VDL Bus & Coach

Dutch manufacturer VDL has been a familiar name in European coachbuilding for decades, producing passenger vehicles for tourism, private hire and public transport. Its latest Futura 3 introduces a substantially redesigned touring coach, combining improved aerodynamics, a more modern interior and updated safety technology. Following its European launch in 2025, the new generation is scheduled to make its British debut in right-hand-drive form in November 2026, with customer deliveries expected from 2027. VDL also manufactures the fully electric Citea city bus family for continental European markets, although current UK new-order availability has not been confirmed. The company now operates alongside Van Hool within the wider VDL Bus Group, with the two marques retaining their own identities.

VDL Futura 3 FHD-129

The Futura 3 represents VDL's first major coach redesign in more than a decade, replacing the long-running Futura 2 with sharper styling, improved aerodynamics and a completely revised passenger environment. Its 12.9-metre body combines comfortable reclining seats with generous luggage accommodation, while a modernised driver's cockpit and extensive safety technology bring the vehicle up to date. VDL claims fuel savings of up to 15% compared with the previous generation, helped by aerodynamic improvements and revised engineering. European launch vehicles use a 450hp DAF diesel engine and ZF automated transmission, although final British specifications have yet to be confirmed. The first right-hand-drive Futura 3 is scheduled for its UK public debut at Euro Bus Expo in November 2026, with customer deliveries expected from 2027.

Price From: POA / UK specification to be confirmed

Manufacturer: VDL Bus Group

Model: Futura 3 FHD-129

Powertrain: Diesel

Engine: 10.8-litre DAF MX-11 Euro VI six-cylinder diesel, published European specification

Power: 330kW / approximately 449bhp, published European specification

Torque: 2,350Nm, published European specification

Transmission: ZF TraXon 2 automated manual, published European specification

Seats: 49 or 53 passengers in initial European demonstration configurations; final UK layouts to be confirmed

Typical Licence: Category D

Drive: Rear-wheel drive

Length: 12,885mm

Width: 2,550mm

Height: 3,703mm

Wheelbase: 6,810mm

Axles: Two

Gross Vehicle Weight: Approximately 19,500kg in published European specification

Luggage Capacity: Approximately 11.5m³

Fuel Tank: 900 litres in published European demonstration specification

Efficiency: Up to 15% lower fuel consumption than the previous Futura generation, according to VDL

Passenger Equipment: Reclining seats, ambient lighting, redesigned overhead storage, air conditioning, USB charging and configurable entertainment systems

Driver Equipment: Redesigned dashboard, improved visibility, modern driver information displays and available camera-based mirrors

Safety Equipment: Advanced emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and updated General Safety Regulation assistance systems

Accessibility: UK wheelchair-accessible and PSVAR-compliant specifications to be confirmed

Production: Valkenswaard, Netherlands

UK Availability: Right-hand-drive debut scheduled for November 2026; UK deliveries expected from 2027

View VDL Futura 3 →

Important Information

Prices, specifications, dimensions, seating capacities, weights, power outputs and equipment are based primarily on information published by vehicle manufacturers, their official representatives and established industry sources. Specifications can vary by body length, drivetrain, interior configuration, model year and individual vehicle.

Prices shown are UK prices where available and are intended as a guide. Where an official UK list price is unavailable, pricing is shown as POA. Prices may vary according to optional equipment, accessibility requirements, contract size and operator-specific configurations.

The VDL Futura 3 is entering the British market following its European introduction. Published mechanical and dimensional specifications are based on the initial European FHD-129 model. Final right-hand-drive specifications, passenger seating capacities, pricing and delivery schedules may differ. The previous-generation Futura FHD2 completed its final UK deliveries in 2026 and is not included as a current factory-new model.

VDL also manufactures the fully electric Citea range for continental European operators. Current British new-order availability and right-hand-drive supply have not been verified, so these vehicles are excluded from the current UK model selection.

Passenger seating capacities vary according to interior layout and accessibility equipment. Wheelchair accommodation, onboard toilets, luggage facilities and executive seating may reduce the number of approved passenger seats.

Licence categories shown are a general guide only. Individual driving entitlement can vary according to passenger-seat count, vehicle weight, vehicle length, licence issue date, grandfather rights, Section 19 operation and other exemptions. Passenger-seat counts used for licence purposes exclude the driver. Always check the vehicle's plated specification and your own driving-licence entitlement before driving.

Manufacturer fuel-efficiency comparisons are based on stated testing assumptions and may not represent the savings achieved during individual operations. Actual consumption depends on vehicle loading, speed, route characteristics, weather and driving conditions.

Specifications are checked against the latest information reasonably available to The New Yardstick at the time of publication or update. Manufacturers may alter specifications, pricing, equipment or availability without notice.

Image Credits: Vehicle and product photography remains the property of VDL Bus Group, VDL Bus & Coach, DAF or the respective copyright holder unless otherwise stated. Images are used for editorial and informational purposes.