New assistance systems in the Mercedes Benz Tourismo Safety Coach - Safety and assistance systems from Daimler Buses once again set the standard for buses and coaches

• Active Brake Assist 6 emergency braking assistant with multi-lane monitoring
• Sideguard Assist 2 with extended functionality on the driver’s side
• Frontguard Assist monitors the traffic area in front of the vehicle
• Traffic Sign Assist warns of excessive speed
• Attention Assist and TPM: from optional equipment to standard equipment
• New: optional MirrorCam instead of exterior mirrors

Leinfelden-Echterdingen – Current safety and assistance systems in buses and coaches from Daimler Buses not only meet the requirements of the GSR but in some cases even go beyond the specified level or already meet the requirements for 2026.

Active Brake Assist 6 emergency braking assistant with multi-lane monitoring

Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA 6) is a good example of going beyond mere compliance with the GSR. The latest emergency braking assistant from Daimler Buses works with a combination of short- and long-range radar sensors, as well as a camera, and can now perform automated emergency braking to a standstill at speeds of up to 60 km/h (50 km/h was already possible with ABA 5). It also works for pedestrians in front of the vehicle, oncoming traffic, and road users in the same lane.

At all speeds, the system can react to stationary vehicles in front of the bus with emergency braking to a standstill. Thus, even at higher speeds, an accident can be prevented under optimal conditions. The warning cascade in the event of an imminent accident consists of a visual, acoustic and haptic warning. If the driver fails to react, partial braking is initiated before an emergency braking manoeuvre is triggered.

A further added value of ABA 6 is multi-lane monitoring taking into account the lane markings. As a result, the system can prevent emergency braking being interrupted by an evasive manoeuvre into the adjacent lane, for example. At the same time, multi-lane monitoring enables the system to react to stationary objects in typical motorway bend situations. And last but not least, multi-lane monitoring reduces unwanted system reactions to vehicles in the adjacent lane – thanks to lane recognition. At the same time, radar technology generally ensures high system availability even in conditions of poor visibility.

Sideguard Assist 2 with extended functionality on the driver’s side

The extent to which road safety is increased by equipping the vehicles with six sensors (thus enlarging the viewing angle) can also be seen in the second-generation Sideguard Assist. Thanks to the new sensor concept, the new Sideguard Assist reacts and provides even more accurate warnings if there is a risk of collision with pedestrians or cyclists. The system is now also used on the driver’s side, which makes turning left even safer. The side monitoring zone on the passenger side has a width of 4.25 metres (previously 3.75 metres) up to a speed of 30 km/h and extends up to 30 metres behind and seven metres in front of the vehicle. At speeds above 30 km/h, Sideguard Assist 2 also assumes the role of a lane change assistant. It notifies the driver about an object on either the driver’s side or the front passenger side up to the maximum speed. In critical situations when changing lanes, the system generates a visual and haptic warning. Sideguard Assist 2 thus supports lane changes when overtaking a cyclist or when changing lanes and overtaking on multi-lane roads, for example.

Frontguard Assist monitors the traffic area in front of the vehicle

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's not unusual for drivers to be looking further forward when moving off at the bus stop or traffic light – and immediately driving off. This can have serious consequences if unprotected road users such as pedestrians or cyclists are directly in front of the bus. The new Frontguard Assist from Daimler Buses can help to avoid accidents in such situations. If the system detects stationary or moving objects in front of the vehicle, it can assist the driver in driving situations up to 15 km/h with hazard warnings via the two-stage warning system. The assistance system covers the area in front of the vehicle from 0.8 metres up to 3.7 metres across the full width 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 warns of excessive speed

The intelligent Traffic Sign Assist system is an additional new feature. It compares the current speed of the vehicle with the permissible vehicle speed and warns the driver if the permitted speed is exceeded. The system functions throughout Europe, regardless of signage variations in different countries. Traffic Sign Assist can thus reduce the risk of accidents caused by speeding and inattentiveness. It also reduces the risk of fines due to speeding.

Attention Assist and TPM: from optional equipment to standard equipment

The previously optionally available Tyre Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) now forms part of the standard equipment. TPM prevents tyre damage by displaying any pressure loss. Setting the correct tyre pressure also decreases both wear and fuel consumption.

The standard equipment now also includes Attention Assist (AtAs), as well as an interface for retrofitting alcohol testers for the driver’s workplace. The same applies to the previously optional reversing camera. Depending on the model series, the image is output on an existing monitor in the cockpit or an additional 7-inch monitor. As an alternative to the reversing camera, customers can also opt for the 360° camera system (for articulated buses: 270° camera system).

New: optional MirrorCam instead of exterior mirrors

All bus model series from Daimler Buses, whether city buses, intercity buses or touring coaches, are optionally available with cameras instead of the previously available exterior mirrors. This eye-catching innovation not only changes the appearance of buses or coaches, removing visible add-on parts, it also has positive effects on function, safety and economy.

The advantages are obvious: an extended field of vision for the driver through the windows and significantly better visibility to the rear in the dark, thanks to residual light amplification. The small surface area of the camera lens is less susceptible to dirt and, thanks to its position in the camera wing, is better protected against weather effects. Compared with conventional mirrors, MirrorCam barely or only slightly protrudes beyond the vehicle edges. This means easier manoeuvring and less damage. As a final benefit, the frontal area of the vehicle is reduced, creating less turbulence. This has a positive effect on fuel consumption.

And this is how MirrorCam works in a touring coach: The images from the cameras are transmitted to 15-inch monitors mounted on the inside of the A-pillars. Among other things, superimposed lines indicate the end of the vehicle and help the driver estimate the speed of approaching vehicles as well as providing assistance when moving back into lane after overtaking. The system is activated by engaging reverse gear or operating the turn signal indicators. An additional camera and a second 7-inch monitor guarantee a view of the front right-hand corner of the vehicle. In addition, the Sideguard Assist warning display is shown on the monitors.

The camera is heated. Photodiodes in the monitors analyse the incoming light and individually adjust the brightness of the monitors. The driver can also configure a basic setting.