All-rounder with the three-pointed star: the new Mercedes-Benz Intouro sets the standard for flexibility, efficiency and safety

• Great versatility thanks to a diverse range of models
• Flexible concept with customised equipment
• Economic efficiency comes as standard: up to 3 percent reduction in fuel consumption
• Passenger compartment: generous sense of space, high-quality design
• Modular fittings from inter-city to excursion transport
• Functional, driver-oriented cockpit to touring coach standard
• Safe and practical: the new electronic parking brake
• Active Brake Assist 5: milestone in the evolution of safety
• Sideguard Assist is on the alert when making turns and changing lane
• Omniplus services further increase economic efficiency

Maximum flexibility and economic efficiency, top levels of functionality, and comfort and convenience tailored to the specific application, all safeguarded by pioneering assistance systems: the all-new Mercedes-Benz Intouro raises the bar for buses for inter-city and excursion transport to a whole new level. As a thoroughbred Mercedes-Benz, this all-rounder is the new technology leader in its segment. Examples include innovative components for the climate control system and cockpit, the unique optionally available emergency braking assistant Active Brake Assist 5 with pedestrian detection, and Sideguard Assist as an aid to making turns. At the same time, with its modular equipment concept the all-rounder can be tailored to meet the specific needs of various areas of operation.

Great versatility thanks to a diverse range of models

The new Mercedes-Benz Intouro covers an enormous range of possible applications. This ranges from the high-floor bus with luggage compartment to school buses and shuttle buses, as well as vehicles for moving employees around works sites and a comfortable coach variant for day trips and weekend excursions. The model range is extensive enough to cover all these uses. For example, the Intouro will be available for the first time both in a practical compact format and as a 14.88-metre three-axle version.

The new Intouro will initially appear in the segment in which it enjoys the highest sales – as the 12.18-metre Intouro and the 13.09-metre Intouro M. Both vehicles are two-axle buses suitable for any type of operation. The Intouro M deserves a special mention: it is 23 cm shorter than its predecessor yet the maximum number of seats remains the same at 63. With the wheelbase also being shorter, the result is surprisingly good handling for a big two-axle vehicle.

These will be followed by the highly agile Intouro K (10.75 metres in length) and the 14.88-metre Intouro L. The Intouro K is a perfect choice for journeys in mountainous regions, towns with winding streets and for small group outings, whereas the Intouro L is the solution for inter-city services with very high passenger volumes and also for works traffic.

The future Mercedes-Benz Intouro model range:

• Intouro K, length 10.75 m, wheelbase 5.27 m, turning circle 18.34 m, 47 passenger seats as standard,
• Intouro , length 12.18 m, wheelbase 6.08 m, turning circle 21.46 m, 51 passenger seats as standard, with a maximum of 55,
• Intouro M, length 13.09 m, wheelbase 6.99 m, turning circle 23.83 m, 59 passenger seats as standard, with a maximum of 63,
• Intouro L, three-axle vehicle, length 14.88 m, wheelbase 7.18 + 1.60 m, turning circle 24.06 m, 71 passenger seats as standard.

All four versions of the Intouro cover the traditional high-floor inter-city bus segment, with a centre aisle height of 860 millimetres. The luggage compartment is big enough to cope with mini-breaks involving an overnight stay.

Active Brake Assist 5: milestone in the evolution of safety

The new Intouro is the first bus from Mercedes-Benz to be based on an enhanced electrical/electronics platform. Among other things, it forms the basis for the latest generation of assistance systems. With these, the Intouro is setting new industry standards throughout its segment and beyond. For example, the Intouro is the first Mercedes-Benz bus to feature the unique emergency braking assistance system Active Brake Assist 5 – or ABA 5 – another milestone in the evolution of safety.

Presented in a Mercedes-Benz touring coach for the first time in 2008, the Active Brake Assist system has been continuously refined, now reaching another peak of performance in its fifth generation. For the first time, ABA 5 works using a combined radar and camera system. Within its limits, the optionally available assistance system can automatically execute a full-stop braking manoeuvre to bring the vehicle to a standstill to avoid a stationary or moving obstacle. As the first globally available emergency braking assistance system for buses, ABA 5 can also effect an automated full-stop braking manoeuvre to avoid moving pedestrians.

Active Brake Assist 5 can identify moving pedestrians as well as people who suddenly stop and stand still. In practice the process is as follows: if there is a risk of a collision with a pedestrian, Active Brake Assist 5 provides the driver with visual and acoustic warnings and simultaneously carries out a partial application of the brakes. If the driver fails to respond, an emergency braking manoeuvre follows automatically, bringing the vehicle to a standstill. 

Sideguard Assist is on the alert when making turns and changing lane

Another optionally available item among the outstanding new safety equipment for the Intouro is Sideguard Assist, the turning assistance system with pedestrian detection (eligible for financial aid in Germany). In inter-city transport in particular, it assumes an important assistance role: it supports the driver primarily when making turns in built-up areas and also gives effective protection to more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

The centrepiece is a radar sensor system with two short-range radar sensors on the co-driver's side. The lateral monitoring zone has a width of 3.75 m and covers more than the full length of the bus. At speeds over 36 km/h, this strip is extended by to up to 5 m at the front and up to 15 m at the back.

If a moving object is located in the monitoring zone, an LED lights up in the shape of a yellow triangle on the co-driver’s side at the driver’s eye level. If the sensors detect a danger of collision, the LED flashes several times with increased intensity and in red. After two seconds, it remains permanently illuminated in red. There is also a vibration in the driver’s seat.

When making a turn, Sideguard Assist also provides warnings of stationary obstacles in the turning radius, e.g. traffic lights or bollards. At speeds above 36 km/h, it also functions as an assistance system to warn the driver when moving into a right-hand lane. This means that Sideguard Assist provides support when changing lane, for instance when overtaking a cyclist in an out-of-town setting or when changing lane on multi-lane roads.

The highest levels of passive safety

However, should an accident occur despite the highly sophisticated assistance systems, passengers in the Intouro enjoy the best possible protection. Its passive safety complies with the latest EU regulations governing structural strength.

The Intouro also meets all current requirements such as the prescribed surface area for emergency exits in the roof, emergency lighting and protection against fire, including flammability of materials used in the interior and the required automatic fire-extinguishing system in the engine compartment.

Flexible concept with customised equipment

The Intouro’s plethora of variants is impressive – whatever the question, it has the perfect answer. These include destination displays in various sizes, a choice of single- or double-width entry in the middle and two different lifts available there. Seating and luggage racks are available to suit every requirement from inter-city services to mini-break holidays. In addition, there is a custom choice of heating and air conditioning systems, two engines with three different power bands and, last but not least, four different transmissions.

With its considerably expanded range, the new Intouro supersedes the previous model series consisting of three two-axle inter-city buses. Furthermore, the new development signals a product overhaul by Daimler Buses in the inter-city bus segment: the previous MultiClass 400 UL and UL business from the sister brand Setra will be merged into the new Intouro. The Setra range will continue to include the highly popular Multiclass 400 LE business model series. This will result in a clearly structured offering: the high-floor inter-city bus segment will be covered by the Intouro, and the Setra LE business will represent the low-entry market. The low-entry (LE) buses with easy-access low-floor front section and a comfortable high-floor rear have been extremely popular with bus operators all over Europe for five years.

Practical design, optimised aerodynamics

The Intouro body has been designed to be practical and functional, in keeping with its primary area of operation as an inter-city service bus. This applies equally to the steep vertical sweep of the windscreen, the trademark powerful design of the grille and headlamp unit and the straight lines of the side walls, with their almost completely smooth and seamless construction. The rear section of the Intouro also has a no-nonsense design. The engine cover without ventilation slits is a clear example. This makes the body easy to clean and also facilitates the application of company insignia or advertising.

The large edge radii of the windscreen edges, flush-fitted windows and very tightly closing doors, plus a roof-mounted air vent at the front serve to cut fuel consumption and reduce wind noise inside the vehicle. If the Intouro is intended for short holiday trips involving frequent motorway travel, the optionally available body-lowering mechanism for high speeds is recommended. This trick for reducing fuel consumption has already proven successful in the high-deck Mercedes-Benz Tourismo touring coach.

Economic efficiency comes as standard: up to 3 percent reduction in fuel consumption

In addition to optimising the vehicle’s aerodynamics, its weight has also been reduced by an average of around 300 kg compared to the previous model. This is partly the result of completely redesigning the bodyshell. Together, both measures save fuel. Depending on the field of operations, the consumption of the standard version is up to three percent lower, and with additional equipment options such as automatic vehicle lowering at motorway speeds and the future hybrid variant, additional savings potential is possible.

The optional Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) also offers potential fuel savings: correct tyre pressure reduces fuel consumption and tyre wear, and TPM can also provide early warning of tyre damage. 

Selected components reduce the cost of replacement parts

In the new Intouro, design and technical development are seamlessly interconnected to deliver maximum economic efficiency. A large number of the Intouro’s components have already proven themselves in other vehicles manufactured by the Group, underscoring its identity as a member of the brand. At the same time, high unit numbers and simplified spare parts logistics serve to reduce costs in the event of minor damage.

For example, the headlamps for the Intouro originate from Mercedes-Benz Trucks. They are available in a large number of variants with halogen or bi-xenon lamps, with or without daytime running lamps and in combination with front fog lamps and cornering light function. Folding bumper corners facilitate the task of changing bulbs. The tail lamps of the Intouro are already familiar from the Citaro. The Intouro gets its position lamps from the Tourismo. As in that vehicle, the Intouro has them located at the front behind the windscreen and beneath the rear window at the back. This creates an elegant look and protects against damage.

The equipment choices for exterior mirrors of the Intouro are also as flexible as the vehicle itself. The standard mirrors on brackets represent excellent value and are easy to replace if damaged in the tough conditions of regular service operations. As an alternative, the exterior mirrors can be mounted on the co-driver’s side as an integrated mirror on an elegant arm and fitted directly to the A-pillar on the driver’s side. In a third variant, the Intouro can be fitted with integrated mirrors on both sides.

Another example of the practical approach to design and development can be seen in the door panels. These are available in different heights, depending on intended use. If the emphasis is to be on excursions and mini-breaks, door panels up to belt rail height are recommended. If the vehicle is going to be used mainly for inter-city services, the glazing extends further down the door so passengers can see better when exiting. Even here, the new Intouro has a narrow door panel. This reduces costs in the event of minor damage considerably as it is not necessary to replace a complete door pane.

The arrangement of the switch panels is also worth mentioning in this context. The main switch panel is easily accessible for maintenance work, located in the luggage compartment on the upper left when facing the direction of travel. In the Intouro K it is under the driver’s seat. The auxiliary switch panel is housed in a stowage compartment on the right-hand side behind the rear axle.

Passenger compartment: generous sense of space, high-quality design

The high sweep of the windscreen in the new Intouro is the prerequisite for the wide and therefore comfortable entrance through the single-wing door ahead of the front axle. If the vehicle is intended for use as a school bus, the entrance can be lowered by several centimetres by fitting the optionally available size 275/70 R 22.5 tyres instead of the usual standard 295/80 R 22.5 format. The central entrance has a single-wing door as standard and is optionally available in a two-wing variant for the rapid transfer of passengers. 

On board, passengers benefit from a very generous sense of space. This comes from the almost vertical side walls and the optional air ducts and luggage racks. The new central ceiling section is considerably wider than in the previous model and is elegantly finished at the sides with aluminium profiles. A new lighter and welcoming colour scheme for the centre ceiling section and the side panels also adds to the pleasant sense of space. The Intouro has smooth walls as standard which are therefore easy to clean. They are available on request with comfortable needle felt panelling. Glass partitions and the single-piece rear-end ceiling trim are further examples of the high quality design of the passenger area.

With an interior headroom of over two metres, the Intouro offers a good deal of space overall for standing passengers on regular service routes. For this application, equipment including grab rails and ceiling handrails can be supplied.

The platforms have been raised by 40 mm to 210 mm in comparison with the previous model. This gives seated passengers a very good view through the side windows. The platforms are also level now with no incline towards the rear; the protrusion of the wheel arches into the passenger compartment is only minor.

Modular fittings from inter-city to excursion transport

The passenger compartment has a modular design, with equipment to cover a wide spectrum from the extremely cost-conscious inter-city services to comfortable fittings for excursions and mini-breaks.

The two-wing, wide variant of door 2 provides the prerequisite for the optionally available lift for the use of passengers with restricted mobility. It can be supplied in a semi-automatic version (new) and is low-maintenance. As an alternative, a fully automatic version which is particularly easy to operate is also available.

Buses for inter-city service operations are provided with a special space opposite the centre door for standing passengers or to accommodate a pram or wheelchair. Here the Intouro enters completely new territory: wheelchairs are secured to the floor by means of mushroom-head fastenings instead of dirt-prone rails. As an alternative, wheelchair retaining straps with an inertia reel system can be fitted. These are accommodated in the platform and easy to reach for the driver. The new system is quicker to use, so reducing waiting times at the bus stop.

Alternatively, the new Intouro can be supplied with full seating, or with a quick-release removable platform opposite the centre entrance. In the area by the double-width door there is the option of fitting a double swivel seat to maximise the available seating for longer inter-city service routes or works traffic. 

Seating, luggage racks and service sets made to measure

The seating can be configured with many variations: operators can choose between the functional Inter Star Eco (ISE) arrangement for inter-city service routes and the comfortable Travel Star Eco (TSE) seating for excursions. Both versions are manufactured in-house and are available in a large number of variants. The range covers everything from a cost-effective solution for inter-city transport through to fully-fledged coach seats. For school bus use, retainers for school bags are available under the seats.

The luggage racks are another good example of the modular design of the Intouro: depending on use, the Intouro can be supplied without luggage racks and air ducts, with air ducts but without luggage racks, with luggage racks with a slotted base typical of regular service buses or with a full floor for excursion and travel and holiday tours. The range of comfort and convenience equipment is just as varied: air ducts without passenger control panels for cost-optimised operations, individually adjustable reading lights and air nozzles above each passenger seat or a combination of the above.

New ideas for climate control

Heating, ventilation and climate control are also configurable according to need in the Intouro. The side windows can be single- or double-glazed as desired. Powerful blower heaters warm up the passenger area quickly and with the standard single glazing, ventilation is via hinged windows. In addition, two roof hatches are also available as an option – they simultaneously serve as prescribed emergency exits – as well as powerful ventilators above the rear section.

If the operator wants an air-conditioning system, there are more decisions to be made. The classic roof-mounted air-conditioning system is particularly powerful, with an output of 32 to 39 kW, depending on the model. Here, the cooled air is distributed around the passenger compartment via roof ducts.

If only a slight moderation of the temperature in the passenger compartment is adequate in regions with a mild climate, then there is a new cost-effective version available with two roof-mounted air conditioning modules, each with an output of 12 kW. These are taken from the Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter. In this case, the air vents are located centrally on the underside of the air conditioning module above the centre aisle.

Heating, ventilation and climate control are controlled from a tried and trusted control element, which is also already in use in the Sprinter.

An equipment package converts the Intouro into a touring coach

The versatility of the new Intouro is underscored by a special exterior and interior equipment package for excursion and mini-break transport: it enables bus and coach companies to further refine the Intouro and raise it to the standard of a smart touring coach. On the outside, it gives the Intouro a front grille with a silver surround and silver elements, elegant integral mirrors and visible lowering of the side wall at the front. The side grille of the engine air intake is in the same colour as the body and the rear-end roof trim is painted black. A silver insert beneath the rear window emphasises the vehicle’s strong character.

Inside, the Intouro welcomes its passengers with a sliver-look grab rail and the prominent brand lettering at the side of the centre console. The driver has an anti-slip steering wheel covered in composition leather-fibre material and looks at instruments with a chrome surround and compartments with coloured inserts. The cockpit elements are "Iron Grey".

Functional, driver-oriented cockpit to touring coach standard

The driver's area in the new Intouro has also undergone a complete redesign and is – naturally for Mercedes-Benz Buses – ergonomically perfect and designed with the emphasis on the driver. The high-quality cockpit comes up to the standard of a fully-fledged touring coach in terms of looks, operating controls and instruments, including the colour display. This represents a significant upgrade of the driver’s working area when compared with ordinary inter-city buses.

The generously appointed cockpit includes a multifunction steering wheel. A rain/light sensor is also always fitted, a tangible support for the driver as well as an important safety feature. Safety is also a prime consideration in the new door control system: as prescribed, the door stops closing if it encounters an obstruction and then switches to open mode. In addition, it also stops automatically while opening if it comes into contact with an obstruction and switches to zero power. This is an important feature at busy bus stops on the school run.

The cockpit is configured for the practical installation of cash register and payment systems for regular service operations. This goes well with the optional installation of a telecommunications compartment with insert modules above the driver’s seat, following the example of the Mercedes-Benz Citaro city bus.

A practical sliding window provides ventilation for the cockpit. On request, the driver’s area can be equipped with its own separate air conditioning system. Here too, the clever component strategy comes to the fore: the driver’s air conditioning system uses the roof unit from the Mercedes-Benz Citaro.

On the right-hand side of the cockpit there is room for an optional spacious stowage unit. As an alternative, a refrigerator box for use in excursion and mini-break transport can be accommodated here. An attendant’s seat can also be supplied. 

Safe and practical: the new electronic parking brake

On the left-hand side of the instrument panel the driver will find, among other things, a USB port and the knob for the electronic parking brake, which comes as standard. The electronic parking brake brings together simple operation and a high level of safety. The driver activates the parking brake manually, either by pulling the lever or pressing the “P” button. The brake is then released either by applying pressure to the accelerator pedal or pressing the “P” button again.

The integrated “hold” function is activated when the vehicle is stationary by depressing the brake pedal. The brake is only released when the driver activates the accelerator pedal again. The system also supports the driver when driving away on a hill, with the starting-off aid, another integrated feature. Finally, the parking brake can also be activated automatically as an option, if the Intouro is stationary, and the driver releases their seat belt and leaves their seat. This prevents the vehicle from accidentally rolling away.

Engine and drive: powerful, economical and custom designed

The drive system of the Intouro is founded upon economical components which have proven themselves over and again. They are perfectly matched to one another. At the rear of the two-axle model is the compact in-line six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 936 with a displacement of 7.7 litres. It is available in output categories of 220 kW (299 hp) and 1200 Nm of torque and 260 kW (354 hp) and 1400 Nm. The three-axle Intouro L comes with the in-line six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 470 engine with a displacement of 10.7 litres as standard. It delivers 290 kW (394 hp) of power with 1900 Nm of torque.

But that's not everything: for the coming year, the Intouro will be made available with an optional recuperation module. Double-layer capacitors – so-called supercaps – store the electricity generated during the overrun phase and allow it to be used by auxiliary consumers. A hybrid variant of the Intouro is also in planning. In this version, the frugal diesel engine will be supplemented by the additional drive power of a highly efficient yet compact hybrid module. A 14-kW electric motor converts braking energy into electricity. It can also be used to assist pulling away with the diesel engine. Both technologies have already proven themselves to be very successful in the Mercedes-Benz Citaro and, particularly on regular-service bus routes with frequent braking and pulling away, they lead to a noticeable reduction in fuel consumption.

All the engines comply with the strictest version of the Euro VI emissions standard currently applicable. With a capacity of 340 litres as standard, the fuel tank is designed for longer distances or excursion transport. If the Intouro is used in its configuration as a school bus, as is especially popular in France, the capacity is 185 litres, though this can also be increased to 340 litres.

Exhaust gas cleaning is carried out using the trusted method of a soot particle filter and SCR technology with AdBlue injection. The AdBlue tank has been relocated in the new design. It is now accommodated close to the rear axle. This reduces the length of the lines to the exhaust system, and the tank is also nearer to the heat of the drivetrain, reducing the need to heat the AdBlue in minus temperatures. In addition, the new position reduces the risk of incorrect filling. The capacity of the tank is 35 litres for the Intouro K and 53 litres for all other models. This gives the vehicle an extensive range before refilling is required.

Thanks to a wide selection of transmissions, operators can configure the new Intouro to perfectly meet their specific needs. The standard transmission that comes with the Mercedes-Benz OM 936 engine is a six-speed manual transmission. For the 260 kW (354 hp) output category, there is also the optionally available Mercedes GO 250-8 PowerShift, a fully automated eight-speed transmission for buses. In combination with the OM 470 in the Intouro L it is standard equipment. On request, Mercedes-Benz can supply all three engine variants from 220 kW (299 hp) to 290 kW (394 hp) with an automatic transmission with torque converter, either from Voith or ZF as desired. The latest ZF variant, Ecolife 2 is the one offered. Its distinctive features include its low weight of up to 20 kg, changed ratios, reduced vibration and noise, a smooth torque converter lock-up clutch and a rolling function in overrun mode. This is associated with a reduction in fuel consumption.

The drive power is in each case transferred to the economical and quiet running Mercedes-Benz RO 440 hypoid axle. It was developed specifically for use in buses and has proven itself time and again in other model series as well as in the predecessor.

Omniplus services further increase economic efficiency

The full spectrum of Omniplus services is available to the new Mercedes-Benz Intouro in order to make the most of the technological capabilities of the bus: from flexible service contracts for repairs and maintenance to specially tailored driver training to develop particularly safe or fuel-efficient driving styles.

If a new Intouro is ordered with the Bus Data Center telematics box, the Omniplus On range of digital services will also be accessible: Omniplus On integrates various services such as Omniplus Uptime and the Omniplus On Signal Store for intelligently networking the vehicle, driver, operating company and service department. Bus operators can have personalised access to the different services on offer via a single portal.

Omniplus On advance monitors the technical “state of health” of the fleet to ensure maximum vehicle availability. Omniplus On monitor ensures the greatest possible efficiency in operational fleet management. Omniplus On drive simplifies many everyday tasks for the driver and makes communication more efficient. Omniplus On commerce allows round-the-clock procurement of spare parts via the Omniplus eShop.

The new Intouro: Always one star more in inter-city transport

In summary: the new Mercedes-Benz Intouro is extremely economical and versatile. It combines maximum functionality with custom-designed comfort and convenience. Added to this, it boasts outstanding levels of safety thanks to unique assistance systems. The all-new Mercedes-Benz Intouro is an all-rounder that raises the bar for buses for inter-city and excursion transport to a whole new level – in its segment the Intouro always offers one star more.