Intouro MA-MB 4000 test vehicle: Important technical details

• Modern intercity bus in traditional format for sophisticated fleets
• Comfortable seating, generous space, efficient climate control
• Driver-oriented cockpit with exemplary standard equipment
• Drivetrain with well-proven components
• Unique safety equipment with ABA5 and Sideguard Assist

A true intercity bus must be functional, convenient and economical as it is the workhorse among buses. The Mercedes-Benz Intouro test vehicle meets all the requirements of a high-floor intercity bus in the twelve-metre segment and, in addition to scheduled regular service applications, it also covers shuttle trips with luggage and operations in works traffic.

Modern intercity bus in traditional format for sophisticated fleets

Two axles, around 12 metres in length, 51 passenger seats, a large destination display – bearing the MA-MB 4000 license plate number, a state-of-the-art intercity bus in a traditional format leads the way. In this version, it has its place in every fleet that keeps an eye on the pleasant external appearance of its buses as the company's calling card. This is demonstrated by the integral outside mirrors and the attractive blue paintwork that includes the bumpers.

The convenient entrance through a 900 mm wide single-wing outward-swinging door with a low door panel at the front and an approximately 1380 mm wide centre door with a high door panel ensure a swift and secure passenger turnaround. Both entrances of the test vehicle are equipped with contactless disinfectant dispensers. Despite the double-width centre door, the Intouro offers a full seating capacity of 51 seats. A practical swivelling double seat fitted at the entrance 2 makes this possible. If it is used, the front wing of the centre door remains locked.

The entrance to door 2 conceals a semi-automatic lift that allows wheelchair users or parents with prams to get on board comfortably and safely. They will find their place directly opposite on the large special-purpose area. The retractors for attachment and the two-point seat belt are within easy reach in the platforms.

Comfortable seating, generous space, efficient climate control

With their high backrests, the Interstar Eco intercity seats provide pleasant seating comfort even when on board for longer periods of time. Their upholstery adds a touch of flair to the functional design of the passenger compartment: The seat surface and seat backrest are predominantly upholstered in the warm "Solin red" colour. Variety and a lively interplay of colours create seats upholstered in the muted "Solin blue". The rear sides of the backrests are fully upholstered with dark "Etna" needle felt. Colourful splashes in the dark grey floor add further colour to the bus. All seats are equipped with two-point seat belts. One grab handle on the backrest and one on the aisle side provide support.

When you look upwards, the first thing you see is the luggage racks with a slotted base. Nothing gets left behind here when getting out. Both the interior ceiling with aluminum profile borders and the barriers with glass inserts at the entrances accentuate the high quality of the Intouro. The headroom of 2.18 metres in the centre aisle provides a pleasant sense of space – even for standing passengers when the bus is operating at full occupancy. The feeling of spaciousness is also the perfect keyword for the luggage compartment: With a volume of around 4.9 m³ between the axles, the Intouro is ideally suited for trips with luggage, for example, on rural intercity routes with a railway station as the point of destination, or for shuttle services, for example, between the airport and the city centre.

The test vehicle provides a pleasant climate on board in both summer and winter. The powerful heater blower heats the vehicle interior quickly and reliably even after the double-width centre door has been opened at a bus stop. During the warmer months of the year, the powerful roof-mounted air conditioning system ensures pleasant temperatures on board. Just like the separate air conditioning unit for the driver's area, it is equipped with high-performance particulate filters with an antiviral functional layer to prevent infection. The double glazing at the sides of the bus supports climate control and prevents the windows from misting up, especially in wet and cold weather.

Driver-oriented cockpit with exemplary standard equipment

Although the cockpit bears the "Basic" designation, its functions go far beyond basic equipment in addition to the driver-focused and ergonomically optimal design. Even the standard equipment with multifunction steering wheel, central colour display, rain/light sensor and the convenient and secure electronic parking brake sets standards. Practical stowage compartments and shelves bring order to the cockpit. Last but not least, the test vehicle has a high partition to the passenger compartment and another pivoting partition towards the entrance to reduce the risk of infection.

Drivetrain with well-proven components

The drivetrain of the test vehicle has been meticulously designed and assembled. Its foundation is the compact and smoothly running Mercedes-Benz OM 936 six-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 7.7 litres in its most powerful version developing 260 kW (354 hp). It is combined with the modern ZF Ecolife 2 automatic transmission with torque converter. Its six gears provide appropriate engine output at all times. The third component is the Mercedes-Benz RO 440 drive axle designed specifically for buses. Its hypoid gearing ensures both high profitability and comfortably quiet running. All three components have proven their worth in many applications and represent reliability, economy and comfort.

Unique safety equipment with ABA5 and Sideguard Assist

A particular domain of the Mercedes-Benz Intouro and especially of the test vehicle is safety. The familiar components such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Lane Assistant (SPA) and Brake Assist (BA) are joined by the emergency braking assistant Active Brake Assist 5, or ABA 5 for short. Within the system limits, this assistance system can automatically initiate maximum full-stop braking for stationary and moving obstacles as well as moving pedestrians.

The comprehensive safety package of the test vehicle also includes the optional radar-based Sideguard Assist cornering assistant with pedestrian detection. It supports the driver in particular when turning in urban areas and effectively protects vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, there is the TPM tyre pressure monitoring system. TPM stands for Tyre Pressure Management. This system serves both safety and profitability, because incorrect tyre pressure – here: too low – increases fuel consumption and also decreases mileage.

Technical data of the Mercedes-Benz Intouro MA-MB 4000