On 4 October 2025, MAN Truck & Bus celebrated a landmark achievement at Busworld Europe in Brussels. The MAN Lion’s Coach E, unveiled to the public for the first time, received the prestigious “Sustainable Bus of the Year 2026” (Sby) award in the coach category during the gala evening of the international trade fair.

The award marks a historic milestone: it is the first time an electric coach has received the respected European sustainability prize. Presented annually by an international jury of specialist journalists from ten European countries, the Sby Award honors innovative technologies that actively shape the future of mobility.

The Lion’s Coach E impressed the jury with its fully electric drivetrain delivering a continuous output of 330 kW and a usable battery capacity of up to 480 kWh. This configuration enables rapid charging and a range of up to 650 kilometers, making the vehicle particularly suitable for long-distance tourism and coach travel. By combining range capability with zero local emissions, the model establishes a new benchmark for sustainable travel in the premium coach segment.

Safety also played a decisive role in the award decision. The eCoach features an advanced driver assistance package that includes Emergency Brake Assist EBA Plus with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, lane-keeping assist, the OptiView mirror replacement system, and the innovative MAN SafeStop Assist. These systems ensure compliance with the latest active and passive safety standards while enhancing driver confidence and passenger protection.

Passenger comfort remains central to the Lion’s Coach E concept. The interior offers flexible configuration options, barrier-free accessibility solutions and customizable layouts to meet the needs of operators and travelers alike. The result is a modern, comfortable travel environment aligned with the expectations of long-distance coach passengers.

Sustainability extends beyond the electric drivetrain. The vehicle achieves a recycling rate of over 95 percent of its components and is produced in facilities certified to international environmental standards. Responsible battery lifecycle management further underscores MAN’s commitment to a holistic sustainability strategy.

With this victory, MAN secures the Sustainable Bus Award for the third consecutive year, following earlier wins for the Lion’s City 10 E in the city bus category and the Lion’s City 12 E LE in the intercity segment. The award confirms MAN’s strong position in the electric bus market and highlights its strategic commitment to zero-emission mobility across all segments.

By winning “Sustainable Bus of the Year 2026” at its world premiere, the MAN Lion’s Coach E not only demonstrates technological leadership but also signals a new era for electric long-distance travel — combining performance, safety, comfort and environmental responsibility in one forward-looking concept.