Mercedes-Benz Tourismo RHD L – 17/3

The Comfort Plus cockpit: impressive looks, CMS multimedia system

The sweeping lines of the Comfort Plus cockpit accommodate the coolbox on the tour-guide side. This has a capacity of 67 litres and features an elegant, curved hand rail that reflects these lines. As well as the different look, the decorative finish underlines the up-market appeal of this version. In general terms, the Comfort Plus cockpit adopts the pleasantly tactile and attractive foam-cushioned and grained surface in anthracite. The driver's area is furthermore delineated by a broad inlay strip in high-sheen matt silver metallic. The flowing lines so evident here have led the designers to speak of a "waterfall", which flows from the left-hand side of the instrument cowl to the centre console. The Comfort Plus cockpit combines functionality with impressive looks. These are apparent in the decorative surface finish found on the tour guide side: while this comes as standard in black, it is also available as an option with a carbon-fibre- or burr walnut-look finish. In each case the finish matches the inlay in the handles in the passenger compartment.

The Comfort Plus cockpit not only looks good, but is also impressively practical. The distinctive design of the dashboard provides space for the Coach Multimedia System CMS. This neatly and compactly encompasses the controls for the complete on-board entertainment system, with radio, CD player, MP3/WMA connection and DVD drive, including the standard navigation system with individual vehicle data and a Bluetooth module for operating the telephone. All key functions are visualised on a 7-inch colour display, so freeing up the centre console and providing space for a closed compartment. Occupants of the front seat also have additional functions at their fingertips: in front of where a tour guide would sit is a groove designed to support a tablet securely, plus a tray that can hold A4-size documents.

Any tour guide on board the new Tourismo RHD is certainly well looked-after, in an individual seat with a folding seat cushion and armrests. The shell of the seat has an integrated grab handle, a feature that comes in useful when passengers are boarding and alighting. The backrest of the tour guide's seat is adjustable, as is the guide point for the three-point seat belt. Like the driver's seat, the seat here features an automatic seat belt recognition system. Electrical adjustment can be added as an option. A cupboard or a double seat are among the further available options. The tour guide's microphone is mounted handily in a holder on the right-hand side of the dashboard next to the coolbox.

Loudspeakers, interior mirror, roller sunblinds – top-level equipment for the Tourismo RHD

Both cockpits have been altogether meticulously appointed. Loudspeakers above the driver's window as well as above door one ensure a good quality of sound for both driver and tour guide. The redesigned interior mirror is mounted at the top of the windscreen in the centre. Its frameless design is reminiscent of the mirrored glass of a pair of trendy sunglasses.

Electrically operated scissor-type blinds provide protection from low sun. A further optional and manually operated roller blind can be mounted as an option in the trim above the driver's window to protect against glare. If so required, destination display systems can be installed in the windscreen, at the side and at the rear for use in regular-service operations.

Separate cockpit for right-hand-drive models

For its right-hand-drive markets Mercedes-Benz has developed another, separate version of the cockpit. While visually it resembles the left-hand drive version of the Basic Plus cockpit, it also includes the Coach Media System CMS. The electronics structure, instruments and operating logic, including the multifunction steering wheel, correspond to those of the left-hand drive cockpit. Keyboard, key and tachograph have been transposed to the other side of the vehicle in a mirror inversion.