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Volvo B13R
Volvo B13R
Volvo B13R
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Volvo B13R
The Kings Ferry Caetano Levante bodied B13R in Llandudno in May 2013
Overview
ManufacturerVolvo
Production2009-present
Assembly
  • Sweden
  • Mexico
Body and chassis
ClassCoach chassis
PlatformVolvo BXXR
Floor typeStep entrance
RelatedVolvo B11R
Powertrain
EngineVolvo D13C/D13K
Power output420-500 bhp (plus 380 bhp for D13K)
TransmissionVolvo I-Shift
Dimensions
Length10.5-15.0 metres
Chronology
PredecessorVolvo B12B
SuccessorVolvo B11R

Volvo B13R is a 12.8-litre engined coach chassis available as both two- and tri-axle from Volvo since 2009. It was the first of the Volvo BXXR series, replacing the higher output configurations of the B12B.[1] It was later joined by the B11R, which has the same base chassis but a smaller engine. However, because Volvo decided not to upgrade the D13 engine to comply with the Euro 6 emission requirements, it was replaced by the B11R[2] in the European market, but is still available at other markets, like Mexico. The B13R is easy recognisable as being the only modern Volvo coach chassis with air intakes on the right-hand side.

After launch in 2009 it soon became the default choice of chassis for Volvo's 9700 and 9900 coaches, as only the 340 hp configuration of the B12B was compatible with the Euro V requirements. The lowest configuration of the 9700; the 9700S, was not compatible with the B13R, as the engine was so tall that it would conflict with the internal floor.

Over 190 were sold in the United Kingdom, with Park's of Hamilton purchasing 32.[3] Australian interstate operator Greyhound Australia purchased 30.[4] The tri-axle version of the B13R is known in the UK as the B13RT.

Volvo later reintroduced the B13R chassis, on 30 June 2022, featuring Euro VI-compliant D13K engines. It is also part of the refreshed fourth-generation Volvo 9700 and 9900 coaches in European markets (replacing B11R) and Volvo 9800 coach in Mexico (replacing previous B13R model) and, like their predecessors, is also available in "LE" configurations for double-decker coaches.[5]

Engines

[edit]

D13C,[6] 12 777 cc, in-line 6 cyl. turbodiesel (2009-present)

  • D13C420 - 309 kW (420 bhp), 2100 Nm, Euro V/EEV
  • D13C460 - 338 kW (460 bhp), 2300 Nm, Euro V/EEV
  • D13C500 - 368 kW (500 bhp), 2500 Nm, Euro V

The D13C500 is only available on certain markets. One example is the Comil Campione DD-based Volvo Double Decker[7] available in Mexico.

D13K,[8]

  • D13K380 - 280 kW (380 bhp), 1800 Nm, Euro VI
  • D13K420 - 310 kW (420 bhp), 2100 Nm, Euro VI
  • D13K460 - 340 kW (460 bhp), 2300 Nm, Euro VI
  • D13K500 - 370 kW (500 bhp), 2500 Nm, Euro VI

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Volvo B13R

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The is a premium rear-mounted developed by for intercity and touring applications, featuring a longitudinally positioned 13-liter Euro 6-compliant and available in both two-axle (up to 19,500 kg GVW) and three-axle (up to 26,500 kg GVW) configurations with lengths ranging from 10.5 to 13.8 meters. Originally launched in October as the first model in Volvo's BXXR series with the D13C engine for enhanced power and in coaches like the Volvo 9700 and 9900, it was discontinued before being reintroduced as an all-new platform on , 2022, incorporating the advanced D13K engine for up to 9% better fuel economy and compatibility with HVO . Key to the B13R's design is its focus on driver productivity and passenger comfort, including a redesigned driver's station with neck-tilt , dynamic instrument cluster, and Dynamic Steering for reduced physical strain during long journeys. The offers engine variants from 380 hp to 500 hp (with torque outputs of 1,800–2,500 Nm), paired with the automated transmission featuring faster gear shifts and an optional retarder for improved drivability. Safety is integrated through proactive systems like Collision Warning with , Lane Keeping Support, Driver Alert Support, and Tire Pressure Monitoring, alongside protective features such as Front Underrun Protection and electronically controlled with kneeling capability. The supports low-entry versions suitable for double-decker coaches and emphasizes sustainability with extended service intervals enabled by an innovative electrical fan cooling system, alongside fleet management tools via Volvo Connect for real-time monitoring and uptime optimization. Braking includes Volvo EBS disc brakes, ESP stability control, and brake blending for reliable performance, while the 2.5-meter width and allow for high passenger and luggage capacities in bodywork from various manufacturers. Since its relaunch, the B13R has been positioned as a versatile platform for global markets, including and , where it addresses demands for efficient, low-emission long-distance transport.

History and Development

Launch and Initial Production

The coach chassis was launched by in October 2009, marking the introduction of a new rear-engine platform equipped with a 13-liter designed for premium intercity coaches such as the Volvo 9700 and 9900 models. This launch positioned the B13R as a direct replacement for the higher-output variants of the preceding Volvo B12B chassis, offering enhanced power and efficiency to meet evolving demands in long-distance passenger transport. Initial production of the B13R commenced in at Volvo's facilities in for the European market and in at the Tultitlán plant to supply North American operators, enabling rapid global rollout for coach builders. The chassis was engineered as the inaugural model in Volvo's modern BXXR series of low-floor, rear-axle drive platforms, later complemented by the B11R in for broader application flexibility. The design targeted step-entrance coach configurations, supporting body lengths from 10.5 to 15.0 meters to accommodate varying passenger and luggage capacities in touring and express services. At launch, the B13R integrated the D13C engine, a 12.8-liter inline six-cylinder diesel unit with turbocharging, intercooling, and unit injectors, achieving Euro V emissions compliance along with optional Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle (EEV) standards. Power outputs were initially rated at 420 bhp (309 kW) with 2,100 Nm torque and 460 bhp (338 kW) with 2,300 Nm torque, providing superior performance over the B12B while reducing fuel consumption by up to 5% when paired with the Volvo I-Shift automated transmission. A 500 bhp variant was subsequently added to the lineup during early production. The B11R later served as a Euro 6 successor in Europe, maintaining the platform's core architecture.

Reintroduction and Subsequent Updates

The Volvo B13R chassis was reintroduced on June 30, 2022, equipped with Euro VI-compliant D13K engines offering power outputs from 380 to 500 to meet stringent emissions standards. This update marked a shift from the previous B11R configuration in select markets, prioritizing the larger D13K for better compliance and performance in regions like and . On June 12, 2025, Volvo announced the B13R UNVI XL variant in partnership with UNVI, incorporating a 13-liter Euro-6 diesel engine paired with a 12-speed I-Shift transmission for premium long-distance applications in markets like the UK and Ireland. In December 2024, Volvo announced the restart of Volvo 9700 single-deck coach production on the B13R chassis at its Tultitlán plant in Mexico for export to European markets, including the UK and Ireland. On October 3, 2025, Volvo Buses formed a partnership with Marcopolo to offer the Paradiso G8 1200 coach body on the B13R chassis for European customers in countries such as the UK, Ireland, France, and Italy. Production of the B13R continues at Volvo's assembly plants in and to support global demand, with the chassis maintaining availability in non-Euro 6 regulated markets such as , where it sustains popularity for intercity operations following the original model's phase-out in during the .

Chassis Design

Configurations and Dimensions

The Volvo B13R coach is available in both two- (4x2) and three- (6x2) configurations, providing flexibility for and touring applications with varying passenger capacities. The 4x2 setup suits shorter bodies, while the 6x2 variant, featuring a driven rear and a tag , supports extended lengths and higher payloads, particularly in markets like the where tri-axle designs are common for double-decker coaches. Both configurations incorporate Volvo's rigid front suspension (RFS) or independent front suspension (IFS) options, with the latter enhancing ride comfort on uneven roads. Overall chassis lengths range from 10.4 to 13.8 meters, enabling body builders to create vehicles from compact 10.5-meter models to full-size 13.8-meter coaches optimized for maximum luggage and seating space. options vary by configuration and suspension type, typically spanning 4,450 to 8,000 mm for the 4x2 and 5,000 to 7,400 mm for the 6x2, allowing precise adaptation to body requirements. The standard chassis width is 2.5 meters to comply with European road regulations, with frame widths at the front and rear measuring approximately 2,358 to 2,464 mm depending on the suspension. Frame height at the rear is 1.6 meters for RFS models and up to 1.8 meters for IFS, influencing overall vehicle height and body mounting. Gross (GVW) ratings are 19,500 kg for the 4x2 configuration and up to 26,500 kg for the 6x2, with loads distributed as 7,500 kg on the front, 11,500 kg on the drive , and 5,750 to 7,500 kg on the tag . A low-entry (LE) variant of the 6x2 is specifically designed for double-decker applications, featuring a reduced floor height of around 1.2 meters at the rear door for improved and lengths of approximately 11.5 meters, supporting upper-deck stability in coaches up to around 14.5 meters overall.
ConfigurationOverall Length (m)Wheelbase Range (mm)GVW (kg)Typical Axle Loads (kg)
4x2 (Two-axle)10.4–13.84,450–8,00019,500Front: 7,500; Rear: 12,000
6x2 (Three-axle)10.4–13.85,000–7,40024,750–26,500Front: 7,500; Drive: 11,500; Tag: 5,750–7,500
6x2 LE (Low-entry)~11.55,000–7,40026,500Front: 7,500; Drive: 11,500; Tag: up to 7,500

Suspension and Braking Systems

The Volvo B13R features an electronically controlled system standard across all s, designed to enhance ride quality, stability, and passenger comfort during long-distance travel. This system utilizes air —two at the front , four at the drive , and two at the tag on tri-axle configurations—to provide adaptive and leveling. Optional functionality allows the to lower at stops, facilitating easier passenger boarding and alighting, while the suspension's lighter design contributes to improved and reduced road wear compared to previous models. For axle configurations, the B13R offers a choice between rigid front suspension (RFS) or independent front suspension (IFS), with IFS providing superior handling and reduced vibration on uneven surfaces. On tri-axle variants, a tag axle—available as hydraulically steered or fixed—supports optimal for GVW up to 26.5 tonnes, maintaining maneuverability with maximum wheel angles of 52° for RFS or 53° for IFS when fitted with standard tires. These options integrate seamlessly with the to ensure balanced load sharing and enhanced stability in dynamic conditions. The braking system employs full disc brakes with Volvo's Electronic Braking System (EBS 5), incorporating anti-lock braking (ABS), acceleration slip regulation (ASR), and for precise control and minimal stopping distances. Additional features include brake blending for smooth integration of service and , hill start aid to prevent rollback, and brake assist for emergency situations, all supported by sensors monitoring lining wear and temperature to alert drivers of potential issues. The system operates on a pneumatic with cut-in at 9.5 bar and cut-out at 10.8 bar, ensuring reliable performance under heavy loads. Safety enhancements in the braking setup include the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which mitigates skidding and rollover risks by selectively applying brakes to individual wheels, and integration with the Volvo Engine Brake (VEB) for supplementary retardation. A 2024 update to the Collision Warning with Emergency Brake system expanded its capabilities to detect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, providing pre-braking followed by full automatic intervention if needed, in compliance with EU General Safety Regulations. The I-Shift transmission option includes an integrated retarder for additional braking support without excessive wear on service brakes. Tire specifications feature dual rear axle tires, typically 315/80R22.5 on 9.00x22.5 steel or aluminum rims, optimized for high load capacities up to 11500 kg per axle while maintaining traction and durability.

Powertrain

Engine Specifications

The Volvo B13R chassis utilizes Volvo's D13 series inline-six diesel engines, designed for high torque and efficiency in coach applications. The initial engine, the D13C, was produced from 2009 to 2022 with a displacement of 12,777 cc, featuring a turbocharger, intercooler, overhead camshaft, and four valves per cylinder for robust performance and low emissions. It complied with Euro V and Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle (EEV) standards, utilizing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and AdBlue for nitrogen oxide control. From 2022 onward, the B13R transitioned to the D13K engine, a 12.8-liter common-rail diesel with similar inline-six configuration, overhead camshaft, and four valves per cylinder, now fully compliant with Euro VI emissions via SCR, (DPF), diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and ammonia slip catalyst (ASC). The absence of an initial Euro VI version for the D13 engine contributed to the B13R's temporary discontinuation in the European market until the D13K's introduction. Both engines support diesel (), (HVO, EN 15940), and (for select D13K variants), enabling up to 85% CO2 reduction with HVO. Power and torque outputs vary by variant to suit different operational demands, with the base D13C providing 420 and 2,100 Nm, scaling up to 500 and 2,500 Nm. The D13K starts at 380 and 1,800 Nm, reaching the same maximum.
Engine VariantPower (bhp / kW)Torque (Nm)Emissions Standard
D13C 420420 / 3092,100Euro V/EEV
D13C 460460 / 3382,300Euro V/EEV
D13C 500500 / 3682,500Euro V/EEV
D13K 380380 / 2801,800Euro VI
D13K 420420 / 3102,100Euro VI
D13K 460460 / 3402,300Euro VI
D13K 500500 / 3702,500Euro VI
Recent 2024 and 2025 updates to the B13R platform enhance by up to 9% compared to prior models, achieved through optimized lower engine revs, improved combustion via high gas-fill ratio intake design, and the shift to electric fans that reduce parasitic losses. The 2025 engine compartment redesign further improves airflow and cooling, incorporating a split configuration without a coolant filter and integrated warnings for levels. The includes a right-side for simplified routing and maintenance. These engines pair with the I-Shift transmission to ensure smooth power delivery across the rev range.

Transmission and Driveline

The Volvo B13R features the I-Shift AT2612G as its standard transmission, a 12-speed automated manual gearbox designed for coaches with an overdrive top gear to optimize highway efficiency and fast shifting for smooth operation. In select markets and configurations, alternatives such as the ZF 6AP2020B six-speed automatic are available, limited to the 380 hp engine variant. The driveline employs a rear-wheel-drive layout in 6x2 configuration, with the drive powering the rear wheels and an optional tag for enhanced load distribution in tri- setups. The I-Shift integrates an optional retarder for supplementary , reducing wear on service during prolonged descents. Introduced with the 2022 model refresh, the updated G-version of the I-Shift transmission enables quicker gear shifts and provides immediate access to low-rev power, improving responsiveness without compromising fuel economy. This software-optimized system adapts shift points based on factors like road grade and load, aligning with the engine's for efficient power delivery. The rear axle utilizes Volvo's RS1228C hypoid design, engineered for low noise and high durability in coach applications, with ratios such as 2.64:1 selected to maintain optimal engine speeds for highway cruising. For the 2025 updates, driveline tuning further lowers cruising revolutions, contributing to enhanced through refined gear synchronization and reduced internal losses.

Applications and Operators

Integrated Coach Models

The Volvo B13R chassis serves as the primary platform for Volvo's own integrated coach models, including the 9700 and 9900 series, where it has been the default choice since 2009, particularly with the 435 D13C variant offering enhanced performance and efficiency. In , the B13R underpins the Volvo 9800 coach, which features updated Euro 6 specifications for local market demands. Third-party bodybuilders have also integrated the B13R into various coach designs, notably the Comil Campione DD double-decker model produced for the Mexican market in partnership with . Additionally, the 2025 UNVI XL coach utilizes the B13R chassis equipped with a 13-liter Euro-6 and a 12-speed I-Shift transmission, targeting premium single-deck applications in regions like the and . The B13R's low-entry (LE) configuration facilitates double-decker integrations, such as the Comil Campione DD, by providing a lower height at the front while maintaining the 's overall structural integrity. Production examples include 30 B13R-based coaches delivered to , featuring custom bodywork for long-distance express services. The lengths, ranging from 10.5 to 13.8 meters, accommodate these integrated bodies without requiring major modifications.

Major Operators and Markets

The Volvo B13R chassis has found significant adoption in the European market, particularly for coach operations, following its reintroduction in 2022 with Euro VI-compliant D13K engines to meet stricter emissions standards after a phase-out in favor of the smaller B11R model. In the UK and , initial sales were strong during the early 2010s, with operators like Chandlers Coach Travel deploying tri-axle B13R units bodied as Volvo 9700 coaches for long-distance services. More recently, in March 2025, partnered with UNVI to launch the B13R-based UNVI XL full-size coach exclusively for these markets, featuring a 12.8-meter length and capacity for up to 53 passengers, aimed at enhancing and for operators. By June 2025, signed orders exceeded a dozen units, with options for an additional 10, and early customers included Lochs Motor Transport, which plans to deploy them for Scottish Highland routes starting in summer 2026. In and broader , the B13R remains a key platform for continuous production of and coaches, often integrated into models like the 9800 and bodied by local builders such as Comil for double-decker configurations suited to regional highways. Major orders underscore its popularity; for instance, in 2022, three operators secured 330 Euro 6 9800 coaches—based on the B13R platform—for delivery in 2023, including 140 double-deckers to support high-capacity long-haul services. In , Viação Catedral, one of the region's largest passenger transport firms, ordered 152 B13R Euro 6 double-decker in February 2024 to renew its fleet for interstate operations, highlighting the model's reliability in demanding tropical climates. The Comil Campione DD body on B13R is notably used by Mexican operators like Omnibus de México for routes, offering enhanced stability for heavier loads via tri-axle setups. These deployments emphasize the B13R's role in non-urban, applications across , where emissions regulations are less stringent than in , allowing sustained use of its 13-liter diesel powertrain. Australia represents a niche but impactful market for the B13R, primarily through Greyhound Australia's 2013 purchase of 30 units bodied as Irizar i6 coaches for nationwide interstate services, selected for their 420 hp output and fuel economy on long routes like to . This fleet continues to operate, with recent additions like five new B13R Irizar i6S models in 2024 incorporating advanced safety features and steerable tag axles to handle 's vast distances and variable terrain. In , the B13R gained traction in October 2024 when Hong Kong's largest non-franchised operator, Kwoon Chung Bus, ordered 55 B13R as part of a 100-unit deal including B8R models, with deliveries starting in early 2025 to upgrade cross-border and transfer services; the B13R's up to 9% fuel savings were a key factor in the selection. Overall, the B13R's primary usage patterns center on and coaches, with the tri-axle variant preferred for heavier passenger loads and luggage in markets like , , and , while its availability persists in regions with flexible emissions rules.

References

  1. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/coaches/chassis/volvo-b13r/specifications.html
  2. https://www.volvogroup.com/en/news-and-media/news/2009/oct/news-71149.html
  3. https://www.volvobuses.com/au/news-stories/stories/2022/jul/volvo-buses-globally-launch-the-new-volvo-b13r-chassis.html
  4. https://www.volvobuses.com/content/dam/volvo-buses/markets/master/coaches/chassis/volvo-b13r/volvo-b13r-brochure/BRO-Volvo-B13R-Range-LHD-2022-EN.pdf
  5. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/coaches/chassis/volvo-b13r.html
  6. https://www.busnews.com.au/volvo-bus-globally-launches-b13r-chassis/
  7. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news-stories/press-releases/2012/jul/news-127326.html
  8. https://www.volvobuses.com/au/news/2009/feb/news-57578.html
  9. https://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Volvo_Buses_B13R
  10. https://www.volvobuses.com/au/news/2012/apr/news-128994.html
  11. https://www.volvobuses.com/content/dam/volvo-buses/markets/master/data-sheets/volvo-b13r/Data-sheet-B13R-6x2-Euro-6-EN-2022.pdf
  12. https://www.route-one.net/news/volvo-b11r-chassis-bows-out-as-b13r-deliveries-start/
  13. https://www.volvogroup.com/en/news-and-media/news/2022/oct/330-new-volvo-coaches-ordered-in-mexico.html
  14. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news-stories/press-releases/2025/jun/first-orders-signed-for-new-volvo-b13r-unvi-xl.html
  15. https://www.sustainable-bus.com/news/volvo-unvi-partner-luxury-diesel-coach-uk-ireland/
  16. https://www.route-one.net/news/volvo-9700-coach-production-for-europe-to-restart-in-mexico/
  17. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/news-stories/press-releases/2025/oct/volvo-buses-strengthens-eu-coach-offering-through-partnership-with-marcopolo.html
  18. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news-stories/press-releases/2025/mar/volvo-buses-and-unvi-announce-new-full-size-coach-for-uk-ireland.html
  19. https://www.volvobuses.com/content/dam/volvo-buses/markets/master/data-sheets/volvo-b13r/Data-sheet-B13R-4x2-Euro-6-EN-2022.pdf
  20. https://www.volvobuses.com/content/dam/volvo-buses/markets/master/data-sheets/volvo-b13r/Data-sheet-B13R-6x2-LE-Euro-6-EN-2022.pdf
  21. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/coaches/chassis/volvo-b13r/safety.html
  22. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/news-stories/stories/2024/may/our-new-and-updated-active-safety-systems.html
  23. https://www.scribd.com/document/147584850/Volvo-B13R-Data-Sheet
  24. https://stpi.it.volvo.com/STPIFiles/Volvo/FactSheet/D13C500%2C%2520EU5SCR-M_Eng_02_1144736.pdf
  25. https://www.volvobuses.com/content/dam/volvo-buses/markets/master/data-sheets/volvo-b13r/Fact-sheet-D13K-Euro-6-EN-2022.pdf
  26. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/coaches/chassis/volvo-b13r/performance.html
  27. https://www.busnews.com.au/new-powerful-and-fuel-efficient-volvo-b13r/
  28. https://www.busnews.com.au/volvo-b13r-smashes-expectations-on-the-road/
  29. https://www.facebook.com/Volvobus/videos/a-redesigned-engine-compartment-electric-fans-and-lower-cruising-revs-make-the-v/1064245002358353/
  30. https://hongkongbuses.fandom.com/wiki/Volvo_B13R
  31. https://www.volvobuses.com/us-en/coaches/coaches/volvo-9700-uscan/specifications.html
  32. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/news-stories/events/new-coach-platform-launch-2022.html
  33. https://www.tyt.com.mx/nota/comil-anuncia-el-lanzamiento-de-su-campione-dd-en-asociacion-con-volvo
  34. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/news/2013/sep/news-144574.html
  35. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news-stories/press-releases/2012/aug/news-128752.html
  36. https://busworldorg.caboodleai.net/article/282416/lochs-motor-transport-among-first-volvo-b13r-unvi-xl-buyers
  37. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/news-stories/press-releases/2022/oct/330-new-volvo-coaches-ordered-in-mexico.html
  38. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/news-stories/press-releases/2024/feb/152-volvo-b13r-coaches-ordered-for-brazil.html
  39. https://www.greyhound.com.au/company/news/latest/five-new-greyhounds-to-be-added-to-the-pack
  40. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/news-stories/press-releases/2024/oct/100-chassis-kwoon-chung.html
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