VDL & Van Hool 2026 Lineup: Futura 3, Astron & Astromega (Busworld 2025)

At Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels, the newly formed VDL Bus Group (following VDL’s acquisition of Van Hool) revealed a combined lineup of 5 vehicles for the 2026 model year.

00:00 VDL Futura 3 Dark Grey Coach
03:04 VDL Futura 3 Light Grey Coach
05:48 Van-Hool Astron TSD-134. Luxury coach
07:34 Van- Hool Astromega - TDD - 141 Double decker coach
10:15 Van-Hool Citea CLE 135 City Bus

While the headline often refers to "5 new buses," it is important to note that this lineup consisted of 4 luxury coaches and 1 public transport bus.

Here are the details on the 5 specific models revealed.

1 & 2. The VDL Futura 3 (Two Units)
The centerpiece of the reveal was the third-generation VDL Futura, a completely new coach designed to replace the long-running Futura 2. VDL displayed two distinct versions of this model (one in "Green" and one in "Gold") to showcase different configurations.

Model: VDL Futura 3 (FHD-129 displayed)

Key Features:

Fuel Efficiency: Claims up to 15% fuel savings compared to the previous generation, achieved through weight reduction and a new aerodynamic design.

Design: A sharper, more modern exterior with improved airflow.

Interior: A completely redesigned driver’s cockpit with digital screens and improved ergonomics, plus a new premium passenger cabin.

Production: Manufactured in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands.

3. Van Hool Astron (Super High-Decker)
Under the new ownership, the Van Hool brand has been retained but refocused. The Astron represents the premium single-deck, high-floor segment.

Model: Van Hool T16 or T17 Astron (part of the T-Series)

Role: Positioned as a specialized luxury tourer with massive luggage capacity, distinct from the VDL Futura.

Production: Now manufactured primarily in the VDL Van Hool facility in North Macedonia.

4. Van Hool Astromega (Double-Decker)
This was a critical reveal because VDL does not produce its own double-decker coach. The Astromega fills this gap in the VDL Bus Group's combined portfolio.

Model: Van Hool TDX27 Astromega (2026 update)

Role: The flagship double-decker coach for long-distance express lines and high-capacity luxury touring.

Key Update: Showcased with updated VDL-integrated systems while retaining the classic Van Hool double-decker architecture.

5. VDL Citea LE (Public Transport Bus)
The fifth vehicle was not a coach, but a 13.5-meter Low Entry (LE) bus designed for public transport.

Model: VDL Citea LE-135

Role: Demonstrates the group's capability in the public transit sector, manufactured in Roeselare, Belgium.

Summary of the "New VDL Bus Group" Strategy
The 2026 reveal was significant not just for the trucks, but for clarifying how the two brands will coexist:

VDL Brand: Focuses on high-efficiency, lightweight standard coaches (Futura) and public transport (Citea).

Van Hool Brand: Focuses on specialty high-capacity vehicles like double-deckers (Astromega), super high-deckers (Astron), and US-market vehicles.