Volvo and Unvi partner to build a luxury ICE coach for the UK and Ireland market
Not only an articulated (and bi-articulated) 7800 e-bus for Mexican BRTs by Volvo, but also a luxury coach, manufactured in collaboration with Unvi, and exclusively available for the UK and Ireland markets. Volvo Buses will assemble the B13R chassis at its factory in Boras, Sweden and the chassis will be bodied at UNVI’s site in […]
Not only an articulated (and bi-articulated) 7800 e-bus for Mexican BRTs by Volvo, but also a luxury coach, manufactured in collaboration with Unvi, and exclusively available for the UK and Ireland markets.
Volvo Buses will assemble the B13R chassis at its factory in Boras, Sweden and the chassis will be bodied at UNVI’s site in Ourense, Spain.
The Swedish Oem and the Spanish coachbuilder have signed an agreement that will allow deliveries of the Class III starting in summer 2026: the new model will initially be offered as single-deck 12.8 meters long, with a choice of 53 passenger seats or 49 passenger seats plus a wheelchair space.
Spotlight on the new Volvo B13R UNVI XL coach
The new Volvo B13R UNVI XL is an ICE coach, powered by the latest generation 13-litre Euro-6 diesel engine, and a 12-speed Volvo I-Shift transmission, providing overdrive top gear, fast gear shifting, low internal friction and software optimised to help coach operators save fuel up to 9 per cent, compared with the driveline in the previous B11R chassis. In addition, the new Volvo B13R features an exhaust after-treatment system that reduces local pollutants below Euro-6 requirements.
The engine (HVO and biofuel compatible) can deliver up to 500 hp and 2,500 Nm or torque, helping drivers to stay within the engine’s most economic operating range.
This latest model also comes with the Volvo Active Safety Platform, compliant with EU GSR2 regulations.
On-board passenger experience
For maximum comfort and safety, passengers aboard the new Volvo B13R UNVI XL will benefit from Brusa Create 120 ‘top flair’ seating as standard. The reclinable seats each come with three-point seat belts, armrests for aisle seats, two-position footrests, a magazine net, tray back table, seat flaps and enhanced upholstery in automotive fabric and contrasting faux leather.
Passengers are able to keep personal devices charged on the move with individual seatback USB-A and USB-C charging sockets. The cabin will feature fabric curtains, generous overhead luggage stowage, plus interior & gangway LED lighting.
A powerful ThermoKing climate control system ensures optimal temperature, with individual air vents, personal reading lamps, and speakers connected to the on-board Bosch AV system, which features twin AEC TFT 22” screens for customer entertainment. A courier microphone is located by the crew seat, and a driver’s microphone integrated into the driver’s seat. A diesel pre-heater is also included as standard.
For passenger convenience there will also be a Shades Technics centre sunken freshwater toilet, plus an estimated 9.5m3 of capacity in the main luggage compartment.
Volvo is offering the new Volvo B13R UNVI XL with a three year / 300,000km warranty (whichever comes first) covering the body & chassis, plus a structural warranty of 12 years.
The new project and model was announced by Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, and Eloy Pérez, CEO of UNVI.
«This marks one of the most important new product announcements since I joined Volvo Bus UK & Ireland three years ago. A massive amount of work has gone into developing this new coach, from both Volvo and UNVI – it’s a hugely exciting moment» Bondi said. And added: «An exceptional coach requires first class build quality, excellent chassis geometry, a smooth-riding suspension and a driveline offering industry-leading performance and efficiency. That’s precisely what we bring with the B13R chassis – and when paired with this new UNVI body, we’re confident we’ve got a fantastic product which will set the benchmark for coach travel».
Pérez explained: «The scale of this opportunity with Volvo Buses is huge. From the first exploratory conversations with Domenico and his team last year, we knew we wanted to be a part of this project. It comes at an incredibly exciting time for UNVI. Whilst this year we celebrate 30 years in bus and coach bodybuilding, our eyes are always on the future. We have developed a hard-earned reputation for product quality, style and comfort – match it with the Volvo B13R chassis, and we have a truly winning formula».
