New Mercedes Intouro, up the curtain (with ABA 5). A mild hybrid version is planned

New Mercedes Intouro, here it is on the road. No gas-powered versions will be provided, but a mild hybrid model is planned for next year.

The Stuttgart-based company lifted the curtain on the new version of its Class II bus. On average, according to the manufacturer, the new Intouro is 300 kilograms lighter and three per cent more fuel-efficient than the previous generation. The vehicle is one of the finalists for the Sustainable Bus Award 2022.

New features include the fact that the new Mercedes Intouro will be available for the first time as a 10.8-metre short Intouro K and as a 14.9-metre long three-axle vehicle (L).

The standard version measures 12.2 metres. Completing the picture is the new 13.1-metre Mercedes Intouro M, 23 centimetres shorter than its predecessor with the same number of seats (63).

Safety on top for the new Mercedes Intouro

Daimler’s aim is to embrace a range of uses from the high-floor intercity bus with luggage compartment to school buses and shuttle buses, as well as the company shuttle and a bus variant for weekend trips.

The new Mercedes Intouro also sees the debut of the new generation of the ABA 5 emergency braking system (Active Break Assist). It can automatically initiate full braking to bring the vehicle to a halt in response to stationary or moving obstacles and, new, also reacts to moving pedestrians.

Turning assistance Sideguard Assist with person detection is also available for all four variants.

Concerning Covid, the new Mercedes Intouro is available with a high partition between the driver’s seat and the passenger compartment. A safety door on the driver’s side prevents close contact with passengers getting on board. The new Class II features active filters with an antiviral layer as standard.

Mercedes bets on the mild hybrid module

The bus is powered by the 7.7 litres diesel engine. It is available with 299 hp (220 kW) and 1,200 Newton metres of torque and with 354 hp (260 kW) and 1,400 Nm. The three-axle Intouro L is equipped as standard with an in-line six-cylinder with 10.7-litre displacement. It delivers 394 hp (290 kW) and 1,900 Nm. A hybrid variant is also planned.

Starting with next year, the new Mercedes Intouro will be available with an optional energy recovery module. Double-layer capacitors – so-called supercaps – store the electricity generated during the braking and allow it to be used by auxiliary consumers. A hybrid variant of the Intouro is also planned. In this version, the diesel engine will be supplemented by the additional drive power of a highly efficient and compact 14 kW hybrid module (like that of the Citaro hybrid).