Both variants, built with Alcan aluminium extrusions, were launched at the 2006 Euro Bus Expo, notably featuring front fascia panels from MAN's integral Lion's City bus.

The engine of the bus was fitted longitudinally at the rear left-hand corner of the body, wide single tyres were fitted at the rear to reduce wheel arch intrusion into the lower deck, and a portal axle allowed for the Kinetec+ to be built with a step-free floor.

[1] The first prototype Kinetec+ body was built to a 4 metres (13 ft) low-height design to fit European Union regulations, but which has been criticised.

[specify] Another prototype built to Transport for London specification, with a roof height of 4.3 metres (14 ft), had been planned, however this never materialised.

[citation needed] Stagecoach West Scotland took delivery of ten Kinetec single-decks on MAN 18.240 chassis in 2006.