• Tourismo: the first bus bearing the Mercedes star to be given a name

  • Ongoing development and improvement, 10,000 high-deckers in ten years

  • The second generation: new design concept and yet more records

  • Fit for the future: Euro VI, new safety systems, extended model line-up

Europe's most successful touring coach at the current time is celebrating its birthday: the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo made its debut 20 years ago in 1994. Its track record makes impressive reading: during the two model generations to date, over 21,000 units have rolled off the production line. Originally built as a high-decker in just one length, the current generation of Tourismo coaches spans a wide range of models that service the needs of a broad market segment. The Tourismo's formula for success is unchanged, however: outstanding economy and functionality.

Tourismo: the first bus bearing the Mercedes star to be given a name

The touring coach made its debut in autumn 1994, when it was officially designated the Mercedes-Benz O 350 Tourismo. It was the first bus bearing the Mercedes star to be given a name. Mercedes-Benz adopted a clear model positioning: at the time, the O 404 luxury high-decker coach fulfilled the highest requirements in terms of engineering and specification, while the new O 350 Tourismo from the bus plant in Turkey was geared more towards the business class - it was economical first and foremost, but also comfortable and solidly built.

The stylish body design with its distinctive swept-back C-pillars and continuous swage line above the wheel arches concealed some top-class technical features: the superb chassis, featuring a highly sophisticated multi-link front suspension and disc brakes all round, and the state-of-the-art cockpit were both borrowed from the O 404.

The O 350 Tourismo broke with bus industry convention, as the twin-axle high-deck touring coach left the factory largely pre-assembled and fully equipped, and was available in just one length of 12 metres.

This was the ideal solution at a time when bus operators were tending more and more to place orders at short notice to meet their immediate requirements. The drive system was also very much in keeping with the times, comprising the legendary V8 turbocharged diesel engine with a 14.6 l displacement and an output of 280 kW (381 hp), plus a six-speed manual transmission that would later come with an electro-pneumatic shift (EPS) in conjunction with the Euro 3 engines.

Ongoing development and improvement, 10,000 high-deckers in ten years

The O 350 Tourismo quickly turned into a bestseller. In 1998, four years after its launch, it was joined by the super-high-deck touring coach, which had previously already been marketed in Turkey. A major overhaul took place in 1999. The unmistakable C-pillar was extended forward on the door side by the addition of a new base panel, while the headlamps and rear end were also given a new look. Mercedes-Benz also took the opportunity to upgrade the interior equipment and appointments. The design number was also omitted from the model designation, meaning the coach was now simply known as the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo.

Just ten years on from its premiere, a special "Edition 10,000" series with an exclusive specification was brought out to celebrate a major milestone. With average production of 1000 units a year, the Tourismo had long since become the most successful touring coach of its day in Europe. The development team kept it fully up to date: an aluminium sandwich floor for the luggage compartment, aluminium air reservoirs and further modifications helped to reduce the unladen weight by half a tonne.

The second generation of the Tourismo in 2006 with a new concept

In autumn 2006, after a production run of over 12,000 models for more than 50 countries, a new star appeared on the bus and coach scene with the arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo. Actually, it was four stars to be more precise, as the Tourismo high-deck touring coach was now available in three different lengths from 12.1 to 14.0 m, as well as in twin-axle and, for the first time, triple-axle variants. The body design was smooth and straightforward, while the front and rear ends were styled in typical Mercedes-Benz fashion. The feature line at the side forming a link between exterior mirror and roof provided a discreet reminder of the predecessor's swept-back styling.

The equipment fitted in the new Tourismo now became more customised in order to adapt to individual operating requirements and specific conditions in different countries. Passengers benefited from hot-water convector heating and the driver from a new cockpit offering plenty of freedom of movement and a joystick gearshift. Key safety features included the electronic stability system ESP and the vehicle's width of 2.55 m.

The drive system now typically consisted of in-line six-cylinder engines with outputs of 260 kW (354 hp), 300 kW (408 hp) and, on the triple-axle model, 315 kW (428 hp), as well as six-speed manual transmissions. The new Tourismo met the Euro IV emissions standard thanks to its BlueTec engine technology. Right-hand-drive versions together with automated and fully automatic transmissions opened up new sales potential for the Tourismo. The cathodic dip priming process in the new Hosdere bus plant in Istanbul served to enhance corrosion prevention.

Three years later, Mercedes-Benz expanded the range again by bringing out the Tourismo RH. The new raised-floor bus was just as well suited to upmarket regular-service routes and internal company transport as it was to excursions and short trips. The twin-axle vehicle was available in lengths of 12.1 m and 13.0 m. From now on, all Tourismo models could be equipped with the Mercedes GO 240-8 PowerShift fully automated eight-speed transmission as an option.

The second generation: record figures and milestones

The new Tourismo quickly became another sales hit. In 2008, annual production broke through the 1000 barrier for the first time with a total of 1273 units. Mercedes-Benz already delivered the 5000th second-generation Tourismo in February 2012, bringing the total number of Tourismo vehicles in operation to 17,500.

Liberalisation of long-distance bus transport in Germany in 2013 provided a further impetus for the economical Tourismo and was a key factor in the growth in sales to a new all-time record of 1530 units. At the same time, total vehicle sales since 1994 reached the 20,000 mark.

Fit for the future: Euro VI, new safety systems, extended model line-up

The Tourismo was also primed for the future in 2013. New in-line six-cylinder engines with a 10.7 l displacement and power ratings varying from 265 kW (360 hp) to 315 kW (428 hp) that meet the Euro VI emissions limits are now fitted in the touring coaches. They promise clean, efficient and powerful operation.

In parallel to this, the new Tourismo K was launched to add a 10.3 m compact touring coach to the range. Depending on the specification chosen, it is ideal for use as a VIP shuttle, club bus and, thanks to its excellent manoeuvrability, even for upmarket rural-service operations under difficult conditions. To match the compact format of the Tourismo K, it is powered by a new in-line six-cylinder engine at the rear with a displacement of just 7.7 l and an output of 260 kW (354 hp).

In its 2014 anniversary year, Mercedes-Benz is presenting new assistance and safety systems for the Tourismo in the form of the Lane Assistant and the AEBS Advanced Emergency Braking System. If there is a risk of a collision, AEBS automatically initiates a full brake application, should the driver fail to intervene.

Europe's best-selling touring coach is marking its birthday in typically modest fashion: models will simply sport a "20 Years Anniversary" badge. With over 21,000 units now sold - including some 9400 from the present generation - as the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo approaches the end of its anniversary year, it continues to reign supreme as Europe's undisputed No. 1 touring coach.

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