Volvo and UNVI to bring B13R-based XL coach to UK and Ireland

Volvo will offer the B13R chassis with UNVI XL coach body in the UK and Ireland from 2026, the two manufacturers have confirmed at the UK Coach Operators Association conference at Volvo Group UK’s head office in Warwick.

It is described as a luxury product exclusive to those markets and follows the signing of a bodybuilder agreement between Volvo and UNVI. The XL will initially be offered as a 12.8m two-axle model with 53 seats or 49 and one wheelchair user in PSVAR compliant form.

Volvo Bus UK and Ireland Managing Director Domenico Bondi has described the B13R-based UNVI XL as “one of the most important new product announcements” since he joined the business three years ago.

Mr Bondi adds that “a massive amount of work” from both manufacturers has gone into developing the coach and that news of its debut is “a hugely exciting moment.”

The XL represents a significant addition to UNVI’s existing presence in the UK and Ireland via smaller front-engined minicoaches and midicoaches that are sold here by Coachtraders.

CEO Eloy Pérez says that the opportunity with Volvo is “huge.” He notes that from opening exploratory conversations with Mr Bondi and colleagues in 2024, “we knew we wanted to be a part of this project.”

Continues Mr Pérez: “It comes at an incredibly exciting time for UNVI. While this year we celebrate 30 years in coach and bus 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.”

Fitted as standard will be the Brusa Create 120 ‘top flair’ seat with three-point belts, aisle-side armrests, twin-position footrests, magazine nets, drop-down tables and what Volvo says is “enhanced upholstery in automotive fabric and contrasting faux leather.”

USB-A and USB-C charging points will be included along with LED interior lighting, curtains, and “generous” overhead luggage space. A Bosch entertainment system will feed to twin 22-inch monitors, and a coolant pre-heater is to be included.

Shades Technics will provide a centre sunken toilet, and an estimated 9.5 cubic metres of space will be under the saloon.

The B13R chassis will have the Volvo Active Safety Platform that is compliant with EU General Safety Regulation 2 requirements. It includes Driver Alert Support, Intelligent Speed Assist, Side Collision Avoidance System, Front Short Range Assist, Lane Change Support, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Volvo advises that the D13K engine will be available in ratings of up to 500bhp and 2,500Nm of torque. It will drive through the 12-speed I-Shift automated manual gearbox that includes an overdrive top ratio.

Mr Bondi continues: “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 is precisely what we bring with the B13R chassis – and when paired with this new UNVI body, we are confident that we have got a fantastic product that will set the benchmark for coach travel.”

Volvo will assemble the B13R chassis in Sweden before shipping them to the UNVI factory at Ourense in Spain. Body parts for the XL will be available for next-day delivery via the Volvo Coach Part Sales Centre in Loughborough. Body and chassis warranty coverage will be three years/300,000km. Structural warranty will be 12 years.