Mercedes Benz Tourismo: High-decker even safer, more comfortable, more economical and more user-friendly

• New: even more capable assistance and safety systems
• New: optional MirrorCam instead of outside mirrors
• New: bright LED headlamps and full LED rear lamps
• New: lowering of the body as standard and even more efficient
• New: Coach Infotainment series multimedia system
• New: luggage compartment opens at the touch of a button
• New: ZF Ecolife 2 Coachline automatic transmission with torque converter

The classic amongst high-decker touring coaches is setting off on a major journey with comprehensive upgrades. The range of modifications for the popular two and three-axle vehicle with its four models from 12.3 to 13.9 metres in length extends from LED headlamps and the MirrorCam to new assistance and infotainment systems as well as an automatic transmission with torque converter and the redesigned rear lamps. The Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo has never been safer, more comfortable, more economical and more user-friendly. Operators as well as passengers and drivers will benefit from this.

New: even more capable assistance and safety systems

Mercedes‑Benz is synonymous with safety. This once again becomes obvious in the Tourismo. In the run-up to the General Safety Regulation (GSR), soon to be introduced within the EU and in other European countries, it will be made even safer.

The new Active Brake Assist 6 emergency braking assistant is even more capable. Features include: it detects moving or stationary persons and cyclists in front of the vehicle and can independently implement emergency braking. With ABA 6, accidents can be avoided even more reliably. The system covers the entire speed range of the vehicle and is active in the background.

The Sideguard Assist 2 turning assistant reacts and outputs an even more precise warning if there is a risk of collision with pedestrians and cyclists. Previously available for the door side, it will also be used for the driver's side in the future. Frontguard Assist is completely new. The system warns of obstacles or people directly in front of the vehicle. Sideguard Assist 2 and Frontguard Assist combine to create a complete warning system that warns of obstacles and people at the sides and in front of the vehicle. Together with the standard reversing camera or, even more so, the optional 360° camera system, the driver is provided with a comprehensive warning system for all aspects of his bus.

Traffic Sign Assist is also new. It warns the driver if the permissible speed is exceeded. Finally, Adaptive Cruise Control (ART), Lane Assistant (SPA), the Tyre Pressure Monitoring system (TPM), Attention Assist (AtAs) and an interface for the use of alcohol testers for the driver's workplace have been adopted as standard equipment.

New: optional MirrorCam instead of outside mirrors

Attentive observers will spot the sensors for the new assistance systems. Another eye-catching feature is the optional MirrorCam instead of the conventional outside mirrors. The images from the cameras are transmitted to 15-inch monitors mounted on the inside of the A-pillars. An additional camera and a second compact monitor ensure a view of the right-hand corner at the front of the vehicle.

The MirrorCam combines numerous advantages. These include the extended field of vision for the driver, significantly better visibility in the dark, less dirt, less manoeuvring damage and a further reduction of fuel consumption thanks to a smaller frontal area.

New: bright LED headlamps and full LED rear lamps

Light is safety, LED light delivers even more safety: as an alternative to the standard halogen H7 headlamps, the Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo is now optionally available with LED headlamps in the same housing. This has numerous advantages: its light colour is similar to daylight, therefore causing less eye fatigue than halogen or xenon headlamps. Above all, the main beam ensures significantly better illumination of the roadway than other lighting technologies. In addition, the service life of LED lamps roughly corresponds to the service life of the vehicle. This reduces the necessity of bulb replacement, which saves money and downtime. At the same time, the transition increases safety: a Tourismo with LED lamps will not be travelling on the roads with just one working headlamp.

A new light signature is also being introduced with the new headlamp generation. Whether halogen or LED headlamps: position lamps, daytime running lights and turn signal lamps, all in LED technology, are now combined in a strikingly curved light rod. Finally comes the appealing rear end: also worth a look are the new full-LED rear lamps of the Tourismo with the new unmistakable light signature from Mercedes‑Benz.

New: lowering of the body as standard and even more efficient

This feature is one of the many details that ensure the exemplary economy and environmental protection of the Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo: at higher speeds, the body is automatically lowered by 20 millimetres. This reduces the front section's surface area of the high-decker and thus cuts both fuel consumption and emissions.

Previously, the body had been lowered automatically at motorway speeds from 95 km/h. In future, this will already happen once the touring coach reaches at least 79 km/h and maintains this speed for longer than ten seconds. This means that lowering also takes effect at typical speeds on trunk roads such as the German federal roads and well-developed country roads. At the same time, the technology to lower the body, previously optional equipment, has been adopted into the standard scope of equipment.

New: Coach Infotainment series multimedia system

The new Coach Infotainment series multimedia system offers state-of-the-art media usage for professional use in touring coaches. It starts with high-quality digital radio reception (DAB+) and continues with Bluetooth audio streaming. Furthermore, an HDMI interface allows for the connection of a laptop which can be used, for instance, to display travel information during a study trip or seminar content. Other terminals, such as a tour guide's smartphone or a pen drive, can be paired with the Coach Infotainment series via USB ports.

The central interface of the Coach Infotainment series is a 7-inch monitor located in the cockpit. It is positioned in the control panel on the right-hand side of the driver's workplace, also making it easily accessible from the tour guide's seat. It can be operated in various ways: using the buttons on the touchscreen surface, by voice control, as well as with traditional buttons and rotary knobs. The driver can also control the sound volume and phone functions using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. This reduces distractions while driving and thus enhances safety.

Content from the Coach Infotainment series can be played on the monitors in the passenger compartment and the speakers. This includes media that is downloaded from the Internet en route as well as media from a local database. Another advantage from the passengers' perspective: New large monitors with a diagonal screen size of 21.5 inches (54.4 centimetres) deliver a brilliant image in full HD quality throughout.

Integrated into the Coach Infotainment series is a navigation system with a 3D map for the driver. The system receives online real-time traffic updates, thus allowing the driver to adjust his route accordingly or quickly inform passengers of any changes or delays that might occur. The prerequisite for the Coach Infotainment series is the Comfort Plus cockpit. The new Coach Infotainment series is also available for right-hand-drive models.

New: luggage compartment opens at the touch of a button

Drivers can't get any more comfort: all it takes is the press of a button on the instrument panel – and the luggage compartment flaps are raised or lowered to enable loading or unloading luggage at a hotel or bus station. The new variant is available for the Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo as a customer special request in combination with lift flaps. This eliminates the need for drivers to open the flaps individually.

Better safe than sorry: the lift flaps stop automatically if they encounter an obstacle while opening. If this is the case while closing, they automatically return to their starting position. If the driver only wants to open individual flaps, he can still use them in manual mode.

New: ZF Ecolife 2 Coachline automatic transmission with torque converter

With its numerous variants and equipment, the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo is one for everyone and for all use cases. Just have a look at the drivetrain: Mercedes‑Benz six-speed manual transmission, fully automated eight-speed Mercedes‑Benz PowerShift manual bus transmission, and now the ZF Ecolife 2 Coachline automatic transmission with torque converter specially optimised for touring coaches – no high-decker offers a wider selection of transmissions suitable for any kind of application. Previously only available for right-hand drive markets, ZF Ecolife 2 Coachline is now available across the board.

The automatic transmission with torque converter is particularly suitable for use in touring coaches which are operated with a high proportion of inner-city and stop-and-go traffic. This includes shuttle buses, airport transfers or city tours, for example. It also offers advantages when driving along winding mountain roads. The benefits are quickly summarised: wear-free and comfortable moving off as well as manoeuvring, plus no interruptions in tractive power during gear changes.

Six gears and the automatic, topography-dependent adaptation of the gearshift programme ensure an economical and powerful driving style. Disengaging when the vehicle is stationary saves fuel. Exclusively for Mercedes‑Benz, the transmission features a comfortably tuned torsional damper. It prevents vibrations and reduces noise levels.

The automatic transmission with torque converter is available for all Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo models in conjunction with the Mercedes‑Benz OM 470 engine in the 315 kW (428 hp) output category. In addition to the standard axle ratio, two further ratios are available for perfect adaptation to individual applications, representing another example of the outstanding characteristics of the Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo.

Omniplus: digital is completely normal

Another advantage of the Tourismo is the comprehensive service provided by the Omniplus service brand. This applies to services ranging from changing the oil of low-emission diesel engines to supplying spare parts – now increasingly 3D-printed on site. Dealers can purchase parts 24/7 from the Omniplus eShop. Genuine remanufactured parts optimise the cost balance and the CO₂ footprint. Tailor-made service contracts provide security and cost transparency, as well as the diverse and continuously expanded digital services of Omniplus On such as the real-time monitoring of Omniplus On Uptime and Uptime pro. Digital has long been completely normal for Omniplus.