[1] Designed as a high-floor two-axle bus, the Ikarus 55 has a semi-self supporting body, with the engine installed behind the rear seats at the back.

The steering system is fully mechanical and not power assisted.

[2] The Ikarus 55 is powered by a water-cooled, naturally aspirated, 8.3-litre (510 cu in) Csepel D-614 swirl chamber injected straight-six Diesel engine.

[3] It is rated DIN 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp) with a maximum torque of 50 kp⋅m (490 N⋅m).

The torque is transmitted to a partial synchromesh five-speed gearbox via a single-disc dry clutch.