RALEIGH, N.C. – Daimler Coaches North America is showcasing a premium version of the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider at the 2024 UMA Motorcoach EXPO, which opened today.
The vehicle is part of the fleet of Thrasher Brothers Trailways, a longstanding Daimler customer out of Birmingham, Alabama, which will be showcased at the United Motorcoach Association’s signature event in Raleigh, North Carolina, from Feb. 4-7.
Daimler Coaches North America conducted additional voluntary testing of the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider to demonstrate adherence to the rollover protection regulations in the upcoming Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards FMVSS 227, which goes into effect in the second quarter of 2024. This test of body strength was conducted with the assistance of the German testing organization Dekra.
The new Tourrider is available as a three-axle high-decker in two models, Business and Premium, with a length of 45 feet (13.72 meters). The Business model is intended to meet higher standards among motorcoaches, while the Premium model is a luxury motorcoach built for first-class travel.
Emphasis on safety
In addition to comfort, the Tourrider focuses on safety with innovative assistance systems. One is a 360-degree camera system that provides all-around visibility when maneuvering and in tight spaces.
The motorcoaches also have Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA5) as standard. The world’s first emergency braking assistant for motorcoaches performs automated maximum full-stop braking for stationary and moving obstacles as well as for people. A radar-assisted adaptive cruise control system maintains a safe distance even at cruise control speed.
The new safety features also include an optional sideguard assist with pedestrian detection. This system warns the driver if, for example, pedestrians or cyclists are in the monitoring zone on the right side of the touring coach.
The Mercedes-Benz OM 471 in-line six-cylinder engine from the global Daimler Truck engine family has an output of 450 horsepower (336 kW) with a displacement of 12.8 liters and achieves a maximum torque of 2,102 Nm.
The Tourrider’s technology package consists of Common Rail direct injection with flexible X-Pulse high-pressure injection, charge air cooling, exhaust gas recirculation and SCR technology. Power transmission is provided by the Allison WTB 500R torque converter automatic transmission.
Dr. Thomas Rohde, CEO of Daimler Coaches North America, says he’s “delighted with the high level of respect” given to the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider models since their debut two years ago.
“Major key customers across North America have opted to purchase the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, and the first repeat orders have been submitted,” Rhode said. “We are very optimistic that the ramp-up will continue to develop positively in 2024.”
