MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E Unveiled: Europe’s First All-Electric Coach to Debut at Busworld 2025
MAN Truck & Bus has officially announced its first-ever battery-electric coach model, the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E, positioning itself as the first European OEM to enter the long-distance electric coach segment.
Unveiled during a press and customer event at the company’s Product Development Center in Ankara, this 13.9-meter-long, three-axle electric coach promises to redefine sustainable intercity travel in Europe.
The formal launch of the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E is set for Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels, with production scheduled to begin in late 2026 at MAN’s Ankara manufacturing facility.
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Smart Flow Design and Aerodynamic Excellence
In conjunction with the announcement, MAN also revealed a design sketch that previews the styling language of the upcoming Lion’s Coach 14 E.
The coach will feature what the company calls Smart Flow Design, a form-follows-function approach intended to optimize aerodynamics while preserving an elegant, modern aesthetic.
A key outcome of this work is a significant reduction in drag coefficient, from 0.34 to 0.31. According to MAN, this puts the aerodynamic performance of the electric coach on par with compact SUVs. The result: a projected range of up to 650 kilometers, depending on road conditions, terrain, and configuration.
Man Lion’s Coach 14 E: Specs and Battery Technology
At its core, the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E builds upon the company’s proven diesel coach platform, but replaces the conventional drivetrain with a high-efficiency electric propulsion system:
- Battery: In-house produced NMC battery packs, made in Nuremberg
- Capacity: Up to 534 kWh
- Range: Up to 650 km (use-case dependent)
- Motor: Centrally mounted MAN electric motor (330 kW), powering the second axle
- Transmission: MAN TipMatic 4-speed
- Charging: CCS fast charging up to 375 kW; MCS-ready for up to 750 kW
The battery system is modular, with packs mounted in the rear engine bay and additional optional packs replacing the driver’s bunk, allowing flexible configurations.
Comfort and Capacity Without Compromise
Despite being fully electric, the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E offers comparable passenger and luggage capacity to its diesel counterpart:
- Up to 61 passengers + crew
- Luggage space: 11–13 cubic meters
- Climate control: First coach in its class with a CO₂-based HVAC system for enhanced environmental performance
Revamped Digital Cockpit for Drivers
A major highlight inside the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E is the fully redesigned driver cockpit. With a 12-inch digital display at the center, drivers receive real-time updates on energy use, drive mode, charging status, and range. The MAN SmartSelect system, a rotary-dial interface, allows easy and distraction-free control of key vehicle functions.
This driver-centric redesign underscores MAN’s commitment to not only electrifying but also enhancing the driving experience.
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