German version

Even the paintwork on the test coach reflects the ambitious goals set for the new Tourismo: the metallic paint shimmers with its warm "icon gold" finish. The new Tourismo aims to clinch the gold medal for touring coaches in the business seg-ment from its predecessor: the first-generation Tourismo was by far Europe's best-selling high-deck coach, notching up around 1000 units a year on average throughout its long career. Nine months after the new Tourismo was unveiled, the order book speaks volume: the current Tourismo is not only adding another chapter to the success story of the outgoing generation but is taking the concept to entirely new heights.

Just one look at the urban Mediterranean landscape motif adorning the sides of the Tourismo and the travel bug strikes. The craftsmanship with its structure-like film appears three-dimensional and transparent, almost like peering into a diorama through the panelling on the high-deck coach. The warm colours of the paintwork and motif echo the contemporary trend of increasingly moving away from cool, seemingly technical colours.

The test coach is a trend-setter in every respect: together with the 12.1 m-long two-axle Tourismo, the 13 m-long Tourismo M with three axles is the best-seller in the range comprising four models. The Tourismo M combines many advantages: thanks to its gross vehicle weight rating of 24 tonnes (dependent on country of registration, for example Germany), weight is not an issue, even when fully configured or fitted out with a full contingent of seats.

Thanks to the sophisticated hydraulically steered trailing axle, the Tourismo M is also extremely agile: its turning circle is just 21.2 m. The third axle is also steered when reversing, making it far easier to manoeuvre while reducing tyre wear in the process. The axle is also hydraulically centred when driving in a straight line, provi-ding outstanding straight-running. Once the steering angle on the front axle exceeds five degrees, the third axle provides additional steering, making the high-deck coach very agile.

The Tourismo M boasts a luggage compartment volume of 9.6 m³ between the axles. The figure comes down to 8.4 m³ if an on-board toilet is fitted. The total volume includes the practical multipurpose space in front of the rear axle with a lockable blind behind the central door entrance. The luggage compartment floor on the test coach is carpeted to protect luggage. The standard-fit hinged flaps provide a very large opening and protect the driver from rain and dirt when loading and unloading the luggage compartment.

The practical front and rear stowage compartments above the axles add around 1.8 m³ to the luggage compartment between the axles. They have proven very popular among drivers and are ideal for drinks or other provisions for the on-board galley, for the driver's own luggage or as a tool compartment. As such, the usable stowage volume on the Tourismo M with on-board toilet comes to 10.2 m³.

The equipment fitted to the test coach has deliberately been kept low-key. The vehicle reflects a carefully equipped and very economical touring coach, the kind of all-round vehicle coach operators prefer for daily operations. The configuration with 53 passenger seats, manufactured in-house at EvoBus, corresponds to a GBK three-star rating - GBK is an association that monitors and classifies levels of comfort in buses and coaches in Germany. The Travel-Star Plus seats come with an adjustable backrest and lateral adjustment of the aisle side seat courtesy of a practical single lever mechanism. Integral grab handles left and right, bag hooks, luggage nets, folding tables with cup holders and footrests are part of the test coach specification.

The colour scheme in the light, friendly passenger compartment reflects the exterior paintwork. The contoured seat cushions with comfortably integrated belt buckles are trimmed with a hard-wearing aurum-coloured velour fabric. The inlaid effect threads provide a warm glow, especially when caught by the sun. Curry-coloured leather headrests, fabric piping (also in a curry finish) and chutney-coloured cushion side panels and backrests provide an equally contemporary and homely feel. The effect is further emphasised by the (chutney-coloured) curtains and the underside of the roof air ducts trimmed in curry-coloured fabric.

The hot-water convector heater and the powerful air conditioning system (32 kW) also ensure passengers are comfortable on board. The driver's area has its own air conditioning. Individually adjustable ventilation nozzles in the service sets above each seat as well as air vents above the side windows and on the luggage racks directed towards the centre aisle ensure efficient air circulation. The system's air flow rate of 4400 m³ per hour is the equivalent of renewing the air a 100 times an hour.

On board the Tourismo M, the chest refrigerator, which is easy to access from above, at the right-hand side of the instrument panel and the compact on-board galley to the left of the central entrance help keep everyone suitably refreshed. Thanks to its basket insert, the drinks in the 65-litre chest refrigerator are always tidy. Equipment in the galley at the central entrance includes a 40-cup coffee machine with drainer, a water heater, a sausage boiler (especially popular in Germany), as well as drawers for provisions. A washroom fitted with a WC toilet is located opposite at the central entrance. A waste disposal unit is fitted to the toilet cabin on the aisle side.

Entertainment also comes as standard on the road. All thanks to the Blaupunkt Coach Professional radio unit with attached DVD changer, housed within easy reach in a closed stowage compartment above the driver's area. Films are shown on two 15-inch (screen diagonal) flat screens, mounted at the front in the overhead compartment or over the toilet.

The driver's area in the new Tourismo benefits essentially from the longer front end, which has been extended by 140 mm compared to the outgoing model. The instru-ment panel including the joystick lever located within easy reach has a cockpit-like feel. There is now space for a bag behind the driver's seat. The multi-way adjustable seat comes with an integral microphone and hands-free system for the mobile phone. The screen for the optional navigation unit is positioned right in the driver's field of view on the A-pillar.

Superb visibility for the driver is part of the Tourismo's excellent features: the electrically operated blind on the windscreen is split. The left and right exterior mirrors consist of an electrically adjustable main mirror and separate, adjustable kerb mirrors. The four mirrors provide an exceptionally large field of view. Conse-quently, the driver has an unrestricted view of the road right in front of the coach, significantly enhancing safety. If any of the mirrors is damaged, an emergency mirror is included that can be used on either side. The Tourismo also comes with a fully-fledged spare wheel as standard.

The Tourismo M driver also benefits from a separately adjustable air conditioning system and a small safe – built into the steps leading up to the centre aisle – that can be used to store valuables.

The tour guide also has a full-size seat in the Tourismo. The seat comes with comfortable upholstery, generous legroom and a reading light.

The Mercedes-Benz GO 210 six-speed manual transmission delivers the engine power to the tried-and-trusted lightweight formed HO6 hypoid axle. The trans-mission has been tuned perfectly to touring coach operation. Its large ratio spread makes manoeuvring easier without placing undue stress on the clutch at very low speeds, as well as being economical over long distances. The rear axle ratio of i=3.583 translates into an engine speed of 1500 rpm at 100 km/h. This combi-nation turns the Tourismo M into a genuine all-rounder.

Safety comes as standard on any Mercedes-Benz bus or coach. In the case of the Tourismo M, this means an extensive range of equipment including anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), Electronic Braking System (EBS) including retarder, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS) and Continuous Braking Limiter (DBL). The new standard-fit immobiliser also takes care of another safety aspect. Thanks to this comprehensive equipment, the Tourismo is setting the standard in its class.

High overall economy is equally part and parcel of any Mercedes-Benz vehicle. In the case of the Tourismo M this is reflected in very low fuel consumption, long maintenance intervals of 90,000 km and, above all, an affordable purchase price.

Photos and text:
EvoBus GmbH - Mercedes Omnibusse