Mercedes Benz Tourismo - The even safer, more comfortable, more economical and more user-friendly high-decker

• Even more capable assistance and safety systems
• Optional MirrorCam instead of exterior mirrors
• Bright LED headlamps and full LED tail lamps
• Body lowering as standard – and even more efficient
• Coach Infotainment Series multimedia system
• Luggage compartment opens at the touch of a button
• Optional: ZF Ecolife 2 Coachline automatic torque converter transmission
• Omniplus: digital is the norm

The classic high-decker touring coach hits the road with comprehensive upgrades in 2024. The modifications for the popular two and three-axle Tourismo with its four models from 12.3 to 13.9 metres in length range from LED headlamps and MirrorCam to new assistance and infotainment systems, as well as redesigned tail lamps. The Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo has never been safer, more comfortable, more economical or more user-friendly. This benefits operators, passengers and drivers alike.

Even more capable assistance and safety systems

Mercedes‑Benz is synonymous with safety. This is clearly demonstrated once again by the Tourismo. Ahead of the introduction of the General Safety Regulation (GSR) within the EU and other European countries in July 2024, it has now become even safer.

The new Active Brake Assist 6 emergency braking assistance system now offers even better performance. Some features: It detects moving or stationary pedestrians and cyclists in front of the vehicle and can initiate emergency braking independently. With ABA 6, accidents can be avoided even more reliably. The system covers the entire vehicle speed range and is active in the background.

Sideguard Assist 2 reacts and provides even more accurate warnings if there is a risk of collision with pedestrians and cyclists. Previously available for the door side, it will also be implemented on the driver’s side in the future. Frontguard Assist is completely new. The system warns of obstacles or people immediately 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 bus. Together with the standard reversing camera or, even more so, the optional 360° camera system, the driver is provided with a comprehensive information and warning system for all areas around their bus.

Traffic Sign Assist is also new. It warns the driver if the permissible speed is exceeded. Finally, Adaptive Cruise Control (ART), Lane Assist (SPA), Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) and Attention Assist (AtAs), as well as an interface for the use of alcohol testers for the driver’s workplace, are now included as standard.

Optional MirrorCam instead of exterior mirrors

Another eye-catching feature is the optional MirrorCam instead of the conventional exterior 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 front right-hand corner of the vehicle.

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 in fuel consumption thanks to a smaller frontal area.

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 identical housing). This has numerous advantages. For one, 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 saves on bulb changes, which saves money and decreases downtime, all while increasing safety.

A new light signature is also being introduced with the new headlamp generation. Whether halogen or LED, the position lamps, daytime running lights and turn signal lamps are now combined in a strikingly curved light rod. All's well if the rear end's well: the new, full-LED tail lamps of the Tourismo – with the new unmistakable light signature of Mercedes‑Benz – are also worth a look.

Body lowering as standard – and even more efficient

This feature is one of the many details that ensure the exemplary economic efficiency and environment friendliness of the Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo: at higher speeds, the body is automatically lowered by 20 millimetres. This reduces the frontal area of the high-decker and thus cuts both fuel consumption and emissions.

Previously, the body was lowered automatically at motorway speeds from 95 km/h. In future, this will happen once the touring coach travels at least 79 km/h for longer than ten seconds. This means that lowering also takes place at speeds typical on trunk roads and well-developed country roads. This body lowering function, which was previously optional equipment, is now included in the standard specification.

Coach Infotainment Series multimedia system

The new Coach Infotainment Series multimedia system offers state-of-the-art media functions for professional use in touring coaches. This starts with high-quality digital radio reception (DAB+) and continues with Bluetooth audio streaming. An HDMI interface allows connection of a laptop – for travel information during a study trip or for making a presentation during a seminar, for example. Other devices, such as a tour guide’s smartphone or a data stick, can be paired with the Coach Infotainment Series via Bluetooth or USB ports.

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

The Coach Infotainment Series content can be played on the monitors in the passenger compartment and via the speakers. This includes media that is downloaded from the Internet while driving as well as media from a data carrier. Another advantage from the passengers’ perspective: new, large monitors (21.5 in / 54.4 cm) deliver a brilliant picture in full HD quality.

Integrated into the Coach Infotainment Series is a navigation system with 3D map for the driver. The system receives online real-time traffic updates, allowing the driver to adjust the route accordingly or quickly inform passengers of any changes or delays. The navigation system can be shown on the screens in the passenger area. The Coach Infotainment Series requires the Comfort Plus cockpit and is also available for right-hand-drive models.

Luggage compartment opens at the touch of a button

It couldn't be more convenient: a button on the instrument panel raises or lowers luggage compartment flaps for 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 happens while closing, they automatically return to their starting position.

Optional: ZF Ecolife 2 Coachline automatic torque converter transmission

With its numerous variants and equipment, the Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo offers maximum versatility. The drivetrain is a perfect example of this: in addition to the Mercedes‑Benz six-speed manual transmission and the fully automated Mercedes‑Benz PowerShift eight-speed manual bus transmission, the Tourismo is now also available in all markets with the ZF Ecolife 2 Coachline automatic transmission with torque converter, which has been specially optimised for touring coaches. No high-decker offers a wider range of transmissions for every application.

The automatic torque converter transmission is particularly suitable for use in touring coaches with a high proportion of urban and stop-and-go traffic. This includes shuttle buses, airport transfers or city tours, for example. The ZF unit also offers advantages on winding mountain roads. The benefits are convincing: 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. This prevents vibrations and reduces noise levels.

The automatic torque converter transmission 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 the norm

Another advantage of the Tourismo is the comprehensive service provided by the Omniplus service brand. This applies to 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 costs and reduce the carbon footprint. Tailor-made service contracts provide security and cost transparency, as do the diverse and continuously expanded digital services of Omniplus On and the real-time monitoring of Omniplus On Uptime and Uptime pro. Digital has long been completely normal for Omniplus.