Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium Takes Part In 2 Industry Events

The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider is tailored to North American demands. (Photo courtesy of Daimler Coaches North America)

Daimler Coaches North America has (and is) presented(ing) the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider at two U.S. trade fairs. The company first showcased a Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium at the American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace, which took place Jan. 13-16, 2024, in Nashville, TN. It is the first vehicle of this motorcoach series that Cline Tours has added to its fleet. Based out of Ridgeland, MS, Cline Tours has more than 250 coaches in service over eight locations and across four states in the United States.

Daimler Coaches North America is also exhibiting a Mercedes-Benz Tourrider in the Premium version at the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) EXPO, in Raleigh, NC, from Feb. 4-7, 2024. The vehicle is part of the Thrasher Brothers fleet, a longstanding Daimler customer out of Birmingham, AL.

“With the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, Daimler Coaches North America chose to conduct additional voluntary testing to demonstrate adherence to the roll over protection regulations set forth in the forthcoming ‘Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards’ FMVSS 227, which goes into effect Q2 2024,” according to a press release. “A voluntary test of the body strength was conducted with the assistance of the German testing organization Dekra. In this way, Daimler Coaches North America is assuming a pioneering role in the North American touring coach industry.”

The release added: “The new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider is precisely tailored to North American demands. It is available as a three-axle high-decker in the two model variants, Business and Premium, with a length of 45 ft (13.72 meters). The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Business model is built to meet higher standards among motorcoaches. The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium model is the luxury motorcoach that fulfills all the expectations of first-class travel. In addition to the high level of comfort, the focus is also on the safety of the vehicles thanks to innovative assistance systems. A 360-degree camera system provides perfect all-around visibility when maneuvering and in tight spaces.

“The motorcoaches also have Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA5) on board 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 of the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider also include the 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-hand side of the touring coach.”

The Mercedes-Benz OM 471 in-line six-cylinder engine from the global Daimler Truck engine family provides dynamic drive force. The engine has an output of 336 kW (450 hp) with a displacement of 12.8 l and achieves a maximum torque of 2,102 Nm.

“The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider impresses with a powerful technology package consisting 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, which has been proving its worth in North America for many years,” according to the release.

Dr. Thomas Rohde, CEO of Daimler Coaches North America, said he is delighted with the high level of respect given to the Mercedes-Benz Tourrider models since their presentation 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. We are very optimistic that the ramp-up will continue to develop positively in 2024.”

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