Mercedes-Benz do Brasil is expanding its vehicle portfolio with the new Super Padron O 500 R 1830. The chassis can accommodate city bus bodies with a length of up to 14 meters and offers space for up to 100 passengers. The Super Padron is particularly suitable for public transport systems with separate bus lanes, such as in Belo Horizonte, Recife, Porto Alegre and Curitiba as well as in other major Latin American cities.
Mobility for many – without a joint and a third axis
The new Super Padron O 500 R 1830 has a 4 × 2 drive (four wheels, two of which are driven). In terms of operating costs, the Super Padron has an advantage over the 15-meter-long 6 × 2 variants from local competitors, as there is no need to maintain an additional steering axle. Bus companies thus achieve more profitability with the same passenger capacity.
Specifically, bus companies can choose between three versions: The variant with the longest body (14 meters) can accommodate up to 95 passengers (64 standing, 30 seats and a wheelchair) or 90 passengers (60 standing, 29 seats, one wheelchair) Place. These options are suitable for longer lines where passengers tend to sit longer. Another variant with a 13.6 meter long body can accommodate up to 100 passengers (76 standing, 23 seats, one wheelchair). This variant is particularly suitable for lines on which passengers get on and off frequently. The various versions can be flexibly designed by the bus company in order to precisely meet the respective transport requirements.
The Super Padron is delivered from the factory with a high floor and can be equipped with up to five doors (three doors on the right, two doors on the left). The chassis is compatible with the national entry platforms for BRT systems (920 mm) and is also equipped with a lowering system. The Super Padron thus offers comfortable and safe access for passengers and wheelchair users. The rear engine, which enables a larger front overhang, makes access to the front section even easier and reduces the noise level in the driver’s area.
High power to weight ratio as well as high comfort and safety standards
The new chassis, which was designed on the basis of the existing O 500 city bus chassis, has a gross vehicle weight of 19.6 tons and a 310 hp OM 926 LA engine. Other features include the factory-installed ZF Ecolife AP1200 automatic transmission with integrated retarder and automatic roll-back lock. The full air suspension with two air bellows at the front and four at the rear ensures greater comfort for passengers and relaxed work for the driver on board.
Functional solutions during and after the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the urban segment in Brazil suffered a significant slump in passenger numbers. This is why Brazilian bus companies pay attention to particularly economical and versatile solutions when purchasing new vehicles. That is exactly what prompted Mercedes-Benz do Brasil to develop the Mercedes-Benz Super Padron. This can cost-effectively represent the current low number of passengers. At the same time, bus operators are prepared for peak times.
Source: Daimler AG
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