The new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RHD is celebrating its world premiere in Brussels today. After nearly 20 years, the high-decker touring coach (RHD) is a completely new version set to continue the long success story. The preceding model is truly a bestseller, with around 26 000 units sold since its introduction. More than 2000 units were handed over to customers in 2016 alone. This represents a market share of around 20 percent in Europe, making it Europe’s most successful touring coach. The prospects for the succeeding model are also more than promising, as the new Tourismo will set standards with respect to fuel efficiency, comfort and safety in the constantly growing touring and inter-city bus market.
“The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo is the most successful European touring coach of all time, and a key driver for the success of Daimler Buses. In order to safeguard our market leadership in this segment for the future, we have invested 400 million euros in the development and production of completely new touring coach generations. This makes our bestseller even more economical, comfortable and safe,” says Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses.
All-rounder for the long-distance bus sector
With its four model variants and a wide variety of powertrains and equipment, the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo covers the wide-ranging needs of customers in the entire touring coach segment.
Hartmut Schick: “The new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo is a genuine all-rounder. Whether as a shuttle-bus, charter or long-distance bus, it offers our customers an even wider range of applications than before. This particularly pays off for the constantly growing long-distance buses services in Europe. It is especially here that bus operators increasingly rely on great operational variety and flexibility.”
Daimler Buses holds a market share of over 40 percent in the constantly growing European long-distance bus services. In Germany, no less than one in two long-distance buses bear the Mercedes-Benz or Setra logo. Like its predecessor the new Tourismo RHD will be manufactured at the Turkish plant in Ho?dere near Istanbul. Safety: The safest touring coach in its category
The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RHD is the safest vehicle in its class. Emergency Brake Assist, Stop Assist for stop-and-go traffic, Attention Assist – just three examples of the wealth of highly developed safety engineering in the new Tourismo. Customers are able to configure the extensive safety features to suit the intended application. The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RHD also sets new standards in this segment when it comes to passive safety: in the event of an accident despite all safety measures, the unique Front Collision Guard (FCG) will protect the driver and co-driver in the event of a collision.
Functionality: four models, two cockpits, a high-decker made to measure
A touring coach is a capital investment for the operator, and a workplace for its driver. They both have extremely high expectations in terms of functionality. The new Tourismo RHD lives up to these expectations with its modular system. With four models in three different lengths, the high-decker model covers virtually all requirements. For the first time, all models are available with both left and right-hand drive. Operators are also able to choose between two cockpit variants. Both versions are equipped with a multifunction steering wheel and new instrument cluster with a TFT colour screen, but are different in form and function depending on the user. The Comfort Plus cockpit, for instance, is fitted with the Coach Multimedia System. It has clearly laid-out controls for the entire entertainment electronics, the navigation system included as standard and a Bluetooth module for telephone operation.
Comfort: light interior, new seating, individual appointments
The new Tourismo RHD welcomes passengers with a convenient entryway and a bright interior. With a range of different patterns for the flooring, numerous fabric options for seat covers, side walls, curtains, the underside of the luggage carrier shelves and the central ceiling panel, operators can configure the new Tourismo RHD individually. A kitchen in the interior design and a new air conditioning system additionally enhance travelling comfort for passengers. Using the optional media router for on-board WIFI, passengers will also be able to access the internet and its websites conveniently.
New top-of-the-range engine offers outstanding performance
With the change of model, Mercedes-Benz is now adding a new top-of-the-range engine to expand the output spectrum for the Tourismo RHD. The three familiar output categories of the in-line six-cylinder unit, with 265 kW (360 hp), 290 kW (394 hp) and 315 kW (428 hp), have now been topped by a variant with an output of 335 kW (456 hp) and a particularly powerful peak torque of 2200 Nm.
The bare facts of output and torque of this new variant already give an indication of its outstanding performance. With a specific output of 31.4 kW per litre of displacement (42.7 hp/l) and a specific torque of 206 Nm/l, the OM 470 is one of the most powerful engines in its size category, making it the obvious choice for customers seeking that combination of exceptional performance and outstanding economic efficiency.
New entry-level engine with impressive fuel efficiency
Mercedes-Benz is also extending its engine portfolio for the Tourismo RHD at the other end of the scale. The key word in this case is downsizing: the new addition to the high-decker’s engine range is the super-compact in-line six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 936, with a displacement of 7.7 l, which can be fitted as an option. Courtesy of two-stage turbocharging, the engine achieves an output of 260 kW (354 hp) and a peak torque of 1400 Nm, thus proving itself remarkably powerful. The engine with this power level has already proved its capability in the compact Tourismo K, the inter-city bus Mercedes-Benz Intouro and even in the mighty Citaro G articulated bus, so now it’s the turn of the high-deck touring coach.
The new compact engine is available for both two-axle variants of the Tourismo RHD. It is the ideal solution for situations where exceptional economy in terms of fuel consumption is sought in conjunction with maximum payload for a full complement of seats in topographically less challenging environments. Examples for this might include shuttle vehicles, buses for combined excursion and regular-service use, or countries and regions with traditionally lower performance requirements.
State-of-the-art assistance systems and the ultimate in active and passive safety – there is no safer touring coach in this segment than the new Tourismo RHD
Mercedes-Benz and safety – the two are inseparably linked. Every bus or coach built by Mercedes-Benz offers the ultimate in safety for its passengers, its driver and for other road users. The key objective in all this is the active prevention of accidents. Should an accident nevertheless occur, its consequences will be kept to a minimum. The Mercedes-Benz integral safety concept was developed with all this in mind. For the new Tourismo RHD the consequence of this work is that there is no safer coach in its segment.
The holistic approach to safety – the integral safety concept
The integral safety concept for Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches involves a holistic approach and is made up of a number of separate modules. The fundamental starting point is a comfortable and safe suspension offering outstanding handling, coupled with an exemplary cockpit for the driver with maximum operating comfort and an exceptional level of driver-fitness safety. Whether we’re talking about the ergonomically perfect dashboard, a comfortable, multi-way adjustable seat or a mirror system that is second to none – the new Tourismo RHD is driver-oriented and therefore safety-oriented through and through. Assistance systems provide the driver with further support. Passive safety systems ensure maximum protection should, despite everything, an accident occur. Flanking measures for the Tourismo RHD include driver safety training, conscientious maintenance and the use of certified genuine parts.
Stop/Start Assist provides automatic assistance in queuing traffic
Adaptive cruise control combined with the additional Stop/Start Assist function supports the driver in traffic jams or as traffic continues to slow down. Whereas adaptive cruise control operates in a speed range from 15 km/h to 100 km/h, the additional function extends that from 0 km/h to 100 km/h. If the vehicle is at a standstill for no longer than two seconds, the distance controller remains active even in slow-moving traffic below 15 km/h and will take the coach from a standstill back to the previously specified speed. If this two-second period is exceeded, the driver can reactivate adaptive cruise control by gently tapping the accelerator pedal or using the appropriate cruise control button on the steering wheel keypad. Steady braking and acceleration boost ride comfort for passengers and reduce the strain on the driver.
A multitude of individual safety features
Mercedes-Benz will equip the high-decker as an option with a rain and light sensor. Its diodes are used to identify rain or spray and their intensity, oncoming lights, ambient light and tunnels, so allowing it automatically to switch the driving lights and the windscreen wipers on or off, adjusting the latter’s speed as necessary.
A reversing camera helps the driver during manoeuvring. This now monitors a wider vertical and horizontal angle, making it even more useful than ever.
The automatic tyre pressure monitoring system (TPM) issues a warning of the tyre pressure deviates from what it should be. Sensors are used to calculate the pressures of each tyre precisely, which are then shown clearly in the dashboard display. In this way the driver can see the exact tyre pressure for each separate tyre and, if necessary, adjust it at the next stop. Correct tyre pressures reduce wear on the tyres and can prevent tyre damage, while they can also have a positive impact on consumption and emissions.
The annular frame design meets structural rigidity requirements in accordance with UN-ECE R66.02
Should, despite all safety measures, the high-deck model tip over onto its side or even roll down an embankment, the all-encompassing annular frame structure of the new Tourismo RHD provides the best possible protection and maximum survival space. This annular frame technology is the prerequisite for the coach’s strong and yet lightweight shell. The high-decker meets the forthcoming requirements for structural rigidity as defined in the regulation UN ECE R66.02. Guidelines for Rescue Services simplify access to the interior after an accident for the emergency services.
Last, but by no means least, the standard equipment of all Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches includes a fire alarm system with a detection function that monitors the engine compartment. In addition, smoke alarms for the luggage compartment and toilet are available, as is an extinguishing system for the engine compartment.
The new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RHD is celebrating its world premiere in Brussels today. After nearly 20 years, the high-decker touring coach (RHD) is a completely new version set to continue the long success story. The preceding model is truly a bestseller, with around 26 000 units sold since its introduction. More than 2000 units were handed over to customers in 2016 alone. This represents a market share of around 20 percent in Europe, making it Europe's most successful touring coach. The prospects for the succeeding model are also more than promising, as the new Tourismo will set standards with respect to fuel efficiency, comfort and safety in the constantly growing touring and inter-city bus market. "The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo is the most successful European touring coach of all time, and a key driver for the success of Daimler Buses. In order to safeguard our market leadership in this segment for the future, we have invested 400 million euros in the development and production of completely new touring coach generations. This makes our bestseller even more economical, comfortable and safe," says Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses.
All-rounder for the long-distance bus sector
With its four model variants and a wide variety of powertrains and equipment, the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo covers the wide-ranging needs of customers in the entire touring coach segment.
Hartmut Schick: "The new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo is a genuine all-rounder. Whether as a shuttle-bus, charter or long-distance bus, it offers our customers an even wider range of applications than before. This particularly pays off for the constantly growing long-distance buses services in Europe. It is especially here that bus operators increasingly rely on great operational variety and flexibility."
Daimler Buses holds a market share of over 40 percent in the constantly growing European long-distance bus services. In Germany, no less than one in two long-distance buses bear the Mercedes-Benz or Setra logo. Like its predecessor the new Tourismo RHD will be manufactured at the Turkish plant in Ho?dere near Istanbul. Safety: The safest touring coach in its category
The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RHD is the safest vehicle in its class. Emergency Brake Assist, Stop Assist for stop-and-go traffic, Attention Assist – just three examples of the wealth of highly developed safety engineering in the new Tourismo. Customers are able to configure the extensive safety features to suit the intended application. The Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RHD also sets new standards in this segment when it comes to passive safety: in the event of an accident despite all safety measures, the unique Front Collision Guard (FCG) will protect the driver and co-driver in the event of a collision.
Functionality: four models, two cockpits, a high-decker made to measure A touring coach is a capital investment for the operator, and a workplace for its driver. They both have extremely high expectations in terms of functionality. The new Tourismo RHD lives up to these expectations with its modular system. With four models in three different lengths, the high-decker model covers virtually all requirements. For the first time, all models are available with both left and right-hand drive. Operators are also able to choose between two cockpit variants. Both versions are equipped with a multifunction steering wheel and new instrument cluster with a TFT colour screen, but are different in form and function depending on the user. The Comfort Plus cockpit, for instance, is fitted with the Coach Multimedia System. It has clearly laid-out controls for the entire entertainment electronics, the navigation system included as standard and a Bluetooth module for telephone operation. Comfort: light interior, new seating, individual appointments The new Tourismo RHD welcomes passengers with a convenient entryway and a bright interior. With a range of different patterns for the flooring, numerous fabric options for seat covers, side walls, curtains, the underside of the luggage carrier shelves and the central ceiling panel, operators can configure the new Tourismo RHD individually. A kitchen in the interior design and a new air conditioning system additionally enhance travelling comfort for passengers. Using the optional media router for on-board WIFI, passengers will also be able to access the internet and its websites conveniently.
New top-of-the-range engine offers outstanding performance With the change of model, Mercedes-Benz is now adding a new top-of-the-range engine to expand the output spectrum for the Tourismo RHD. The three familiar output categories of the in-line six-cylinder unit, with 265 kW (360 hp), 290 kW (394 hp) and 315 kW (428 hp), have now been topped by a variant with an output of 335 kW (456 hp) and a particularly powerful peak torque of 2200 Nm. The bare facts of output and torque of this new variant already give an indication of its outstanding performance. With a specific output of 31.4 kW per litre of displacement (42.7 hp/l) and a specific torque of 206 Nm/l, the OM 470 is one of the most powerful engines in its size category, making it the obvious choice for customers seeking that combination of exceptional performance and outstanding economic efficiency. New entry-level engine with impressive fuel efficiency Mercedes-Benz is also extending its engine portfolio for the Tourismo RHD at the other end of the scale. The key word in this case is downsizing: the new addition to the high-decker's engine range is the super-compact in-line six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 936, with a displacement of 7.7 l, which can be fitted as an option. Courtesy of two-stage turbocharging, the engine achieves an output of 260 kW (354 hp) and a peak torque of 1400 Nm, thus proving itself remarkably powerful. The engine with this power level has already proved its capability in the compact Tourismo K, the inter-city bus Mercedes-Benz Intouro and even in the mighty Citaro G articulated bus, so now it's the turn of the high-deck touring coach. The new compact engine is available for both two-axle variants of the Tourismo RHD. It is the ideal solution for situations where exceptional economy in terms of fuel consumption is sought in conjunction with maximum payload for a full complement of seats in topographically less challenging environments. Examples for this might include shuttle vehicles, buses for combined excursion and regular-service use, or countries and regions with traditionally lower performance requirements.
State-of-the-art assistance systems and the ultimate in active and passive safety – there is no safer touring coach in this segment than the new Tourismo RHD Mercedes-Benz and safety – the two are inseparably linked. Every bus or coach built by Mercedes-Benz offers the ultimate in safety for its passengers, its driver and for other road users. The key objective in all this is the active prevention of accidents. Should an accident nevertheless occur, its consequences will be kept to a minimum. The Mercedes-Benz integral safety concept was developed with all this in mind. For the new Tourismo RHD the consequence of this work is that there is no safer coach in its segment. The holistic approach to safety – the integral safety concept The integral safety concept for Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches involves a holistic approach and is made up of a number of separate modules. The fundamental starting point is a comfortable and safe suspension offering outstanding handling, coupled with an exemplary cockpit for the driver with maximum operating comfort and an exceptional level of driver-fitness safety. Whether we're talking about the ergonomically perfect dashboard, a comfortable, multi-way adjustable seat or a mirror system that is second to none - the new Tourismo RHD is driver-oriented and therefore safety-oriented through and through. Assistance systems provide the driver with further support. Passive safety systems ensure maximum protection should, despite everything, an accident occur. Flanking measures for the Tourismo RHD include driver safety training, conscientious maintenance and the use of certified genuine parts.
Stop/Start Assist provides automatic assistance in queuing traffic Adaptive cruise control combined with the additional Stop/Start Assist function supports the driver in traffic jams or as traffic continues to slow down. Whereas adaptive cruise control operates in a speed range from 15 km/h to 100 km/h, the additional function extends that from 0 km/h to 100 km/h. If the vehicle is at a standstill for no longer than two seconds, the distance controller remains active even in slow-moving traffic below 15 km/h and will take the coach from a standstill back to the previously specified speed. If this two-second period is exceeded, the driver can reactivate adaptive cruise control by gently tapping the accelerator pedal or using the appropriate cruise control button on the steering wheel keypad. Steady braking and acceleration boost ride comfort for passengers and reduce the strain on the driver. A multitude of individual safety features Mercedes-Benz will equip the high-decker as an option with a rain and light sensor. Its diodes are used to identify rain or spray and their intensity, oncoming lights, ambient light and tunnels, so allowing it automatically to switch the driving lights and the windscreen wipers on or off, adjusting the latter's speed as necessary. A reversing camera helps the driver during manoeuvring. This now monitors a wider vertical and horizontal angle, making it even more useful than ever. The automatic tyre pressure monitoring system (TPM) issues a warning of the tyre pressure deviates from what it should be. Sensors are used to calculate the pressures of each tyre precisely, which are then shown clearly in the dashboard display. In this way the driver can see the exact tyre pressure for each separate tyre and, if necessary, adjust it at the next stop. Correct tyre pressures reduce wear on the tyres and can prevent tyre damage, while they can also have a positive impact on consumption and emissions. The annular frame design meets structural rigidity requirements in accordance with UN-ECE R66.02 Should, despite all safety measures, the high-deck model tip over onto its side or even roll down an embankment, the all-encompassing annular frame structure of the new Tourismo RHD provides the best possible protection and maximum survival space. This annular frame technology is the prerequisite for the coach's strong and yet lightweight shell. The high-decker meets the forthcoming requirements for structural rigidity as defined in the regulation UN ECE R66.02. Guidelines for Rescue Services simplify access to the interior after an accident for the emergency services. Last, but by no means least, the standard equipment of all Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches includes a fire alarm system with a detection function that monitors the engine compartment. In addition, smoke alarms for the luggage compartment and toilet are available, as is an extinguishing system for the engine compartment.
