Logically arranged switches and buttons

The buttons and switches in the Citaro’s cockpit have been repositioned based on the latest ergonomic findings. As a result, the lower array of switches on the driver’s right-hand side (on left-hand-drive vehicles) consists solely of the door-control buttons that are in constant use in daily operation. The control buttons for the automatic transmission, which are generally used less frequently, are now positioned further forward in a separate horizontal strip. The location of the light switch is also worth noting – it continues to be placed on the left of the cockpit, but no longer on the front face of the instrument panel. Not only does the new prominent position much further forward make the switch easily accessible, but the driver also has the switch setting in their field of vision at all times. The repositioning also frees up extra legroom.

The new Citaro is prepared for all eventualities. The regular-service bus’s instrument panel has been constructed so sturdily that it can support additional items of apparatus on both left and right, each weighing up to 2.5 kg. Mounting adapters as well as cable bushings can be factory-fitted as special equipment for this purpose, allowing customer-specific equipment to be integrated far more neatly than before.

Clean, fuel-efficient drive and innovative assistance systems

The engines for the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro are based on BlueTec diesel technology. The wide-ranging choice of engines for the Citaro covers the full spectrum of power requirements. The OM 906 hLA turbocharged diesel engine is a particularly compact and lightweight six-cylinder unit with a displacement of 6.37 litres, an output of 210 kW (286 hp) and a maximum torque of 1120 Nm. Alternatively, there is the OM 457 hLA six-cylinder engine with a 12 l displacement in a choice of two power ratings: 220 kW (299 hp) and 260 kW (354 hp) with maximum torques of 1250 Nm and 1600 Nm respectively. All of the engine variants stand out for their high pulling power from low rev speeds. This is of particular importance for enabling the bus to pull away dynamically in city traffic, even when full to capacity.