eMobility in a new form. Our next generation of city buses.

Electric from the ground up, developed for the requirements of tomorrow.

With the presentation of the near-series prototype, Daimler Buses is giving a first glimpse into the next generation of the electric city bus. The vehicle has been completely newly developed and consistently designed for electric drive. The platform, body, batteries, drive system and cockpit are new and interlock seamlessly. Your passengers gain space and comfort, your drivers a well-thought-out workplace. And your business benefits from more efficiency, flexible charging and digital services that grow with you. Daimler Buses will be presenting its first prototype at the eMobility Days 3.0 in Munich. The official world premiere will follow in October 2027 at Busworld Europe in Brussels and can also be ordered from then on.

Mercedes-Benz front view of the next generation of the fully electric city bus in the studio, lights on, on reflective floor

Developed from the ground up for electric drive.

Since 2018, the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro has been bringing Europe’s cities into motion with electric power. With more than 4,600 vehicles delivered, it is a successful model throughout Europe. Our new generation of city buses continues this story. The basis is a completely new platform, designed for electric drive from the outset.

Mercedes-Benz rear view of the next generation of the fully electric city bus in a studio, rear lights on, on reflective floor
Detailed view of a rear lamp of the fully electric city bus of the next generation from Mercedes-Benz, rear lamp switched on.

Timeless. Unmistakable. The Mercedes-Benz.

Our new generation of city buses marks a new beginning in terms of design. Clear lines, classic elegance and precisely modelled surfaces characterise the appearance. The show car impresses with a newly interpreted radiator grille with star and a three-strip light strip for daytime running lights, position lights and turn signals that give the front its face. Narrow glass strips frame the passenger compartment at the front and rear from the roof to the underbody. “Abbraccio”, Italian for embrace, the designers call these elements. The front and rear wheel arches are identical - more common parts, faster availability in the event of damage. Patented LED lights with six light areas also create a striking light graphic at the rear. Clear lines, classic proportions and precisely modelled surfaces create an appearance that looks modern today and will still appear natural after many years.

More space for passengers. A cockpit for professionals.

Without an engine tower at the rear, the passenger compartment gains noticeably more space. The passenger capacity of our new city bus generation is on a par with diesel buses. Depending on the version, the floor remains low all the way to the rear. The free space at the rear offers space for prams, walkers or luggage opposite door 3 in the solo bus or door 4 in the articulated bus. A continuous roof liner with continuous lighting ensures a bright, calm AMBIENTE. Drivers helped to design the new cockpit in virtual reality workshops. Two 12-inch displays bundle driving data and operation. Driver and depot profiles can be created to optimise operation and for quick driver changes. Ergonomically arranged switches provide maximum operating comfort wherever work processes require it. The instrument panel and steering wheel can be adjusted individually.

InteriorInterior of a next-generation Mercedes-Benz city bus with blue-patterned seats and grab handles, view of seat row
High-voltage components with orange cables and connectors in a Mercedes-Benz electric bus, detailed view

Energy with a system.

Our new city bus generation relies on new battery technology with LFP cell chemistry (lithium iron phosphate). The basic component is the new compact battery with around 50 kWh. Solo buses run with six to twelve, and articulated buses with eight to 14 packages. Four of these are located flat in the underbody between the axles. The low centre of gravity benefits driving stability and comfort. The other packages fit on the roof. This means that the capacity matches your usage profile exactly. Depending on the application, this means more than ten percent more passenger capacity or less energy consumption. You also remain flexible when charging: up to three interfaces can be combined, via CCS2 plug with up to 400 kW or via pantograph or charging rail with up to 450 kW.

Drive and brake think together.

With the new MMTI (Multi-Modal-Torque-Interface), the drive and brake operate according to a common logic for the first time. Daimler Buses developed the system itself. A new control unit decides for each wheel in real time and according to the situation whether it recuperates or brakes mechanically. You will benefit from this in several ways. The usable recuperation phases are extended and the bus recuperates more energy when braking. The mechanical brake wears less. The wheel-specific control of drive and brake forces across all axles stabilises the vehicle noticeably, especially in wet and slippery conditions or in critical situations in dense urban traffic.

Assembly of electric bus drive units in a Mercedes-Benz plant hall, focus on axles and major assemblies
Bright, blue bus silhouette as a digital 3D visualisation on a dark background

More than a bus: an overall system.

The new electronics architecture prepares our new generation of city buses for the digital future. With over-the-air updates from OMNIplus ON, selected software updates* are transferred remotely and wirelessly to the system of your buses - without a workshop visit. As a digital service, Performance Analysis ensures a safe and economical driving style. Precondition vehicles to the minute with Remote Control Functions and benefit from maximum range in operation. Uptime pro detects faults via remote diagnosis, your workshop prepares repairs in a targeted manner. OMNIplus CHARGE accompanies you from initial consultation to turnkey power supply equipment and beyond, including intelligent charging and depot management. Vehicle, digital services and charging thus form an overall system.

Find out more: The history of the company

Front side view of the design model of the next-generation city bus from Mercedes-Benz. Stefan Handt, Head of Design, demonstrates the vehicle design using the model.

You can't see good design. You can feel it.

Go to the article

* Most software updates are carried out conveniently via over-the-air updates. In exceptional cases, vehicles with Multimedia Cockpit Interactive from the start-up phase may require a workshop visit.