Mercedes-Benz Intouro intercity bus is a truly versatile vehicle bearing the three-pointed star Benchmark for flexibility, profitability and safety

• Great versatility in use, wide-ranging programme
• Milestones in safety development: Active Brake Assist5 and
  Sideguard Assist are highly efficient driver assistance systems
• Comprehensive protective measures against infections
• Flexible concept: customised equipment, functional design
• Economic efficiency comes as standard: up to three percent less fuel
• Modular equipment from intercity routes to excursion traffic
  and weekend trips
• Passenger compartment: generous sense of space, high-quality design
• Functional and driver-oriented cockpit at touring coach level
• Omniplus services further increase economic efficiency

Maximum profitability and flexibility, maximum functionality and customised comfort for specific applications, all backed up by pioneering assistance systems: The Mercedes-Benz Intouro intercity bus raises the bar for buses in intercity and excursion operation to a new level and with its modular equipment it adapts perfectly to its individual tasks.

Great versatility in use, wide-ranging programme

The Mercedes-Benz Intouro covers an enormous range. It encompasses high-floor intercity buses with luggage compartments, school buses and shuttle buses, works traffic operation as shuttle buses for companies and comfortable buses for day excursions and weekend trips.

The 12.18-metre Intouro and the 13.09-metre Intouro M are universally deployable buses with two axles. The Intouro offers 51 passenger seats as standard and can be equipped with a maximum of 55 seats. The Intouro M with a maximum of 63 seats offers outstanding manoeuvrability for such a large two-axle vehicle. The Intouro K, which also has two axles and is 10.75 metres long, is particularly manoeuvrable and can accommodate up to 47 passengers. It is particularly suitable for excursions through mountainous regions and on winding streets in towns and villages as well as for trips with small groups. The 14.88 metre, three-axle Intouro L with 71 passenger seats as standard is the solution for intercity routes with very high passenger volumes or for works traffic operation.

All four versions of the Intouro cover the traditional high-floor intercity bus segment, with a centre aisle height of 860 millimetres. The luggage compartment meets the requirements for a short trip with overnight stay.

Milestones in safety development: Active Brake Assist5 and
Sideguard Assist are highly efficient driver assistance systems

The Intouro intercity bus is based on an enhanced electrics/electronics platform. Among other things, it forms the basis for the latest generation of assistance systems such as the Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking assistant, or ABA 5 for short, and thus sets a further milestone in safety development. ABA 5 uses a combination of a radar system and a camera system. Within the system limits, this optional driver assistance system can automatically execute a maximum full-stop braking manoeuvre to bring the vehicle to a standstill for stationary and moving obstacles as well as for moving pedestrians and persons who suddenly come to a stop. If there is a risk of a collision with a pedestrian, Active Brake Assist 5 warns the bus driver visually and acoustically. At the same time, it initiates partial braking. If the driver fails to react, emergency braking to a vehicle standstill is automatically initiated.

The optional Sideguard Assist cornering assistant with pedestrian protection especially supports the driver when turning in built-up areas and effectively protects vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. When making a turn, Sideguard Assist also provides warnings of stationary obstacles in the turning radius such as traffic light posts or bollards. It also warns the driver when changing lanes to the right at speeds above 36 km/h. As a result, it supports the driver, for example, when passing a cyclist outside of built-up areas or when changing lanes on multi-lane roads.

Comprehensive protective measures against infections

The extensive protective measures for drivers and passengers against infections such as COVID-19 also provide safety. As the driver and passengers are in close contact with each other, especially in scheduled public transport buses when passengers get on and off or when they are purchasing tickets, an optional high partition behind the driver's area ensures the distance to passengers sitting in the first row. A swivelling driver's cab door prevents close contact with passengers entering the vehicle and at the same time allows ticket sales. Upon request, all partition walls in the area of the entrances and the special-purpose area can be raised. Optionally, contactless disinfectant dispensers are available for both entrances.

All Intouro buses equipped with an air conditioning system feature high-performance particulate filters with an antiviral functional layer as standard. These efficient active filters are installed in the air conditioner housing as standard. In conjunction with the continuous rapid exchange of air in the vehicle interior, the risk of infection from aerosols is minimised. Depending on the climate control equipment, the Intouro can rapidly exchange the air every two to four minutes.

Flexible concept: customised equipment, functional design

The Intouro's wide range of equipment provides the right answer to every question. This includes destination displays of different sizes, a single or double-width entrance at the centre door and two different lifts to choose from. Seating and luggage racks cover operations from scheduled intercity services to weekend trips and mini-break holidays. In addition, there are customised heating and climate control variants, two engines in three output levels and, last but not least, four different transmissions.

The body of the Intouro is practical and functional in keeping with its main field of application as an intercity regular service bus. This applies both to the steeply raked windscreen above the powerful and brand-typical design of the unit consisting of grille and headlamps as well as the straight lines of the side walls. They are designed to be virtually and seamlessly smooth. The rear end of the Intouro has also been shaped to meet functionality standards. This becomes clear on the engine compartment flap without ventilation slots. The body is therefore easy to clean and can also be easily equipped with company lettering or advertising.

Economic efficiency comes as standard: up to three percent less fuel

Large edge radii of the windscreen, flush-fitted windows and very tightly closing doors as well as a roof-mounted air vent at the front improve aerodynamics, reduce fuel consumption and reduce wind noise inside the vehicle. If the Intouro is intended for short trips involving frequent motorway travel, the optionally available body-lowering mechanism for high speeds is recommended to reduce fuel consumption.

The weight is also reduced by an average of around 300 kg to optimise aerodynamics. Together, both measures save fuel. Depending on the application, consumption in the standard version is up to three percent lower than in the previous model. Further savings potential is offered by the optional Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM). Correct tyre pressure reduces fuel consumption and tyre wear. TPM can also draw attention to tyre damage at an early stage. Additional savings are possible with further options such as automatic vehicle lowering at motorway speeds and in the hybrid variant.

In the Mercedes-Benz 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 of the Group. The high-volume production of components reduces spare part replacement costs and facilitates simplified spare part logistics.

Modular equipment from intercity routes to excursion traffic and weekend trips

The passenger compartment of the Intouro boasts a modular design. Its equipment covers a wide range from the strictly cost-oriented intercity bus to the comfortable version for excursions and short trips. The high sweep of the Intouro's windscreen provides the basis for a wide and therefore convenient entrance through the single-wing door in front 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 tyres.

The centre entrance has a single-wing door as standard and is optionally available with a two-wing version for fast passenger turnaround. The two-wing and thus wide variant provides the prerequisite for the optional equipment with a semi-automatic or fully automatic lift for transporting passengers with restricted mobility.

Buses for intercity service operations are provided with a special-purpose area opposite the centre door for standing passengers or the transport of a pram or wheelchair. The wheelchair is fixed to the floor with mushroom heads. On request, wheelchair restraint belts including a retraction system can be accommodated in the platforms. The system shortens the set-up time and thus the non-operational waiting time at bus stops.

Alternatively, the Intouro can be supplied with full seating or with a quickly removable interchangeable platform opposite the centre entrance. In the area around the double-width centre door, a swivelling double seat is optionally available for maximising seating space on longer intercity routes or in works traffic operation.

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

On board, passengers benefit from a very generous sense of space. This is based on the almost vertical side walls as well as the optional air ducts and luggage racks. The central ceiling section is wide and elegantly edged on the sides with aluminum profiles. The light and welcoming colour scheme of the central ceiling and the side wall trim also contributes to the pleasant sense of space. As standard, the Intouro has smooth and therefore easy-to-clean walls, which can be fitted with cozy needle felt trim on request. The partition walls in glass and the single-piece rear-end ceiling trim are further examples of the high-quality design of the passenger compartment.

In general, the Intouro with an interior standing height of more than two metres up to the area in front of the rear axle offers plenty of space for standing passengers in scheduled service on regular service routes. Equipment with grab bars and ceiling handrails is available for this application. Thanks to the platform height of 210 millimetres, seated passengers enjoy excellent visibility through the side windows. The platforms run straight and without incline up to the rear section, and the wheel arches only protrude slightly into the passenger compartment.

When it comes to seating, companies can choose between the functional Inter Star Eco (ISE) intercity seating for scheduled regular service operation and the comfortable Travel Star Eco (TSE) travel seating for excursions. The range extends from cost-efficient equipment for intercity trips to fully-fledged touring coach seats. For use as a school bus, retaining brackets to accommodate school bags are available under the seats.

Depending on the application, the Intouro can be supplied without luggage racks and air ducts, with air ducts but without racks, with luggage racks with a slotted base typical of regular service buses and with luggage racks with closed base for excursions, weekend trips and holiday tours. The operator can choose from a wide range of comfort and convenience equipment. It comprises air ducts without passenger control panels for cost-optimised operations, individually adjustable reading lights and air nozzles above each passenger seat as well as a combination of these.

The versatility of the Mercedes-Benz Intouro is underscored by a special exterior and interior equipment package for excursions and short trips. With it, bus operators can further refine the Intouro and raise it to the level of a well-maintained touring coach.

Variety of ideas for climate control

The Intouro's heating, ventilation and climate control systems are also configured according to demand. The side windows can be single or double-glazed as desired. The passenger compartment is quickly heated by powerful high-performance convector heaters. On vehicles with single glazing, ventilation and aeration is assured by the standard hinged windows. In addition, there are two roof hatches available as an optional extra that also serve as emergency exits as well as powerful ventilation systems above the rear section of the bus.

When it comes to climate control, operators have a number of choices. The traditional roof-mounted air conditioning system is particularly powerful with an output of 32 to 39 kW, depending on the model. It distributes the cooled air through roof ducts in the passenger compartment. If only a slight change of temperature in the passenger compartment is required in regions with a mild climate, there is an economical alternative available with two roof-mounted air conditioning modules and an output of 12 kW each.

Functional and driver-oriented cockpit at touring coach level

As with all Mercedes-Benz buses, the driver's place of work in the Intouro is ergonomically perfect and driver-oriented. From its visual appearance to the controls and instrumentation including a colour display, the high-quality cockpit is as luxurious as in a fully-fledged touring coach. This represents a significant upgrade of the driver's working area compared to conventional intercity buses.

The extensive equipment of the cockpit includes a multifunction steering wheel and a rain/light sensor. On the left-hand side of the instrument panel the driver will find, among other things, a USB port and the knob of the electronic parking brake with integrated hold function, which comes as standard. When the bus is at a standstill, the service brake holds the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal beyond a certain point; when moving off, the brake is automatically released again. The parking brake can also be activated automatically as an option provided that the Intouro is stationary, the driver unfastens his seat belt and leaves his seat. This prevents the bus from rolling away unintentionally.

Safety is also the focus of door control. As prescribed, the door stops closing if it comes into contact with an obstacle, and then switches to open mode. In addition, it also stops automatically when coming into contact with an obstacle during opening and disengages the door drive – an important point, for example, at busy bus stops in school bus operation.

The cockpit has been practically designed for the assembly of cash register and payment systems for scheduled regular service. This is complemented by the optional equipment with a telecommunications compartment (abbreviation: NT compartment) with insert modules above the driver's seat. A convenient sliding window provides ventilation for the driver's area. On request, the driver's area can also be equipped with a separate air conditioning system. On the right-hand side of the cockpit there is room for an optional spacious stowage cabinet. As an alternative, a refrigerator box for use in excursion and mini-break transport can be accommodated there. An attendant's seat can also be supplied.

Engine and drive: powerful, economical and customised

The drive system of the Intouro is based on economical components which have been tried and tested over and again. They are perfectly matched to one another.The compact Mercedes-Benz OM 936 six-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 7.7 litres operates at the rear of the two-axle vehicles. It is available in two output levels with 220 kW (299 hp) and 1,200 Nm torque or 260 kW (354 hp) and 1,400 Nm. The three-axle Intouro L is equipped as standard with the Mercedes-Benz OM 470 six-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 10.7 litres. It delivers 290 kW (394 hp) with a powerful torque of 1,900 Nm.

All engines comply with the currently strictest variant of the Euro VI emissions standard. With its standard capacity of 340 litres, the fuel tank is also configured for longer distances or excursions. Exhaust gas cleaning is carried out using the trusted method of particulate filters and SCR technology with AdBlue injection. The AdBlue tank is located close to the rear axle. This reduces the risk of incorrect refuelling. At the same time the tank is also positioned nearer to the heat of the drivetrain, thus reducing the need to heat the AdBlue at temperatures below freezing. The capacity of the tank is 35 litres for the Intouro K and 53 litres for all other models. This ensures a long range without refuelling.

Thanks to a very wide selection of transmissions, operators can configure the new Intouro to perfectly meet their specific needs. The series production configuration in combination with the Mercedes-Benz OM 936 engine is a six-speed manual transmission. Optionally available for the 260 kW (354 hp) output level is the fully automated Mercedes GO 250-8 PowerShift eight-speed transmission for buses. In combination with the OM 470 in the Intouro L, it is part of the standard equipment. Upon request, Mercedes-Benz will supply all three engine variants from 220 kW (299 hp) to 290 kW (394 hp) with Voith or ZF automatic transmissions featuring torque converter. In the case of the ZF variant, the latest ZF Ecolife 2 is used. In any case, the drive power is transferred to the economical and quiet-running Mercedes-Benz RO 440 hypoid axle. It has been specially developed for use in buses and has proven itself thousands of times in other model series as well as in the predecessor model of the Intouro.

Omniplus services further increase economic efficiency

The entire range of Omniplus services is available for the Mercedes-Benz Intouro in order to make the most of the technological capabilities of the bus. The spectrum extends from flexible service contracts for repair and maintenance to customised driver training for particularly safe and fuel-efficient driving. If an Intouro is ordered with the Bus Data Center telematics box, the Omniplus On range of digital services is also made accessible: Omniplus On integrates various services such as Omniplus Uptime or the Omniplus On Signal Store for intelligent networking of vehicle, driver, operating company and service. In a single portal, bus operators have personalised access to the different services on offer.

Omniplus On advance monitors the technical "state of health" of the fleet, thus ensuring maximum vehicle availability. Omniplus On monitor provides optimum efficiency in operational fleet management. Omniplus On drive simplifies many of the driver's daily tasks and makes communication more efficient. Omniplus On commerce enables efficient spare parts procurement around the clock via the Omniplus eShop.