5 Best Bus Models in India and the Designers Behind Them
A list of the best bus models in India and the designers who designed them. The list only contains original bus body models and not the ones that are “inspired” by foreign models.
The Indian bus body building industry has been growing by leaps and bounds in the last few years. Rapid progress in technology has led to a drastic change in the way Indian bus bodies are engineered today.
But while the industry is excelling on the engineering front, it still lacks design competence.
Let’s face it, the bus industry in India has miles to go when it comes to original bus designs.
While India is home to probably the biggest bus body industry in the entire world, the sad truth is that — only a few of them actually invest in research and development of original bus designs.
What’s more frustrating is the fact that once these models are out, they are downright copied by scores of bus body builders across India.
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The 5 Best Bus Models in India as of 2023
Before we start, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible work of all the players from the bus body building industry in India.
Each of them are master of their craft and it’s only with the collective effort that the industry has reached where it is today.
The entries that have made it to this list of the best bus models in India have been meticulously curated based on an array of significant factors.
This includes design prowess, customer feedback, sales performance, social media engagement and overall popularity.
Also, in this list, we have only considered the best original bus designs in India, not the ones that have been “inspired” by foreign OEM models or the innovations by the “imitation market”.
Without further ado, let’s check out the entries in this list.
Also, please note that, like most other lists on this website, this list is in no chronological order.
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Meraki by Sahara Coach, Hubbali
Launch year: 2019 | Designer: Prathap N
Meraki by Sahara Coach was probably the most talked-about bus body model of 2019.
Available in both Sleeper and Seater Variants, Meraki by Sahara Coach continues to be one of the best bus models in India even in 2023, chiefly due to its high aesthetic appeal.
“Back in 2019, the designers at Sahara Coach saw a vision, a vision where state-of-the-art designs meet comfort. The design team did a fabulous job at executing this vision and bringing it to life. Meraki is among the many designs that Sahara Coach can proudly gloat over,” says Md. Illiyas M, Proprietor, Sahara Coach.
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G-Python by Guru Ram Das Bus Bodybuilders
Launch Year: 2021 | Designer: Mayank Kukreja
G-Python was a standout launch of 2021. Built on Mercedes Benz SHD 2441 chassis, G-Python aerodynamic contours, streamlined curves, and panoramic windows, embodying both style and efficiency.
Its modern, minimalist aesthetic combines form and function, promising a comfortable and visually stunning travel experience.
The design, as the name suggests, is inspired by the flexibility and the mobility of a python and the design is supervised by Mayank Kukreja, CEO, Guru Ram Das Bus Bodybuilders.
Check out a comprehensive pictorial of the G-Python on our Instagram handle:
Vega & Capella by S.M. Kannappa Automobiles (P) Ltd.
Launch Year: 2017 | Designer: Prathap N
Can there be a best bus models in India list without the mention of S.M. Kannappa Automobiles (P) Ltd.?
As the biggest name in the bus body building industry in India, S.M. Kannappa Automobiles (P) Ltd. (S.M.K.) leads the race when it comes to original bus body designs.
The company has actively been investing in its R&D and Design capabilities and since its inception has shelled out numerous original bus models including P 800, BV Maxima, Zedone, etc.
Making to this list are two models of Prakash — Capella and Vega.
According to Vaibhav Narang, Director, S. M. Kannappa Automobiles, both Capella and Vega are a result of the company’s consistent efforts to modernize the traditional definition of a bus in India.
“The aesthetics in both buses are a notch above everything that has been done to date. Both Capella and Vega feature ultra-modern interiors to make them look like aircraft cabins. We have extensively used imported composite material for both interiors and panels, which is lighter than steel or aluminum. This ensures a weight reduction by at least 150 kgs and helps these buses give good mileage,” says Vaibhav Narang.
P.S.: Prakash’s Celeste wasn’t included in the list because of its uncanny similarities to the Truckquip TQ Alpha X12 and Z Series.
Also read: In Pics: The Evolution of Prakash Tourist Buses Over the Last 50 Years
Travian by Aravalli Coach Builders, Udaipur
Launch Year: 2022 | Designer: In-house Design Department Headed by Om Sharma & Yash Sharma
The Travian model boasts a robust, substantial build, reminiscent of classic designs, while seamlessly integrating modern features.
Its imposing presence exudes a timeless, old-school charm, complemented by cutting-edge amenities for a comfortable and efficient ride.
The bus model is inspired by Minimalism, a design philosophy that has become extremely popular over the years.
A closer look at the Travian.
TRAVIAN – A coordination of form & Luxury – 2/2 45 seating bus built on Eicher 12 MTR chassis. #aravalibuses pic.twitter.com/RGXGzUsXwI
— Aravali Motor Body Builders (@AravaliBody) September 25, 2023
Spider by Gobind Coach Builder, Punjab
Launch Year: 2019 | Designer: Gurdeep Singh
Gobind Coach Builders has banked on technology and constant innovation to keep pace with the changing times as well as the dynamics of the bus industry in India.
This is well reflected in all the bus models that the company has designed over the years. Spider is no different.
Like most of the company’s bus models, Spider has been designed by Gurdeep Singh, who heads Gobind Coach Builders’ in-house design team.
This design marries boldness with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, resulting in a striking modern look.
Its clean lines and uncluttered surfaces exude an air of elegance, making it stand out on the road.
The strategic placement of black accents in the fascia adds a touch of sophistication, creating a harmonious visual contrast.
The design would especially excel in solid color schemes, highlighting its clean lines and giving it a contemporary edge.
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S1800 Plus by Sutlej Motors, Punjab
Launch Year: 2022 | Designer: In-house product development team
Sutlej Motors has single-handedly revolutionized the Indian bus industry. In the last 55 years of its existence, the company has offered many original models to the bus industry in India.
Sutlej’s latest model, the S1800 Plus, maintains continuity with its predecessor, the S1700 Sleeper, with subtle advancements.
Possessing a robust and commanding road presence, the bus exudes a muscular appeal. Notable enhancements include the addition of projector headlamps, LED indicators, and a contemporary black grill, elevating its modern aesthetic.
These improvements harmonize seamlessly with its strong design language.
Other highlights of this model include an ergonomic driver’s cabin, pneumatic passenger doors, pneumatic side flaps, etc.
GliderZ by MG Bus & Coach
Launch Year: 2018 | Designer: In-house product development team
The fan favorite is finally here!!
GliderZ is THE most popular bus model of the last decade. It still is one of the best bus models in India.
And naturally, as you can already, it is one of the most copied bus models in the Indian bus industry.
To be honest, GliderZ held an unparalleled position in the imitation market for almost half a decade. It wasn’t until 2023, with the introduction of the Volvo 9600, that the imitation industry discovered a new favorite.
The GliderZ, along with the seater variant Glider, was launched in association with Autobahn Trucking Corporation, part of the Nippon Group of Kerala, and the largest and most successful dealer of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles.
The model features an entirely novel design envisioned and detailed by Autobahn, to infuse a fresh and distinctive character into Bharat Benz buses.
The model’s bold design and geometric accents set it apart from other domestically produced buses.
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Do you think we missed any modes that could have been featured in this list of best bus models in India?
Let us know in the comments below.
Also, if you want us to curate any other list, let us know! Our enthusiastic team will be more than happy to do the R&D and get you your perfect answer!
