With its innovative profile, the flat wiper blade ensures that screen wash is evenly distributed on the windscreen. This increases comfort, saves screen wash and, due to the considerably better cleaning action, also ensures optimum visibility – ultimately a plus for safety.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®).
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) significantly reduces the risk of the vehicle skidding and tipping over by selectively braking individual wheels or by braking the vehicle as a whole.
High-performance electronics monitor the signals from the ESP® sensors and constantly determine whether the steering commands of the driver match the actual movements of the vehicle. If the values deviate from one another, the system decreases the engine torque to restore stability to the vehicle. If this is not sufficient, it also brakes individual wheels or the entire vehicle. The driver’s request for deceleration is observed at all times.
Electro-pneumatic service brake system (EBS).
Exemplary safety even in unforeseen traffic situations - the electro-pneumatic service brake system (EBS) achieves shorter braking distances and less brake wear. The electro-pneumatic service brake system (EBS) increases road safety by improving braking stability and reducing braking distances.
Due to the electronic control of the EBS brake components, significantly shorter response times are achieved at the brake cylinders. The system distributes the brake pressure optimally to all axles, thereby ensuring the best possible braking effect. In the unlikely event of an electronic system failure, a dual-circuit pneumatic redundancy is available. This will still bring the coach safely to a halt. As a further development of the conventional air brake, the EBS offers numerous advantages. When braking, the control unit first activates the continuous brake (retarder and/or engine brake). If greater retardation is required, the control unit uses the information in the data network to determine the optimum braking pressure for every axle. The electropneumatic brake system enables shorter braking distances compared to a pneumatic brake system as well as significantly less brake disc and lining wear due to the integration of the continuous brakes described above.
In addition, EBS constantly monitors and optimizes brake pad wear axle by axle. This allows service and pad change times to be coordinated. Integration of wear-free brakes such as retarders and engine brakes (retarder integration) additionally protects the brake pads and leads to less brake pad wear. The overall result is reduced downtime and thus an improved cost-benefit ratio.
Stable bodywork (body in compliance with ECE-R 66.02).
The strength of the bus/touring coach body is also an important factor for the level of passive safety of a bus/touring coach. Its resilience can mitigate the consequences of an accident. The high strength of our vehicles' bus/touring coach bodies is guaranteed in part by all-round, weight-optimised annular frames.
The rigidity is defined in accordance with regulation UN ECE-R 66.02. It specifies the exact "survival space" which must be guaranteed by the structural design in the event of an accident.
Drive authorization system 4 (FBS4).
Start the vehicle without putting the key in the ignition: the keyless access system Keyless-Start (drive authorisation system 4 FBS 4) makes this possible. The electronic vehicle key only has to be located in the cockpit area, so it can remain in the driver's pocket. The engine is started by pressing the start button.
At the same time, Keyless-Start serves as an immobiliser that prevents the bus from being started without a suitable key. When the driver approaches his vehicle, the key for operating the central locking system is recognised. It can then be operated by a button on the key. After entering the bus, the vehicle detects the key in the cockpit area. The driver can now unlock the ignition by pressing a button or switch on the ignition. The engine is started by pressing the start button for more than five seconds, alternatively by briefly pressing the start button while pressing the brake pedal.
Front Collision Guard (FCG).
The Front Collision Guard offers increased safety in the event of a head-on collision by means of a transverse profile behind which crash elements are located. Their absorber structure converts the impact energy into deformation energy. The transverse profile serves as a reliable underride guard. Since the driver’s work space is mounted on a massive frame component, it can be pushed backwards to maintain a protective space for the driver in the case of a frontal impact.
The patented technology includes a multi-part cross section as underride guard behind the bumper with the idea of protecting other road users, e.g. preventing a car from going under the bus. The front-end structure behind this cross section consists of crash elements that can selectively dissipate energy in the event of a collision. In addition, the driver's area, including steering, pedals and seat, is located on a massive frame section that is displaced rearward as a complete unit in the event of a serious head-on collision, thereby increasing the survival space by vital centimetres.
Rain-light sensor.
The rain sensor increases traffic safety, especially when driving in convoys, through individually adjustable, automated wiping functions.
The light sensor increases road safety by automatically switching on the driving lights depending on the current lighting conditions and thus improving the visibility of the roadway.
Hold function.
The electronic brake with hold function combines easier handling, more comfort and greater safety. When the bus is at a standstill, the vehicle is held by the service brake by pressing the brake pedal above a certain point, and the brake is automatically released when starting off. The function can be deactivated by a button.
The roll lock is activated when the ignition is switched on. The basic function is to control and hold the brake pressure last controlled via the brake pedal at a standstill. The brake is then only automatically released during the start-up process. The release of the brake depends on the applied starting torque. In the case of longer downtimes, a warning message is sent after 10 minutes with the request to use the parking brake.
LED headlights for low beam and high beam.
The low beam and high beam benefit from the outstanding luminous efficacy of the integral LED headlights, which also use significantly less energy than standard lights. They provide broad and precise illumination of the road. Another safety benefit is the temperature of the light, which is similar to that of daylight and makes the eyes tire less quickly. The LED lights assure a long service life and low degradation (decrease in luminosity).
The light cone of the LED headlights is precisely defined. More brightness and longer range provide additional safety. LED lamps are about two to three times more efficient than conventional incandescent lamps.
The headlights reach their full luminous intensity immediately after being switched on and provide wide-ranging and precise illumination of the road. They have a soft cut-off line and a subjectively larger reach. And LED headlights increase economic efficiency through their low power consumption and long service life. They have low degradation, i.e. the light output remains largely consistant over their service life.
Legal notice on active safety assistance systems: Emergency braking systems and other safety assistance systems can support the driver and mitigate the severity of accidents or prevent accidents in critical driving situations under optimal conditions, within the system limits. However, irrespective of this, the driver has a duty to adapt his driving behaviour and in particular his speed to the traffic and weather conditions and to be attentive at all times. This applies in particular to special situations such as icy or wet roads, rain, crosswind, poor visibility, snowfall, fog, etc. Consequently, the driver, as the driver of the vehicle, has the responsibility for the entire driving situation at all times and must not rely exclusively on the safety assistance systems.
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