Mercedes-Benz Omnibus goes to America: World premiere for the completely new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider – the tailor-made motorcoach for North America

• The New Mercedes-Benz Tourrider: unique Mercedes-Benz design
• Passenger compartment: comfortable and individually equipped
• Two driver-oriented cockpits that are functional and luxurious
• A safe motorcoach: the benchmark for driver assistance and safety systems
• Powertrain: powerful, efficient and proven thousands of times

Striking and distinctive design, outstanding comfort, pioneering technology, excellent safety levels, amazing individuality in equipment and, finally, remarkable fuel economy – the new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider represents a milestone for motorcoaches in North America. Developed specifically for the region, it combines the characteristics of North American motorcoaches with the unique international know-how of Mercedes‑Benz, the inventor of the bus. The new Tourrider is the Mercedes-Benz of motorcoaches.

The New Mercedes-Benz Tourrider: the program

The new Tourrider is precisely tailored to North America. As a three-axle high-decker with a vehicle length of 45 ft/13.72 m (including all add-on parts: 45’8”/13.92 m) it corresponds to the classic dimensions for the market. With identical length, its two model variants - Tourrider Business and Tourrider Premium - differ in height (Business 12’1”/3.69 m, Premium 12’3”/3.75 m) and equipment. The Tourrider Business is the coach for sophisticated expectations, the “Business Class” among motorcoaches. The Tourrider Premium is the luxury motorcoach that fulfills all the expectations of “First Class.” Both models can be individualized with numerous additional comfort and safety features.

Mercedes-Benz listened carefully to the needs and wants of North American motorcoach operators, drivers and passengers when developing the Tourider. This is underscored by time-tested components that have proven themselves many thousands of times over, from the tailor-made powertrain and the powerful air conditioning system, the highly resilient stainless steel frame, and the layout with its door arrangement, the flat floor in the passenger compartment, to the seating arrangement and restroom compartment in the rear. It naturally takes into account the traditional desires of the North American market, for example the safety bumper, the easy-to-repair two-part windshield and a body width of 102 inches (2.60 m) up to the rear of the vehicle – the new Tourrider is a true American.

Add to this its sophisticated luxury, individuality, outstanding finish and finally the very special flair of a Mercedes-Benz. This is reflected in the design, the driver-oriented cockpit, and the comfortable passenger compartment with seats developed and manufactured in-house, as well as a perfectly tuned chassis which is simultaneously comfortable and dynamic.

As is typical of a Mercedes-Benz, components are skillfully crafted and of the highest quality. Every single component of the Tourrider has proven itself a thousand-fold in practical operation; their overall composition is what makes the Tourrider unique among the motorcoaches. And finally, like every Mercedes-Benz, safety design is of the utmost importances and is why the Tourrider is offered with a range of unique assistance systems – making it a true Mercedes-Benz.

The New Mercedes-Benz Tourrider: unique Mercedes-Benz design

A Mercedes-Benz must look like a Mercedes-Benz – this is one of the designers' maxims when designing any vehicle with the three-pointed star. And that applies to the new Tourrider too; it can be recognized from afar as a member of this brand world: strong in character, unmistakable and displaying poise and assurance – a great first impression for any fleet.

Typical for the brand are its chrome-framed grille with centrally-placed star and the typical horizontal arrangement with headlamps on one level. It is no coincidence that this motif is reminiscent of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing sports car – the basic shape of the grille was developed in the 1950s for the sports car and the buses at the same time. The Tourrider brings a new interpretation of this classical theme. It carries its three-dimensional grille as a shield that almost floats in space before the motorcoach. In order that the star may shine, the louvers of the inlay are matte black, while for the Tourrider Premium they’re further refined by use of chrome braces. The curved light edge immediately above connects the grille with the housings of the LED headlamps. The ridges and surfaces thus generated create a fascinating interplay of light and shadow. The Tourrider looks out from different eyes: although the housing is identical, the Tourrider Business uses individual dome headlamps. The Tourrider Premium, on the other hand, makes use of exclusively developed full LED headlamps. The designer's expert hand is also evident in the harmonious soft transition below the grille to the integrated safety bumpers. The lower edge is refined by a chrome strip on the Tourrider Premium.

The three-pointed star runs into the vertical border at the top, this too a tradition since the 1950s. This points today, as it did then, at the Mercedes-Benz brand badge, which in the case of the Tourrider is beautifully set like a gemstone. Here, too, in the upper segment, a horizontal light edge structures the surface. The result is perfect surface tension.

Above the badge a black strip visually enlarges the windshield. The strip flows around the sides of the A-pillars, merging the face of the Tourrider with the side walls into a single unit resembling a protective helmet visor. Among the typical American features of a motorcoach are the Tourrider Business' low-set exterior mirrors, whilethe Tourrider Premium has elegant, hanging integral mirrors. They emerge like arms from a strong shoulder blade from a three-dimensionally shaped character element. Mirror arms and housing are painted black, while the caps of the upper mirrors are either in the vehicle's body color or chrome.

They appear to float together with the character element on the side windows and trim pieces above both the front door and the driver's window. The exterior mirrors of the Tourrider Premium can be optionally finished with chrome caps.

The arms of the integral mirrors resemble a leaf in shape and are aerodynamically optimized. Together with optimized edge radii, the front roof vent, three-dimensionally curved windshields, the flat-blade windshield wipers, the precise door insertion and the flush side windows, all add up to contribute towards the Tourrider's excellent aerodynamics. It is one of the prerequisites for its low fuel consumption and maximum economy.

Powerfully-shaped back reminiscent of American muscle cars

Apart from the character element of the exterior mirrors, the side graphics show other subtle differences between Tourrider Business and Premium. For both of them the following applies: The wheel hub caps carry the Mercedes star. The sidewalls flow gracefully into the brand-typical curved C-pillar. The rear section of the Tourrider Premium is characterized by a trapezoidal rear window with integrated Mercedes star, which is typical of the brand. The window extends visually into the roof. The Tourrider Business features a closed rear end with a V-shaped black shield instead of a rear window. Its surface structured with louvers is a deliberate homage to the shape of early American muscle cars. Both are therefore – like every bus and coach of the brand – immediately identifiable as a Mercedes-Benz from the rear as well.

Typical of both versions of the Tourrider is the rear section with strong shoulders and V-shaped indentation, unmistakable and athletically shaped. The engine compartment is vented through a grille on the right of the vehicle. This deliberate asymmetry enhances the rear section and makes it visually interesting. At the same time, this leaves a large area to its left for the motorcoach company's lettering or brand logo to be applied. Other elements adopt the design of the prow: The Tourrider Premium has integral taillights, while the Tourrider Business has individual taillights, long-life LEDs are used in both. The safety rear bumper has an end edge, which on the Tourrider Premium features a chrome strip matching the front bumper.

The rear section of the Tourrider, too, is designed for the lowest possible air resistance, right down to the smallest detail. Both the end of the roof and the corner pillars are drawn in in favor of improving air flow and they go over into spoiler lips – the new Tourrider has been aerodynamically optimized from the front to the rear. All this together efficiently prevents aerodynamically unfavorable air turbulence. This lowers fuel consumption and at the same time reduces soiling of the rear end.

Passenger compartment: comfortable and individually equipped

Mercedes-Benz designed the interior of the Tourrider to be just as unique and beyond that, comfortable, as is typical of the brand. Here it is not people simply being transported; here passengers travel in style. The Tourrider optionally greets its passengers with illuminated brand lettering in the entrance area.

The similarly illuminated edges of the wide steps in the access area aid safer entry and exit. In the interior, passengers benefit from its spaciousness, especially aboard the Tourrider Premium with its passenger compartment which has been raised by 2.36 inches (6.0 cm) compared with the Tourrider Business. Everyone is welcome in the Tourrider. And that's why it is also optionally available with two wheelchair spaces. The dedicated Braun automatic lift is powerful and easy to operate, not to mention being especially safe thanks to its side guards, and when not in use, it is stowed away above the driven axle in a space-saving manner.

Top Sky Panoramic glass roof: from passenger compartment to passenger dream

From passenger compartment to passenger dream: The Tourrider Premium offers the Top Sky Panoramic glass roof, already tried and tested many times in practice, as optional equipment. It extends along a total length of 31’6” ft (9.6 m) and spans a width of 4’4” ft (1.33 m) across the central aisle and offers a fascinating view as well as a unique feeling of being in an open space. At the same time, the privacy double glazing prevents the vehicle interior from heating up. During the day, the passengers take their seats under the Top Sky Panorama as if in an airy conservatory or on a veranda. In the dark, the glass roof transforms the passenger compartment into an elegant lounge with its reflections and effective lighting.

In addition, in the Tourrider Business and Premium, the optional ambient lighting comes into its own when driving in the evening or at night: LED strips run below the luggage racks and under the window sills. By means of a simple rotary knob in the cockpit, the driver can set different colors and vary the light intensity. This way they can create the individual illumination mood appropriate for the occasion and the passengers – in the morning bright as a wake-up for the day of travel ahead, and in the evening a dimmed mood for relaxation.

The passenger compartment floor is flat throughout. Roller blinds in front of the windows with their privacy glazing protect against sunshine and indiscreet gazes. The passenger seats are distributed uniformly throughout the interior. As an alternative to the familiar double seats in the Tourrider Business and Premium, a 2+1 seating variant is available for the Top varifuture release, as too is a second entrance door.

These variants are already an indication of the fascinating diversity and individuality of the equipment and appointments. For instance, there is the flooring, optionally discreet in gray, emotive in a metallic design or in a homey wood design. The numerous variants meet every taste, as do the different panelings available for the side walls.

Individual and comfortable: Passenger seats in multiple versions

The seats of the Tourrider are sourced in-house and are manufactured at the largest seat assembly factory in Europe. Standard equipment of the Tourrider Business is the comfortable Mercedes-Benz Travel Star Eco seating.

On their wide, well-padded seating surface, passengers should feel comfortable on even the longest coach journeys. The standard equipment consists of grab handle, adjustable backrest, pivoting armrest on aisle side and a footrest. The seats can be fitted with - among other things - a folding tray on the backrest, a luggage net or waste container. On request, the seating with the even more lavishly upholstered Softline variant and side gusset advances into the luxury class.

And that is where the seating of the Tourrider Premium is firmly placed: Mercedes-Benz Travel Star Xtra with Luxline upholstery - the finest coach seating from Mercedes-Benz. Exterior features include the distinctive side gusset on the seat and backrest and the Mercedes star sewn-in on the backrest. With its particularly exclusive and comfortable upholstery, with further exclusively available options such as the multi-adjustable comfort headrest, an adjustable leg rest or a luggage bag, it is in a class of its own. Whether fabric, Composition leather fiber material, combinations thereof or various decors - the Travel Star Xtra seat allows coach operators a lot of creative freedom to tailor their offerings their passengers.

All seat variants have three-point safety belts. Motorcoach companies can individually enhance the Tourrider's extraordinary character with an extremely diverse range of fabrics and colors, decors, topstitching, piping or the variants of the fine, yet easy-care, Composition leather fiber material. They can also choose the design decor of the practical adjustment rockers in piano black, mocha oak or metal mesh. And finally, passengers enjoy options such as a twin USB socket installed centrally underneath each of the double seats and/or 110-volt sockets for charging their electronic devices. The Tourrider offers 56 passenger seats as standard, but the number can vary from 46 to 60 seats.

Entertainment is provided for: Flat screens and infotainment systems

Looking up, the passenger can see the practical service sets with nozzle ventilation, reading lamps, the passenger signaling system and tour guide call (both optional). The service sets are finished in piano black or silver (Tourrider Premium option). Meticulously crafted details such as the Mercedes-Benz brand lettering in the speaker grilles remind passengers what an outstanding motorcoach they are traveling in. The high-resolution flat screens of the infotainment system are also in view. The Tourrider Business features as standard a fixed 19-inch monitor at the front in the roof dome. The Tourrider Premium trumps this with an electrically-folding 21.5-inch monitor screen. 

Four additional screens are uniformly distributed in the passenger compartment in their respective sizes. If desired, passengers can follow the progress of the journey on the monitors thanks to a panoramic camera.

At all events, entertainment is guaranteed on board. The Tourrider Business features as standard Bosch Smartradio with channel separation, Weather Band, audio streaming and numerous connection sockets. The range of services offered by the Coach Infotainment system with its perfectly coordinated components in the Tourrider Premium is considerably more extensive.

It consists of a head unit with touch display and control panel. Thanks to smartphone integration a wide range of functions such as media streaming and networked services are available via the user's mobile device. With its clearly arranged hard keys, the control panel is the perfect complement to the head unit, offering quick and easy access to the most important system functions. Navigation, audio and video via USB, data streaming, and muchmore, the Coach Infotainment system is an authentic multi-talent.

Its developers also placed great emphasis on the Tourrider's heating and air conditioning. A high-performance hot-water convection heater warms the passenger compartment, reinforced by an auxiliary heater with a programmable timer. Pleasant cool even when the outside temperature is high is ensured by the powerful integrated air conditioning system from Eberspaecher/Sütrak with its output of 35 kW. Plus, the driver's workplace also benefits from a separate 9 kW air conditioning system. The air conditioning units feature high-performance filters.

Refreshment is also provided for. On the right in the front of the Tourrider there is the option for a stowage cabinet or a large refrigerator (standard for the Premium version). At the rear right, as usual, is the space for the robustly equipped restroom compartment. On the other hand, its space-saving design with diagonally arranged restroom is unusual and very practical, resulting in plenty of freedom of movement. In the rear there is also space for an on-board kitchenette upon special request.

The Tourrider thus offers a double benefit: equipment that is both highly variable and comfortable and at the same time cast from a single mold. In this, too, it shows itself as a true Mercedes-Benz.

Two driver-oriented cockpits, dynamic-functional and luxurious-functional

With their job bearing great responsibility, drivers always play a leading role for Mercedes-Benz engineers and designers. This is immediately apparent from the attractive and functional cockpit of the Tourrider, which is very driver-oriented in its form. It is here, too, that the two models differ, fulfilling, as they do, different requirements. The Tourrider Business impresses with its dynamic-functional Cockpit Basic Plus, while the Tourrider Premium dazzles with the luxurious-functional Cockpit Comfort Plus. Both are of exemplary ergonomic design and offer numerous practical and innovative functions.

The focal point of both cockpits is the ISRI NTS multi-adjustable driver's seat with electrically adjustable lumbar support and microphone on the backrest. As an option, it can be heated, actively ventilated, fitted with armrests and, like the passenger seats, is available in a wide range of fabrics and Composition variants. The Mercedes star is also incorporated into the backrest in the Tourrider Premium, and is optionally available in the Tourrider Business. The driver steers the Tourrider with the standard multifunction steering wheel, which is leather-clad in the Tourrider Premium. Optional design decors in mocha oak or metal mesh embellish the steering wheel. The easy-to-grip four-spoke multifunction steering wheel has a diameter of 17.7 inches (450 mm) and is adjustable in height and inclination.

With the buttons the instrument menus, radio and telephone can be comfortably and safely operated. Handling via the control buttons and intuitive user interface is as simple as it is fast.

The Basic Plus and the Comfort Plus cockpits have many technical features in common. They are clearly structured and have been perfected in terms of their ergonomic qualities – all the important operating elements are clearly arranged within easy reach of the driver. Both here and there the dashboard is equipped with four clearly structured round dials and an informative color display in the center. The basic arrangement of the switches, clearly grouped in blocks of four, is identical. These features in common ensure a fast and uncomplicated change of drivers without familiarization within a fleet with different vehicle variants.

However, the two cockpits do differ in design and structure as well as in their equipment. Functionality is at the center of the Basic Plus Cockpit. In the driver's area there is a large stowage compartment to the right of the instruments. The slide-in drawers for the control elements of the entertainment electronics are housed in the center console.

Basically, the Cockpit Comfort Plus adopts the pleasant to the hand and attractive foam-backed and grained surface in anthracite. In addition, a wide inlay in matte silver metallic frames the driver's area. Because of its flowing form the designers speak of a "waterfall". It flows from the left side of the instrument cover to the center console. The Cockpit Comfort Plus thus adds an impressive visual dimension to its functionality.

It is also evident in the decorative surface on the door side: as standard, this comes in black, but upon request, it is available with inserts in carbon fiber (metal mesh) or wood-look (mocha oak). Each version corresponds with the inlays of the handles in the passenger compartment. Cockpit Comfort Plus not only looks great, it is equally impressive with its benefits. The independent shape of the dashboard provides the space for the coach infotainment system. This frees up space in the center console for a closed stowage compartment.

Both cockpits are carefully equipped all around. Speakers above both the driver's window and the front door ensure a good audio experience for the driver. The interior rear-view mirror is located centrally above the windshield. Its frameless shape is reminiscent of the mirrored glass of fashionable sunglasses.

Valuable helpers support the driver

A host of functions support drivers in their tasks. In the entrance on the left-hand side a space is provided for a valuables compartment. Electrically-operated scissors-type blinds protect against low sun. A further optional manually-operated roller blind is installed as anti-glare protection in the paneling above the driver's window. Likewise, both cockpits have a variety of stowage options, from beverage holders to stowage compartments for small items. On the left the driver will find the knob of the standard electronic parking brake. It combines simple handling with high safety.

The driver activates the parking brake by pulling the lever or by pressing the "P" button. To release the parking brake the accelerator pedal must be depressed or the "P" button pressed once again. The integrated Hold function supports the driver: When the coach is stationary, by depressing the brake pedal beyond a specific point the vehicle is held by the service brake; pulling away releases the brake automatically again. The hill hold function is activated when the ignition is switched on. The basic function is to control and hold the vehicle with the brake pressure last applied via the brake pedal with the vehicle at a standstill. The brake is then only released automatically while pulling away. Finally, the parking brake is optionally activated automatically when the Tourrider is stationary and the driver unfastens their seat belt and leaves their seat. This secures the coach from rolling away unintentionally.

Other practical helpers: The luggage compartment doors can be locked separately on the left and right by means of a switch. The dashboard display shows the open or closed status of the luggage compartment doors, stowage compartment doors and maintenance doors. The exterior mirrors of the Tourrider Premium can be folded manually; electrically folding mirrors are optionally available. The optional rain and light sensor (standard on the Tourrider Premium) automatically switches the windscreen wipers and driving lights on and off, as required, thereby relieving the driver of routine tasks. The high beams assistant automatically switches the high beam on or off depending on traffic, so that optimum illumination of the road is always ensured. Finally, at the end of the journey, the pneumatically adjustable steering wheel can be set to an almost vertical position for easier exit from the driver's seat.

The safe motorcoach: the benchmark for safety and assistance systems

Mercedes-Benz and safety – these two concepts are inseparably joined. A great number of all safety and assistance systems available today celebrated their premiere in a coach carrying the three-pointed star – usually long before they were legally required. The integral safety concept from Mercedes-Benz Buses is made up of a host of building blocks. The basis is a suspension that is as comfortable as it is safe, with outstanding handling, and an exemplary driver's workplace with maximum operating comfort and the highest level of driver-fitness safety. Whether an ergonomically perfect dashboard, a multi-adjustable comfortable seat or an exemplary mirror system – the new Tourrider is through and through driver- and thus safety-oriented.

Assistance systems provide the driver with additional support, because accident mitigation is the focus, including the protection of other road users. Should an accident occur nonetheless, passive safety systems offer maximum protection.

One example of the stunning agility of the Tourrider is its small turning circle of just 79.10 ft (24.34 m). It allows the Tourrider to be up and running after a turning operation while others are still laboriously maneuvering. The agility, high driving dynamics and great handling stability are largely thanks to the actively steered trailing axle with independent suspension, which has proven itself over and over again in practical operation. 

Vision is safety – from the outside mirrors and LED headlamps to the 360-degree camera

Vision is pure safety, and this is particularly true in the case of the Tourrider. This starts off with the exterior mirrors, the large curved windshield or the viewing window in the lower part of the access door. And a reversing camera is available in addition to the acoustic backup warning system.

Pioneering assistance systems for accident mitigation are among the greatest strong points of Mercedes-Benz and the Tourrider. It is equipped as standard with, among other things, electronic stability control (ESC) including an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and anti-slip control (TCS).

All-round visibility when maneuvering and in tight places is provided by the 360-degree camera system. This system enables pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles to be seen in places that are otherwise either not visible to the driver or difficult to see. Four cameras at the front, the rear and above the side windows capture the immediate surroundings of the vehicle and create an indirect all-round 360° view. The corresponding image is shown on a 10-inch monitor on the A-pillar. The screen is divided into two sections, which provides the option for five different views to be selected: 360 degrees format-filling, as well as optionally supplemented by images from the individual cameras. The driver can select the desired image via a menu on the screen. The images of the 360-degree camera are always available when driving forwards at speeds of up to approx. 20 mph (32 km/h) and when reversing.

Different LED headlamps for the Tourrider Business and the Tourrider Premium

The great hour of the Tourrider comes when it gets dark. It is equipped as standard with powerful, durable LED headlamps. Despite identical headlamp housing, differences become evident upon closer examination. While the Tourrider Business is equipped with individual headlamps, the Tourrider Premium trumps with even more powerful, exclusively manufactured integral headlamps.

Both low-beam and main beam benefit from the extraordinary light yield of the two LED headlamp systems, which require significantly less energy than standard lights. The headlamps reach their full light output immediately upon activation and ensure broad and precise illumination of the road ahead. They feature a soft light-dark border and a subjectively greater range. They illuminate the road broadly and precisely. A further safety plus is the light quality. It resembles daylight and makes the eyes tire less quickly. The excellent LED lights have a long operating life and within this time low degradation (decrease in luminosity). The light cone of the LED headlights can be defined with particular precision. Other equipment includes daytime running lamps (DRL), cornering lights for better visibility when turning into driveways and tight corners, and fog lamps, all in LED technology.

With the standard Docking Lights, the Tourrider also supports its drivers when reversing in the dark.

By illuminating the areas to the side of the vehicle, they increase safety when loading and unloading themotorcoach and during maneuvers. On each side of the vehicle, lights with three LEDs each are mounted behind the front axle and in front of the drive axle.

Sideguard Assist: Safety when cornering

The outstanding new safety features of the Tourrider also include the optional Sideguard Assist cornering assistant with pedestrian detection. It supports the driver especially when turning in built-up areas and also effectively protects other road users such as pedestrians or cyclists.

At the heart of the system is a radar sensor system with two short-range radar sensors on the side opposite the driver. The lateral monitoring zone is 12’4” ft (3.75 m) wide and covers more than the entire length of the vehicle. At speeds above 22.4 mph (36 km/h) the monitored strip grows even longer towards the front, to 16’5” ft (5 m) and to as much as 49’3” ft (15 m) towards the rear. If there is a moving object, such as a pedestrian or a cyclist, in the monitoring zone, a triangular LED lights up in yellow on the door side within the driver's line of vision. If the sensors detect a danger of collision, the LED light flashes red several times with higher luminosity, and after two seconds remains lit continuously in red. In addition, there is a vibration warning in the driver's seat.

Sideguard Assist also warns of stationary obstacles in the turning path, such as a traffic light post or a bollard, when turning. It also warns the driver at speeds higher than 22.4 mph (36 km/h) as an assistance system when changing lane towards the right. This way, Sideguard Assist supports lane changes, for example when overtaking a cyclist outside city limits or when changing lanes on multi-lane highways.

Active Brake Assist 5: Full brake application before obstacles and pedestrians

The electric / electronic platform of the Tourrider is the base for the latest generation of assistance systems. With it the Tourrider sets the benchmark in its segment. The Tourrider is the first motorcoach with the unique Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking system – ABA 5 for short – featuring pedestrian detection. Another great milestone in the evolution of safety systems for buses (standard for both Tourrider Premium and Business version).

First introduced in a Mercedes-Benz motorcoach in 2008, the fifth generation of Active Brake Assist, which has continuously evolved since then, once again achieves an even higher level of performance. For the first time, ABA works with a combination of radar and camera systems. This assistance system can, within system boundaries, carry out an automated full braking maneuver right down to a full stop for stationary and moving obstacles. As the world's first emergency braking assistant for buses, ABA 5 can now even perform automated emergency braking for moving pedestrians.

Active Brake Assist 5 detects both moving pedestrians and also persons who stop suddenly. The sequence in practice: In the event of a risk of a collision with a pedestrian, the Active Brake Assist 5 system warns the coach driver through a visual and an acoustic warning while simultaneously initiating a partial brake application. If the driver fails to react, an emergency braking maneuver down to a complete standstill of the vehicle will follow automatically.

The autonomous intelligent cruise control keeps at a safe distance

An additional component to Active Brake Assist 5 is the radar-based autonomous intelligent cruise control. It relieves the strain on the driver on long-distance stretches and Interstate highways. If the assistance system detects a slower vehicle ahead, it automatically slows the coach down until a speed-dependent distance pre-selected by the driver is reached, which the system then maintains constantly. The distance sensor continuously scans the surroundings ahead of the motorcoach and measures the distance and relative speed of vehicles ahead. If it does not detect any vehicles traveling ahead, it acts like a cruise control system. The system decelerates when a vehicle cuts in ahead, too. It also accelerates the coach to the pre-set speed when the road ahead is free again or the coach changes lane. The autonomous intelligent cruise control system relieves the driver of most of the required adaptive braking, in particular in medium- to high-density traffic on long-distance roads and highways.

Attention Assist watches over the driver

In order for such interventions not to be necessary in the first place, the Tourrider features Attention Assist as an option. Attention Assist (ATAS) is a safety assistance system that can help prevent microsleep. In particular on long journeys and when driving at night it contributes towards improved driving safety. The system warns the driver visually and acoustically if it detects typical signs of overtiredness or inattentiveness, prompting the driver to take a break. The warning is issued independently of statutory driving and break times.

For the analysis of the driving behavior, the steering movements are evaluated and an individual driver profile is generated from them. The evaluation of the driving style is carried out using a stored algorithm. The algorithm evaluates steering errors made by the driver. When starting off on the journey, the driver's driving profile is first "learned" – this takes place only once the speed exceeds 37.3 mph (60 km/h).

This learned individual steering behavior is then constantly compared in an electronic control unit with the momentary steering behavior and handling situation during the drive. A warning with its corresponding symbol (a coffee cup in the display) is shown if the steering behavior deviates from the learned-in profile. 

The Lane Assistant, (lane departure warning system) warns against leaving the lane

Another assistance system of the Tourrider also has a lot to do with attentiveness. With the help of a camera system behind the windshield, the standard Lane Assistant detects when the vehicle inadvertently leaves the marked lane. The camera determines the moment of warning based on the width of the lane, distance to the lane marking lines and the speed at which the vehicle is approaching the line. As soon as the vehicle crosses the lane marking without signaling, the driver is alerted by means of a noticeable vibration on the corresponding side of the seat surface. The Lane Assistant is active above speeds of 37 mph (60 km/h). Actuating the turn indicator deactivates the Lane Assistant function when the driver initiates an intentional change of lane.

The optional Tire Pressure Monitoring TPM system controls the pressure of each individual tire and displays it precisely on the dashboard. In the event of deviations the driver is alerted. Besides increasing safety, TPM also improves vehicle economy as incorrectly inflated tires suffer greater wear and low tire pressure also noticeably increases fuel consumption.

The comprehensive passive safety of the Tourrider

If, despite all the assistance systems, the worst should come to be, both driver and passengers are in particularly safe hands in the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider.

In less severe collisions, the front and rear bumpers mitigate damage with their shock absorbers. Up to a collision speed of 3.7 mph (6 km/h) with stationary obstacles, the ability to continue driving is assured.

The highlight of the passive safety is the patented Front Collision Guard (FCG) safety system as a protection for driver and co-driver in the event of a head-on collision. The FCG consists of a complex safety system. It begins with a cross member that forms an underride guard as a partner-protective feature. Behind this section a crash element structure is located, designed to absorb energy in a targeted manner in the case of an impact. In addition, the driver's workstation, including the steering, pedals and seat is on a frame section that can shift completely towards the rear in the event of a serious frontal impact, thereby increasing the space for the driver.

If, despite all the safety precautions, the high-decker should tip onto its side or even roll down an embankment, the new Tourider's system with all-round annular frame members offers the best possible protection and maximum survival space. The design featuring annular frame members is the prerequisite for a uniformly stable and lightweight body. 

Powertrain: powerful, frugal and proven thousands of times

At the heart of the drive system, used exclusively in coaches for North America, is the in-line 6-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 471, which has proven itself many thousands of times over. With its 12.8 liter displacement, the engine delivers 450 hp (336 kW) and attains a maximum torque level of 1550 lb-ft
(2300 Nm). It impresses with a technology package consisting of common-rail direct injection with the unique flexible high-pressure injection system X-Pulse, charge air cooling as well as exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. The engine therefore excels with its fuel efficiency, powerful acceleration, great smoothness and reliability.

Power transmission is handled by the Allison WTB 500R torque converter automatic transmission. The six-speed transmission has an integrated hydraulic retarder and an electrohydraulic control system regulated via the CAN coach. With its innovative software solutions, the TCM Gen. 5 transmission control module ensures considerable savings in fuel consumption. FuelSense 2.0 with Dynamic Active Shifting uses an algorithm to select the most efficient shift point based on your specifications as well as vehicle and environmental parameters. The control keypad is located within easy reach to the right of the instruments in the cockpit.

Drive power is transmitted to the proven Mercedes-Benz RO440 rear axle with hypoid gearing. It has a long service life, is a particularly smooth-running special coach axle, and is highly efficient, i.e. fuel-saving. Coach operators can choose between two gear ratios to customize the high-decker to their individual operation.

They are designed for either maximum fuel efficiency or for traction power. In addition to the exemplary aerodynamics, low fuel consumption is also ensured by features such as the on-board electrical system management with intelligent battery sensor and electrical consumer management.

In the best hands: professional service for professional operations

Wherever a Mercedes-Benz drives, service is always on-hand. You can rely on the 24/7 service from Mercedes-Benz, any day of the year. And that's especially true for the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, because neither the buses nor their passengers should have to wait. The service provision specifically tailored to the Tourrider is provided by Daimler Coaches North America, thus enabling coach companies to enjoy an efficient, modern and comprehensive network of service stations which deliver the highest levels of quality as well as a rapid and reliable supply of spare parts.

The basis for the service from Mercedes-Benz is the consistent orientation of the new Tourrider to the wants and needs of coach companies in North America. For example, its Mercedes-Benz OM 471 heavy-duty engine is a member of the global engine family including the well-proven Detroit DD13 engine. This means that coach companies can rely on the support and unique know-how from the dense network of 750 Detroit Service Centers.

Ten parts distribution centers ensure rapid and reliable provisioning of motorcoach-specific spare parts to any location, be it the west coast, the east coast, or the mid-west. What's more, when it comes to important components such as the transmission, air conditioning system or wheelchair lift, motorcoach companies can rely on the competent service from local manufacturers. Downtimes for maintenance and repairs are thus aimed to be kept to a minimum. The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider not only keeps your motorcoaches on the road, but also keeps your business on track.