One of the most hotly-anticipated recent launches is that of the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo. Daimler has made some huge claims of its new baby, but what is it like on the road? We find out
One of Coach & Bus UK’s stars is the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo. It is on EvoBus (UK)’s stand in 12.3m, two-axle form, and like its parent Daimler Buses, the dealership has big plans for the latest model.
The Tourismo has a long history, and true to Daimler’s ‘don’t fix what’s not broken’ strategy, the newcomer is a development of its predecessor.
Most obviously, it has received a facelift. But more significant is what’s happened under the surface.
Besides the addition of a 7.7-litre OM 936 engine option for two-axle coaches, the driveline overall has undergone many changes to improve efficiency. Safety, meanwhile, will be improved by Active Brake Assist 4, which includes pedestrian detection.
Highly relevant for buyers here is the growth of the right-hand drive line-up. To the established 12.3m two-axle and the 13.1m three-axle M, EvoBus (UK) had added the 13.1m two-axle M/2 and the 13.9m L.
“Across all four models, we have already taken over 50 orders, including for PSVAR-compliant examples,” says Director Mercedes-Benz Sales Marcus Watts.
Daimler adds that the Tourismo majors on total cost of ownership (TCO). A second-generation Euro 6 engine, aerodynamic improvements, clever powertrain technology and weight reduction mean that the new model delivers up to a 19% like-for-like fuel consumption reduction over a Euro 5 coach; a big number indeed, but not a theoretical one, says Marcus.
“TCO is at the forefront of our discussions with buyers. The figures that we quote are verified and they are money in operators’ pockets. We believe that the new Tourismo offers the lowest TCO of any coach.”
Last week, Daimler invited the trade press to drive the new line-up. Of particular interest are the two right-hand drive debutantes. routeone is the first UK title to put them both to the test.
Enter King Versatile
Generating much interest is the M/2. It seats up to 59 passengers, or 57 with a toilet, and EvoBus (UK) is already seeing signs that it will be the range’s bestseller.
The M/2 is available with both the existing 10.7-litre OM 470 engine and the OM 936 at 354bhp. Some operators remain unconvinced by the latter, but when given the chance to try the soon-to-arrive demonstrator, that will likely change.
routeone was able to put an OM 936-powered M/2 through its paces on a hilly circuit in Croatia. Although coupled to the six-speed manual gearbox that will not come to the UK, the engine is a keen performer, albeit not on a par with the OM 470.
The most noticeable difference between the two is that the OM 936 needs an additional 300rpm before giving its best.
That’s no criticism; the OM 470’s low-speed torque remains unbeatable, and the automated Powershift 3 gearbox will take the smaller unit’s characteristics into account.
The M/2 gave an excellent account of itself on a long climb, which it would easily have completed at 60mph had another vehicle not intervened.
At no point was the OM 936 found wanting, and operators that choose it will find that it delivers some benefits. Not only is it lighter than the OM 470, but when combined with a smaller exhaust aftertreatment unit, there is a worthwhile price differential between the two.
The same inside across the range
Internally, the M/2 comes with the refinements seen on the rest of the Tourismo range. Noise levels have been reduced, and both the driver and passengers enjoy a serene ride.
Naturally, the OM 936’s presence can still be detected, but even under full throttle it is muted. From the cab, it is as good as inaudible when cruising. The only noise of note then is a whisper of turbulence from the mirrors, and tyre swish.
Passengers will appreciate the optional Coach MediaRouter. Within a lockable portion of the nearside luggage rack, it allows internet access and the streaming of videos to individual devices.
Daimler has uploaded sample clips to the test coaches, and they can be received easily and in good quality.
Additionally, all right-hand drive Tourismos will have the Coach Multimedia System. Mounted in the dash, it is a unit with a colour screen that incorporates a sat-nav display, a reversing camera and much more functionality besides.
USB charging points are available in a variety of positions including within in the side walls or seat backs, or in the lower middle of each seat pair. 240v sockets are also offered.
A further plus for the new Tourismo is the view from within. Forward vision throughout the coach is excellent, and while the structure has been strengthened to meet R66.02 rollover regulations, passengers at the extreme rear will find no pillar intrusion on either side.
The range-topper tested
The other model to join the right-hand drive line-up is the 13.9m Tourismo L.
Besides giving a maximum of 63 seats, or 61 with a toilet, it has taken on the segment formerly occupied in left-hand drive markets by the super-high Travego.
As a result, the Tourismo L is available to a luxurious specification; EvoBus (UK) already has confirmed orders for some with fewer than 40 seats.
As part of the Tourismo’s revamp, the OM 470 has gained a 456bhp rating to complement the existing 389 and 428bhp settings. To demonstrate its capabilities, Daimler provided a Tourismo L with the top-power engine and the eight-speed Powershift 3 gearbox.
An abridged verdict on the new rating is that it is excellent. It punches well above its weight and it works superbly with Powershift, which benefits from improved software.
At 50mph in top gear the tachometer shows 900rpm, but the engine is happy at that speed and it picks up quickly and with no driveline vibration when the throttle is opened.
Speed piles on rapidly, and at 62mph the Tourismo gives an effect similar to that of a premium car. That is, a passenger could mistakenly believe that the coach is moving at a lower speed than it actually is, such is the saloon hush.
Drivers will also notice the Tourismo’s manners when pushed through bends. It holds the road well, and in contrast to some other coaches, there is a complete lack of audible tyre scrub when cornering rapidly. In terms of handling, it is up there with the best.
Flattening hills, the Daimler way
The OM 470 makes easy work of hills, but on the new Tourismo, Daimler has introduced optional predictive powertrain control (PPC) in conjunction with adaptive cruise control and, initially, the Powershift gearbox.
PPC is already offered by other manufacturers. Using GPS, approaching topography is monitored and power delivery and gear selection are varied based on that data when cruise control is engaged.
As a result, torque may be reduced when approaching a summit, and other strategies designed to minimise fuel use include selection of neutral on modest downgrades.
Getting the best out of PPC relies on drivers letting it make decisions and not overriding it. PPC lengthens journey times by no more than 1%, but Daimler says that a terrain-dependent efficiency gain of around 4% is the palatable trade-off.
A three-pointed star is born
A huge investment has gone into the Tourismo, and on this road-based showing, it is money well spent. The newcomer is a true Mercedes-Benz, in both appearance and application; perhaps for the first time, there are clear similarities between a touring coach and a luxury car.
It also delivers on a less emotive plane. The OM 470 engine remains one to beat in performance terms, and the OM 936 also gives a good account of itself. Passengers will find little to complain about, and the cabin is as good a place as any in which to travel.
It is difficult to fault the new Tourismo; perhaps the restyle could have been a little more radical, but Daimler stresses that the overhaul is based on evolution, and not revolution.
“This is a versatile coach that has a viable second or third life,” says Head of Marketing, Sales and Aftersales Ulrich Bastert. “TCO is a priority of buyers, and with the Tourismo, the investment that they make will be returned.”
