BUS OF THE YEAR
The international award that tells the story of the Bus’s evolution
Since 1984, Bus of the Year has put to the test the vehicles that reflect the evolution of public transport in Europe.
The award was created by an independent, non-profit international jury made up of journalists from Europe’s leading bus and coach publications. Today it includes professionals from 24 European countries, who assess vehicles not only on their technical features but through tests and road trials.
In 2026, the Bus Euro Test opens a new chapter with its Intercity Edition. Seven buses went head to head in Veszprém, Hungary, competing for the title of Bus of the Year 2027.
●●● The winner will be revealed on 24 November at 5.00pm on the MAIN STAGE at IBE INTERMOBILITY Future Ways.
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Seven manufacturers, seven models, different technologies and powertrains.
The Bus Euro Test 2026 – Intercity Edition put some of the most interesting players in the intercity segment on the road:
IVECO BUS — Crossway Elec 13m NF
MAN — Lion’s City 12 E LE
Otokar — e-Territo U
Scania Castrosua — Hero PHEV
Setra — MultiClass S 515 LE
Solaris — Urbino 15 LE Electric
Yutong — IC 12 E
The vehicles underwent technical assessments and road tests to evaluate their characteristics and performance in real-world operating conditions. A test that compares different takes on the bus.
Who will be Bus of the Year 2027?
Crossway Elec 13m NF
Designed for intercity and school transport.
The IVECO Crossway joins the Bus Euro Test in its 13-metre electric version.
The highlights of the test included acoustic comfort, manoeuvrability and visibility from the driver’s seat.
Lion’s City 12 E LE
With the Lion’s Intercity, MAN brings to the Bus Euro Test a vehicle built on an urban platform but designed with the needs of intercity transport in mind. The result is a strong focus on versatile use of space, with solutions that make boarding, moving around on board and evacuation easier.
e-Territo U
The 13-metre electric version of the Territo, developed for school transport and medium-distance routes. The high floor allows good load capacity, with large luggage compartments, while the electric configuration is built around range.
Hero PHEV
An intercity plug-in hybrid, designed to combine extra-urban routes with the option of running in electric mode through built-up areas and low-emission zones.
MultiClass S 515 LE
A mild hybrid option, pairing the diesel engine with an electric system that recovers energy during deceleration and releases it when demand is highest.
Urbino 15 LE Electric
A 15-metre electric intercity bus designed to combine range, capacity and comfort on regional routes. It can carry up to 65 passengers, with generous space and a layout suited to longer journeys as well.
IC 12 E
A high-floor electric intercity bus that focuses on range and build quality. The model pairs a central electric motor with 250 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate batteries, which can be charged at up to 180 kW.
See the winner revealed in Rimini
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