BharatBenz Expands Bus Portfolio with Torqshift 1926 AMT Chassis and New 917 School Bus

Key Highlights

• BharatBenz launched Torqshift 1926 AMT heavy-duty bus chassis.

• New BharatBenz 917 targets school and staff transport.

• Torqshift AMT improves fuel efficiency and reduces driver fatigue.

• 917 offers advanced safety features including ABS, EVSC and seat belts.

• Available through 420+ BharatBenz dealerships with financing from 7.5% interest.

India's commercial passenger transport market is witnessing strong growth, driven by rising urbanization, expanding industrial hubs, and increasing demand for intercity and last-mile connectivity. To strengthen its presence in this growing segment, BharatBenz has introduced two new products, the BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 Heavy Duty Bus Chassis with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) and the BharatBenz 917, an 8-metre fully built bus designed for school and staff transportation.

The launches aim to improve driver productivity, fuel efficiency, passenger safety, and lower operating costs for fleet operators across India.

India's Bus Market Offers Huge Growth Potential

According to Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), India currently operates only around 24 buses per 100,000 people, compared to a target of 60 buses per 100,000 people, highlighting significant growth opportunities for the industry.

The bus segment is being supported by increasing urbanization, expanding intercity travel, feeder and last-mile connectivity, and replacement demand. The overall bus industry recorded 5% year-on-year growth in CY2025 and is expected to continue growing during 2026.

BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 AMT Chassis Targets Intercity Operations

The new BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 Heavy Duty Bus Chassis has been developed for intercity passenger transport and staff transportation routes, especially for journeys of up to 500 km.

One of its biggest highlights is the globally proven Torqshift Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) paired with a German-engineered 260 hp engine. The AMT automatically selects the most suitable gear based on driving conditions, eliminating continuous clutch and manual gear shifting.

This technology reduces driver fatigue in congested traffic and hilly terrain while improving fuel efficiency and driving consistency. The company says it can also reduce the need for deploying two drivers on long-distance routes, helping fleet operators lower operating costs.

Key Features of BharatBenz Torqshift 1926

The heavy-duty bus chassis comes equipped with several advanced technologies aimed at improving efficiency, safety, and reliability.

Performance and Efficiency Features

• Globally proven Torqshift AMT

• 260 hp German-engineered engine

• Intelligent Eco Roll for smarter coasting and better fuel efficiency

• Multiple drive modes

• Cruise control

• Hill Start Assist

• Clutch overload monitoring

• Maintenance-free unitised hub bearings

• Indigenous glide air suspension

Safety Features

The chassis also focuses on enhanced safety with:

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with real-time temperature monitoring

• Five-stage electromagnetic retarder for improved braking performance

BharatBenz 917 Fully Built Bus for School and Staff Transport

BharatBenz has also launched the 917, an 8-metre fully built bus aimed at India's fast-growing compact bus segment. The vehicle has been developed for school, staff, and institutional transportation where easy maneuverability, passenger safety, and low operating costs are essential.

Medium-duty buses currently account for nearly two-thirds of India's bus market, supported by growing demand from schools, manufacturing facilities, SEZs, and IT corridors.

The BharatBenz 917 is designed to comfortably operate on narrower roads where larger buses may find it difficult to access while maintaining high safety standards.

Safety Features of BharatBenz 917

The new compact bus comes equipped with multiple safety technologies, including:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC)

• Best-in-class rollover stability

• Seat belts for all passengers

• Largest emergency exit door in its segment

• Fire alarm and fire protection system

• Optional PM2.5 air purification system with premium HEPA filter

Passenger Comfort Features

To improve passenger experience, the BharatBenz 917 offers:

• Retractable lower footstep for easier boarding

• Ergonomic seating

• Powerful air-conditioning

• Anti-skid flooring

• Under-seat storage

Company Executive Speaks

Speaking at the launch, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, Head of Bus Business at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said fleet operators work on thin margins where vehicle uptime plays a crucial role.

He stated that the BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 delivers a smoother driving experience, reduces driver fatigue, lowers downtime, and helps reduce overall lifecycle costs, directly improving fleet profitability.

Commenting on the BharatBenz 917, he added that safety remains the top priority for school transportation. He said the compact bus is designed to access roads where larger buses cannot operate while still delivering high standards of safety and passenger comfort.

Strong Sales, Service and Financing Support

Both newly launched buses will be available through BharatBenz's network of more than 420 authorised sales and service outlets across India, ensuring customer support within approximately two hours.

To make ownership easier, BharatBenz has partnered with over 20 leading banks and NBFCs, offering vehicle financing with interest rates starting from 7.5% per annum, along with customized financing options for customers.

BharatBenz Continues to Focus on Passenger Mobility

With the introduction of the Torqshift 1926 AMT chassis and the BharatBenz 917 fully built bus, BharatBenz is expanding its passenger vehicle portfolio to meet the evolving needs of India's commercial transport industry. The company continues to focus on engineering excellence, safety, fuel efficiency, customer productivity, and lower lifecycle costs while supporting the country's growing demand for reliable and future-ready passenger mobility solutions.

Also Read: Tata Motors Launches Ultra Prime and Starbus Prime Buses with 29 Safety Features at Prawaas 5.0

CMV360 Says

With the launch of the BharatBenz Torqshift 1926 AMT bus chassis and the BharatBenz 917 fully built bus, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles is strengthening its presence in India's growing passenger transport market. The new models focus on improving driver comfort, passenger safety, fuel efficiency, and fleet profitability. Backed by a wide service network and attractive financing options, these buses are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of fleet operators across the country.