Irizar i8

The i8 is Irizar’s luxury coach. Irizar’s current model page calls it “A Premium coach for long haul services, regular lines or other special uses”, and Irizar’s model list says: “It is available in integral and conventional versions in lengths from 12.4 metres to 15 metres.” In its integral version the i8 is one of Irizar’s complete coaches; in the on-chassis version Irizar’s body is built on a chassis from another maker. Irizar’s integral page carried the note “Available in integral and chassis versions”, and the FAQ on its model list, asked whether Irizar buses are built on their own chassis or on those of other manufacturers, answers that they are available in the integral version “as well as with all chassis types available on the market”. Irizar presented the i8 at the Busworld exhibition in Kortrijk in October 2015; its press release of 16 October 2015 calls it “the new flagship of the brand and the model that replaces the Irizar Pb”. Irizar’s i6S coach has a page of its own.

This page is built from Irizar documents read on 8 and 9 November 2026: the technical catalogue Tecnico-i8_EN.pdf, headed “Technical specifications”, which Irizar hosts in its upload folder 2017/11 and which its technical-data index linked in an Internet Archive capture of 3 August 2025; Irizar’s i8 integral and i8 on-chassis model pages on its world.irizar.com site, read in their Internet Archive captures of the same day; the i8 page, the model list and the history page of Irizar’s current site; Irizar’s press releases of 16 October 2015 and 9 June 2016 and its Coach of the Year release (upload folder 2017/10); and Irizar news items of 18 October 2015, 22 January 2016 and 5 March 2026, and an undated one on a blood-donation coach. No Irizar document opened gives a gross vehicle weight, an unladen weight, axle loads, a fuel or AdBlue tank volume, tyre sizes, which engine is paired with which gearbox, or technical data for the i8 Efficient.

Lengths and dimensions

The catalogue’s table “General information (integral vehicle)” gives four lengths. All four are 3,980 mm high and 2,550 mm wide, with a front overhang of 2,690 mm. The 12.4 m coach has two axles; the three longer ones have a third, steered axle, the catalogue’s row “Distance between axles (drive-third steering axle)” reading 1,500 mm on each of them.

On all four lengths the front and rear doors are 900 mm wide, the free-standing aisle height is 2,010 mm and the first step is 360 mm high. The luggage volume falls by approximately 1 m³ with a WC and by 1.8 m³ with a driver’s bunk. A note under the table reads “Configurations may vary depending on the selected country”.

Irizar’s integral page, in its capture of 3 August 2025, prints the same lengths, height, width, door widths, aisle height, first step and luggage volumes on four panels headed 12,4m, 13,22m, 14,07m and 14,98m, and no overhang or wheelbase. The on-chassis page of the same day prints the same body figures for the same four lengths, and no turning circle, wheelbase, overhang or engine. How a coach data sheet sets out such figures is covered in coach specifications explained.

Engines

The catalogue’s “Powertrain information (integral vehicle)” lists three engines, an MX11 of 10.8 l and two MX13 steps of 12.9 l. All three are six-cylinder in-line engines with 24 valves, common-rail feed and variable turbine geometry, and all are declared “EURO 6”. Irizar’s integral page, in its capture of 3 August 2025, prints the same three engines on its 13.22, 14.07 and 14.98 m panels, where the 340 kW step reads “460 cv” against the catalogue’s 462 hp, and three other steps on its 12.4 m panel.

Neither the catalogue nor the model pages name the maker of the engines. Irizar’s launch release of 16 October 2015 says: “The new generation of DAF EURO VI engines with reduced internal friction, modified fuel injection system and other refinements, very significantly reduce fuel consumption.” The catalogue quotes maximum power against an engine-speed band, not a single rated speed. What kW and hp figures express is set out in reading truck power figures.

Gearboxes, axles, suspension and brakes

The catalogue offers two ZF gearboxes. The ZF Ecolife is a “6-speed automatic transmission with torque converter”, “Capable of transmitting torques of up to 2,300Nm”, with an “Inbuilt ZF Power Retarder with 3 brake points”. The ZF AS Tronic is a “Fully automated 12-speed manual transmission”, capable of up to 2,700 Nm, with an “Inbuilt ZF Power Intarder with 3 brake points”. Both are described as “Electronic with advanced software for optimal fuel consumption”. The integral page’s 13.22, 14.07 and 14.98 m panels name the same pair; its 12.4 m panel names a Traxon, “Fully automated 12 speed manual transmission”, for up to 2,700 Nm, in place of the AS Tronic. Retarders and intarders are described in retarders and engine braking.

The launch release of 2015 lists, among the measures Irizar took to reduce consumption, “The software of the automated 12-speed gearboxes, aerodynamics with a low coefficient of air friction due to a narrower front with less air intake, the spare wheel cowling, reduced weight by using high-tensile steels, and the alloy wheels”.

Axles are ZF: “RL82EC front axle and A132 rear axle. In case of three axles, RL82EC third steering axle.” The front and third-axle suspension is independent as standard, on electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS), which the catalogue’s glossary describes with a “Kneeling” function and manual height adjustment as standard, and with third-axle suspension control “based on weight distribution to the drive shaft in order to provide optimal traction at all times”. The braking system is “equipped with ABS, ASR, ESC and BFD… electronically controlled by EBS”, with “Disc brakes on all wheels”. Alcoa aluminium rims are standard, and Alcoa Durabright rims (black tag) an option.

Seating and interior layouts

The catalogue gives four seat distributions for each length of the integral coach, and its PRM column reads “No” in every one of them. Each cell below gives the seat count and the minimum distance (“Min. Dist.”) as printed.

Under each table the catalogue notes: “Some of the distribution options shown may not be available depending on the selected powertrain.”

The on-chassis page, in its capture of 3 August 2025, prints four distributions of its own for each length, with the minimum distance given without a unit and “No” under PRM throughout.

Irizar’s integral and on-chassis pages both say: “I8 is offering in four lengths, three types of washroom, new seats with two upholstery designs, options of 2+2, 2+1 and 1+1 seating thanks to the level floor, a variety of entertainment systems, and new interior fabrics in huge range of colours and finishes.” Irizar’s current i8 page names “22” high resolution monitors, LED lighting on the roof and capacitive lamps and switches”, individual and multimedia screens, and “exclusive seats with 220V and USB outlets, built-in monitors, tables, coat racks”. It lists special layouts: “Meeting rooms and recreation spaces, travelling exhibitions, fully equipped kitchens, exclusive spaces for athletes, blood extraction”.

One such build is described in an undated Irizar news item: “The Syddanmark Region in Denmark has purchased an integral 14m Irizar i8 bus designed specifically for blood donation”. It is divided into a waiting and interview area, a donation area, a kitchen area and a private area for the medical staff, with four seats for the medical team and a lift at the rear, four hydraulic legs to stabilise the bus, a connection to the hospital or municipal electricity network, a generator, and three operating modes for donation, driving and night.

Driver’s area

The launch release describes a dashboard with “joystick control, rapid access buttons to menus and a colour touch-screen”, and a central console with a rapid-access menu “(cameras, GPS, media, telephone, climate…)” that “integrates all the electronic systems”; it also names the “multiplexed architecture and CAN communication protocol that harmonises all the coach electronics”. In the catalogue’s equipment table a multiplexed system and an HMI touch screen, which “integrates: clima, audio, video, medias, cameras, Sat Nav, bluetooth, settings, etc.”, are standard on all four lengths.

Standard in the “Driver and guide” section on all four lengths: a moquette driver and guide seat, a driver-seat-mounted microphone, a guide microphone, a luggage-rack locker for the driver and the guide, a tyre pressure and heat sensor monitoring system, a heated mirror, a driver’s safe, a refrigerator in the dashboard, storage above the fridge and beside the courier, and a rain sensor. Optional: black leather driver and guide seats, a heated driver seat, a multifunction leather steering wheel, a third windscreen wiper, a wireless microphone for the guide, a driver flex map light and a heated windscreen; the guide flex map light is marked “According to Country Standard” (ACS). A driver seat armrest is marked optional under 12.4, 13.22 and 14.07 m and carries no marker under 14.98 m.

Safety and driver-assistance systems

The catalogue’s glossary defines EBS, ABS, ACC, ASR, AEBS, BFD, ECAS, ESC, LDWS and TPMS. EBS is described there as an “Electronic brake control system equipped with ABS, ASR, ESC, BFD…”; the equipment table has no row for ACC, AEBS or LDWS. The equipment table marks the tyre pressure and heat sensor monitoring system as standard and a driver fatigue warning system as optional.

The launch release of 2015 says that “the Irizar i8 complies with the R.66.02 safety regulation”, the rollover rule described in bus rollover strength under UN R66, and names “The AEB-LDW driving-aid systems”. Irizar’s Coach of the Year release lists “FULL LED headlights”, “AEBS, LDW, TPTMS, ACC and DFT as options”, and says the coach “meets R 66.02”. The EU requirements for such systems are set out in mandatory driver assistance systems.

A fire detection system in the engine compartment is standard on all four lengths and a fire suppression system in the engine compartment is an option; the central sunken or rear floor-mounted toilet and the driver’s bunk are options, each listed as including a smoke detector. Fire rules for buses are covered in bus fire safety. Two-point safety belts on the seats are standard and three-point belts an option. A camera over the central stepwell is standard; a road camera, a rear-view camera and parking sensors are options.

Equipment

The catalogue’s equipment table marks every item alike on the four lengths, except the driver seat armrest. Under heating and ventilation, a bizonal climate control system and a heating system are standard; an “Artic Heating/Isolation system”, a programmable pre-heater and a convector fan in the WC are marked ACS.

Under electricity and electronics, Bosch Professional line audio equipment, integrated satellite navigation (Tele Atlas maps), a rain-sensing wiper, Bluetooth hands-free, a digital clock, LED interior and exterior lighting and an electrically operated front door with key and button are standard. Options: a 22-inch front screen, 15-inch or 18.5-inch second and third screens, a Bosch 19-inch tilt-down monitor, a digital TV tuner, GPS connected to the screens, front, side and rear destination signs, a Wi-Fi internet connection, a wheelchair lift, remote-control opening and alarm, and contact sensors on the luggage lockers.

In the passenger area, stainless-steel handrails, i8 seats in moquette fabric (vertical or horizontal design), “2 hand bar in seats rear”, individual air conditioning and LED lighting, the “i8 exclusive wooden effect floor”, waste bins at the entrance and the central door, a sensor tap and stainless-steel components in the toilet are standard. Options: i6 seats with leather inserts, a coat hook, a table, a magazine net, a central armrest, a footrest, luggage-rack locker lids, the “i8 exclusive carpet” for the aisle, driver’s area and rear, USB and 220 V plugs for every pair of seats, and individual entertainment systems; extra padded seats are marked ACS. The catalogue marks i8 seats with synthetic leather headrests as standard; both archived model pages mark them as an option.

Under “Others”, a retractable step in the middle door, front headlamps, extra-tinted side windows, pneumatic luggage lockers and a ski locker above the rear wheel arch are standard; double glazed windows are marked ACS. Options: a vacuum cleaner, a kitchen next to the central entrance, a stainless-steel structure, black-tinted side windows, an air purifier system, additional fuel tanks, a towing hook and a ski-box fixing system. The on-chassis page has no towing-hook row, and neither archived model page has a parking-sensor row.

Launch, deliveries and the i8 Efficient

The launch release names the Irizar Pb as the model the i8 replaces. Irizar’s history page dates the “Irizar pb” to 2001, records that in 2009 Irizar decided “to become a manufacturer of complete coaches” and that “In 2011 the Irizar brand of complete coaches was launched”, and says: “In 2015, Irizar presented the Irizar i8, which is a new high-end coach”. The launch release says Irizar’s stand at Busworld 2015 in Kortrijk would show “two units of this new model”. An Irizar news item dated 18 October 2015 reports further presentations in Ormaiztegi on 23 October and in Madrid on 26 October, and an item of 22 January 2016 reports the i8 named the 2016 Spanish Coach of the Year.

Irizar’s press release of 9 June 2016 is headed “Irizar delivers the first 100 luxury coaches of the new Irizar i8 model” and says that “The delivered vehicles include fully equipped and on chassis version coaches”. It adds that the i8 was introduced in Mexico “towards the end of November” and had generated “nearly one thousand orders” there. Irizar’s Coach of the Year release reports the Coach Euro Test held in Linköping, Sweden, and says that a jury of journalists from 22 European countries “decided to award the prize to Irizar I8”; the coach entered was “a 3-axle, 14-metre version”.

Irizar’s model list says in its FAQ that “the Irizar i8 Efficient has been developed for the Mexican market”, and Irizar’s news item of 5 March 2026 lists an Irizar i8 Efficient among the vehicles Irizar Mexico showed at Expo Foro 2026.

Source notes

The grid above describes the 12.4 m two-axle integral coach as Irizar’s technical catalogue Tecnico-i8_EN.pdf prints it. The catalogue gives four integral lengths, 12,400, 13,220, 14,070 and 14,980 mm, all 3,980 mm high and 2,550 mm wide; the three longer coaches have a steered third axle 1,500 mm behind the drive axle. Its powertrain table lists a 10.8-litre MX11 of 320 kW and 2,100 Nm and a 12.9-litre MX13 of 340 or 375 kW and 2,300 or 2,500 Nm, all Euro 6. Irizar’s integral model page, in its Internet Archive capture of 3 August 2025, repeats those three engines on its 13.22, 14.07 and 14.98 m panels, while its 12.4 m panel gives an MX11 330 and an MX13 355 and 390: 330, 355 and 390 kW with 2,300, 2,500 and 2,600 Nm. The gearbox is a ZF Ecolife 6-speed automatic for up to 2,300 Nm or a ZF AS Tronic automated 12-speed for up to 2,700 Nm; the page’s 12.4 m panel names a Traxon in place of the AS Tronic. Axles are ZF, RL82EC front and A132 rear, with an RL82EC steered third axle on three-axle coaches, on electronically controlled air suspension, with disc brakes on all wheels under EBS. The on-chassis page of the same capture prints the same lengths, height, width and luggage volumes with its own seat layouts, and no engine. No Irizar document opened gives a gross vehicle weight, an unladen weight, axle loads or a fuel tank volume.