Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches: Citaro: Comfort for the driver

The driver's area.

The best protection for passengers is still a driver who is fully concentrated. Which is why the driver's seat must be shielded from distractions and operation should be intuitive, with controls which are easy to reach. The Citaro sets new standards in this area, too.

Everything is in the right place here. Nothing should distract a Citaro driver from his or her work. This is what we've worked to achieve. The driver's seat position has been raised slightly to give better all-round vision ‒ the driver is now on eye-level with the passengers. In addition, through extending the front, legroom has been increased ‒ while improving collision protection at the same time, too. The change gives an optimal seat position on long working days.

Driver's window & climate control.

Keep a cool head at all times.

The driver's window ensures better ventilation and easy access to the exterior mirror. In order to maintain the exemplary view to the upper front of the bus, the windscreen has been installed 60 mm higher. The destination display has even been raised by 72 mm. This results in even better vision when looking upwards at an angle, for example, when looking at traffic lights. The driver also benefits from the fact the side window sill is lower. The higher position of the driver's seat thus improves all-round vision, for example, the view of the traffic ahead.

New. Ventilation of the driver's area.

There are two more large round air nozzles for air intake in the instrument panel. There is room for a larger pollen filter behind the larger air intake grille which is to the side immediately behind the driver's seat. The air extraction unit behind the driver's seat ensures greater air flow through the cab. The front box for ventilating and heating the driver's area has been positioned centrally. This ensures more even demisting of the entire windscreen. It is also electrically heated.

Stowage compartments.

The vehicle isn't just comfortable to sit in, it's spacious too.

Additional DIN slots make it possible to enhance the Citaro flexibly. And we also made them easier to reach. There are additional stowage compartments for the driver's personal belongings in the bag compartment and on the instrument support. As you can see: everything is optimally protected in the Citaro.

Up to four pieces of equipment fit into the DIN slots: they can be easily accessed and easily read. The loudspeaker for the driver's area is also fitted into the frame. If the vehicle is fitted with internal or external cameras, the display is installed flush to the underside of the carrier.

Switches & buttons.

Buttons and switches are positioned in line with the latest thinking on ergonomics.

The positioning of the buttons and switches in the Citaro's cockpit corresponds to the latest findings about ergonomics. Thus, for example, the buttons that are continually used in everyday operation for opening and closing the doors are all positioned in a row on a lower ledge to the right-hand side. The switches/buttons for the automatic transmission that are generally used less frequently are positioned in a horizontal row of their own further forward.

The light switch is positioned on the left. Apart from being easily accessible, its position ensures that it is always in the driver's field of vision.

Instrument panel & multifunction steering wheel.

Everything is totally intuitive here.

It is also easier to read the instruments and operate the switches in the Citaro: we have improved the shape and the grouping of both, and used more distinctive colours to make the tachometer and rev counter stand out. The multifunction steering wheel is also a new feature in the Citaro. Menu navigation is simple, by means of the function buttons on the steering wheel. Whether a status message or an operating indicator – everything is shown clearly and comprehensibly on the colour display.

The Citaro is ready for all eventualities.

The instrument panel is of such a stable construction that additional units weighing up to 1.5 kg and 2.5 kg could be attached to the left and right respectively. In such a case, anchorage adapters and cable ducting can be ordered as optional extras ex factory ‒ the customer's own equipment can thus be integrated in a much more elegant way than before. With attachments it is important to take care that the driver's field of vision is in no way restricted.

The driver protection door.

Everything is optimally protected in the Citaro – and that naturally includes the driver as well. This is ensured by the driver protection door, which protects the driver from unexpected attacks. Depending on the intended deployment of the vehicle and the degree of protection desired, there are four modular constructions available.

The door is now hinged at the rear and opens at the front. This means the driver can get directly and really quickly from the main front door to his/her workstation and vice versa. In the event of an attack the driver protection door secures the escape possibilities for the driver.

Suspension & steering.

A suspension that should be hailed as a masterpiece.

With its independent suspension on the front axle, the Citaro has set new standards in regular-service buses. Great straight-line stability and excellent steerability together with comfortable springs ensure the same quiet and easy handling as found in a touring coach.

City Celebrations.

A story of success which is set to continue. We say thanks for the 55,555 Citaro buses sold to-date.

Citaro

Comfort for the driver

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