Volvo Buses has confirmed the launch of a new full-size coach for the UK and Irish markets, developed in partnership with Spanish manufacturer UNVI. The announcement follows a newly signed bodybuilder agreement between the two companies.
The new model, the Volvo B13R UNVI XL, was presented at the UK Coach Operators Association (UKCOA) Members Annual General Meeting and Conference, held at Volvo Group UK’s headquarters in Warwick.
Scheduled for delivery from summer 2026, the model will be available initially as a 12.8-metre, 4×2 single-deck coach. It will offer seating configurations of either 53 passenger seats or 49 seats plus a designated wheelchair space.
The coach will be built on Volvo’s B13R chassis and paired with a UNVI body. Passengers will be accommodated in Brusa Create 120 ‘top flair’ reclining seats with three-point seat belts, armrests, footrests, tray tables, and enhanced upholstery.
The cabin will include USB-A and USB-C charging points at each seat, LED lighting, overhead luggage storage, and fabric curtains. A ThermoKing climate control system, Bosch AV system with twin 22-inch TFT screens, and an onboard toilet will also be included.
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland said: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.
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.
The coach will be powered by a 13-litre Euro-6 diesel engine, coupled with a 12-speed Volvo I-Shift transmission. It will produce up to 500 horsepower and 2,500 Nm of torque. The engine is optimised for fuel efficiency, offering potential savings of up to 9% compared to its predecessor, the B11R. Operators will have the option to use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) or biofuel as an alternative to conventional diesel.
The vehicle will be equipped with Volvo’s Active Safety Platform, complying with EU General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2). Features include Lane Keeping Support, Collision Warning & Emergency Brake, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert Support, Intelligent Speed Assist, Side Collision Avoidance Support, Front Short Range Assist, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
