Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with visible frame, driver’s seat, axles and technical components

OC 500 RF

All for a single goal: A good feeling.

One base. Many possibilities.

Mercedes-Benz has already subjected the new chassis to intensive tests. These include endurance tests and hydropulser testing of individual components such as the axles and tanks. And the new engines, too, have been tested under the most exacting conditions ranging from the icy polar circle to the heat and dust of South Africa, for their use on complete buses or on trucks with a permissible gross combination weight of up to 40 t. The tests also include loads so extreme that they never occur in real touring coach operation. All for a single goal: The good feeling to know you have a secure base for sophisticated, economically-efficient, environmentally-compatible touring coaches.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with technical components on the road, shown in the transparent outline of a bus

Highlights

The basis for your ideas.

Your benefits at a glance:

Modern drive concept.

A combination of efficient Euro VI drive technology with optional fuel-saving hybrid technology.

Proven safety from the complete bus.

Modern safety and assistance systems as standard, such as Active Brake Assist 6 Plus and Sideguard Assist 2 on both sides.

Modular system.

High adaptability of the vehicle body and thus flexible deployment options in urban and intercity traffic.

Overall cost-effectiveness.

Optimised overall economy thanks to efficient fuel consumption, long maintenance intervals and reliable availability.

Top view of Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with frame, axles, tires and visibly routed lines and major assemblies

Economy

Not a kilo too many.

Lower emission levels do not necessarily mean more weight: Mercedes-Benz has been able to implement Euro VI without increasing the vehicle weight. The new rear axle is just one of the numerous measures with which developers have been able to compensate for the unavoidable increased weight due to Euro VI. Additional weight savings came thanks to the lighter-weight water retarder, the new engine encapsulation, the lighter, more efficient alternators and not least through the use of high-strength steels for the optimised frame. The result: not a kilo too many - yet unchangingly robust.

Mercedes-Benz was able not only to keep fuel consumption at the accustomed low levels, but also to reduce AdBlue® consumption by as much as 40 % and oil consumption by up to 50 %. And the oil change intervals, extended to as much as 120,000 km, also contribute to greater overall economic efficiency. The diesel particulate filter only needs to be changed after 360,000 km. And that, with a 20 % increase in the useful life of the OM 470.

Illustration of a 48-volt hybrid drive as electrical support. The two modules show housing, copper wires and visible rotor

The intelligent use of kinetic energy.

The vehicle with 48 V hybrid system impresses with greater profitability and sustainability through lower fuel consumption and reduction of exhaust gas emissions. The diesel engine is supported by the driving force of a highly efficient hybrid module. The module’s 14 kW electric motor generates energy when coasting and braking, thus supporting the diesel engine when moving off and idling. The system has autonomous energy management and thus unchanged driving characteristics and familiar operation for the driver.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis in an industrial hall with brick walls, driver’s seat, axles and technical components

Technology

A clean performance.

The highest efficiency levels can be taken for granted with the new engines. They all combine impressive performance with spirited response even at low engine speeds, and couple great running smoothness with low consumption and exemplary low environmental impact. Compliance with the stringent requirements was achieved through a combination of common-rail injection, requirements-oriented exhaust gas recirculation, downstream oxidation catalytic converter, particulate filter and SCR technology with AdBlue® injection for exhaust gas purification.

Top view of Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus drive module with driver’s workplace, steering wheel, spare wheel, axles and cable harnesses

Freedom in body construction.

On three-axle chassis, the front axle can now bear up to 7.5 t. This axle load increase makes it possible to enjoy even more freedom in terms of bodies, e.g. height, weight, axle load distribution and size of the fuel tank. On all touring coach chassis, the latter is now located centrally above the front axle and has a capacity of either 290 or 450 litres of diesel fuel. Both fuel tank variants can be enlarged with a 125-litre additional tank. For a maximum tank volume of 575 litres of fuel and customer-specific touring coach solutions for every possible application.

Standardised interfaces.

Other advantages of the OC 500 RF high-floor chassis include standardised interfaces for your electronics, as well as a modular electronics compartment with standardised connectors by the driver's seat. All electrical systems are coded, and therefore particularly difficult to confuse. This means that you can connect your body electrics flexibly and without difficulty. At the same time you have a free hand in the location and installation of your electronic components.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with exposed engine, cooling system and detachable parts, front view in the factory hall
Mercedes-Benz bus chassis with exposed engine and frame in an industrial hall

Safety

Focus on safety.

The bus is one of the world's safest and most comfortable modes of transport. Innovations from Mercedes‑Benz have made a decisive contribution to this – and make the OC 500 RF a pioneer on the road.

The ABA 6 Plus emergency braking system assists the driver by automatically initiating emergency braking if there is a risk of a rear-impact collision with vehicles in front or stationary obstacles. It can also detect moving or stationary persons and cyclists in front of the vehicle. The system can respond with an audible and visual warning as well as automatic partial or full-stop braking.

Graphic of a bus turning assistant: sensor fields detect cyclists and pedestrians on the pedestrian crossing in front of the bus

Frontguard Assist is an advanced system that was specially developed to warn drivers of pedestrians located immediately in front of the vehicle and also to warn them of an impending accident. Whether you are pulling away or driving slowly (up to 9.3 mph), the intelligent assistance system can detect potential collisions with unprotected road users.

Graphic: Bus with sensor fields detects car and cyclist in the intersection area, danger zones marked in red

Sideguard Assist 2 is a safety assistance system that supports the driver on both sides in critical turning situations with possibly restricted visibility. The system is intended to help the driver to detect moving obstacles within the system limits and warn the driver in order to avoid critical situations or reduce the consequences of accidents when turning off or when changing lanes.

The side areas of the vehicle are monitored. This means that vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists that could be in the blind spot are detected on both the front passenger side and the driver’s side. The radar system precisely detects the movements and warns the driver of possible collisions. The intuitive user interface and clear warnings allow the driver to drive safely and relaxed.

Blue location pin with white coffee cup as symbol in the pin

Attention Assist 2.

Attention Assist uses a discreetly installed driver camera to detect signs of fatigue and distraction. If the system identifies any irregularities in eye movement or eyelid closing behaviour, it alerts you with a warning tone and display – for enhanced safety on long journeys.

Automatic activation and clear instructions

Attention Assist is automatically activated once the vehicle has been started. Fatigue identification starts at approx. 30 km/h, while distraction identification already starts at approx. 20 km/h. Functional restrictions can occur as part of to short driving times such as unfavourable lighting conditions, a covered camera or areas of the face. Examples include in strong sunlight, when drivers wear glasses, headgear or dirty lenses. In such cases, an automated message appears on the display with a notice to initiate cleaning.

Mercedes-Benz bus chassis with exposed rear module and stacked tires in an industrial hall, backlight image

Comfort

A safe workplace.

The driver's work area in the new OC 500 RF chassis generation is now even more attractive. It features the same high-grip, elegant four-spoke steering wheel as the Mercedes-Benz touring coaches. The steering wheel is available in a 450-mm and a 500-mm diameter version, according to your wishes. The advanced, easy-to-read instrument panel is also new. Adapted to the electronics structure and information requirements of Euro VI, it supports the driver with expanded information such as trip data and fuel consumption figures. This way the driver has everything under control at a glance.

A true comfort zone.

A touring coach not only impresses with its exterior, but above all with its intrinsic values. And the OC 500 RF has a lot to offer. The new electronic level control system ensures that passengers feel comfortable as soon as they get in. Because with it, the vehicle always has the same entry height, regardless of the load. And with the new low-noise drive axle, the journey itself is even more relaxed. It ensures pleasant peace and quiet in the interior.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis in profile on numbered platforms, blue marked section under the front axle

Modules

Five modules. More flexibility.

The modular concept of the OC 500 RF Euro VI from Mercedes-Benz is based on a tried-and-tested vehicle concept, and allows the greatest possible flexibility whilst also ensuring great variety. With a gross weight of 19 t, the chassis completely fulfils various market requirements and, thanks to the various body solutions, widths and lengths available, it ensures utmost flexibility.

The driver's workstation in the OC 500 RF is fully functional and can easily be adapted to your specific requirements. The steering column, for example, can be adjusted in height and inclination. There is no conventional gearshift lever in the cockpit, which offers your designers greater scope to implement their ideas. Instead the driver has a joystick with pneumatic shifting aid on the right of the seat. High precision and smooth travel ensure gearshifting comfort to rival that of a passenger car. Thanks to integrated emergency-running characteristics, the vehicle remains roadworthy even if the gearshift should fail. The variable location of the joystick also has ergonomic benefits. Easy to reach and operate, it eases the driver's workload and helps to ensure full concentration on the road ahead – a key contribution to driving safety.

The OC 500 RF ensures top-class driving comfort for your customers. The front axle with independent suspension stabilises your vehicle body, preventing roll movements and ensuring vehicle track stability. It also helps to maximise manoeuvrability for your bus. 12 metre two-axle vehicles, for example, can achieve a turning circle of 20.98 m depending on body type.

Depending on the body type, a three-axle 15 m touring coach or inter-city bus has a turning circle of 23.9 metres. The chassis can also be equipped with a raising/lowering mechanism to protect the vehicle underbody from damage when driving over obstacles or uneven surfaces.

The buggy centre section connects the rear and front components for vehicle transportation. It protects the assemblies and ensures that vehicle transportation costs are kept as low as possible.

Customer satisfaction also depends on the ride comfort provided by your buses. That’s why the driven axle of the OC 500 RF is designed to meet the highest standards. Guide arms mounted directly on the axle beam, for example, ensure optimum force transfer. In order to adapt your vehicles according to application, you have a choice of different transmission ratios. Your customers will also be pleased to hear that the driven axle does not require lubrication. Its operation is virtually maintenance-free – low maintenance costs are part of the package.

The steered trailing axle for the three-axle variant is the ideal complement, making slow manoeuvring and reversing significantly easier. Improved manoeuvrability also means less tyre wear. When travelling straight ahead at high speed, the third axle is hydraulically centred to improve driving stability. Conversely, the trailing axle can be briefly relieved of its load when moving off on a slippery road surface in order to increase traction: a practical starting aid.

Whether equipped with the OM 936 or OM 470: the highest efficiency levels can be taken for granted with these engines. They all combine impressive driving performance with spirited response even at low engine speeds, and couple great running smoothness with low consumption and exemplary low environmental impact. Compliance with the stringent requirements is achieved through a combination of common-rail injection, requirements-oriented exhaust gas recirculation, downstream oxidation catalytic converter, particulate filter and SCR technology with AdBlue injection for exhaust gas purification.

Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric bus driving on a road, with symbols for networked functions displayed

OMNIplus Service

Discover our Premium Service for your Mercedes-Benz.

With bus and coach-specific provision, individual solutions and an extensive range, OMNIplus ensures your vehicles are always ready for deployment and your company remains operational.

Find out more about OMNIplus
Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis seen from the side in front of a modern building, with visible driver’s workplace and technical components

Technical data

Technical data and equipment at a glance.

There are chassis. And then there are Mercedes-Benz chassis. In today's fiercely competitive market, it's the star that makes all the difference.

Download technical data & equipment

Contact

Any questions left?

Do you have any questions or need more information? We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us for further details.

Contact us now

Discover more models

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE bus chassis on an open test area, with a city skyline in the background

OC 500 LE

Find out more

FAQs

The Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF chassis offers a modular concept with high flexibility for different touring coach and intercity bus bodies. It combines modern drive technologies, safety assistance systems and economical operation.

The modular concept of the OC 500 RF chassis from Mercedes-Benz enables a high degree of adaptability in the vehicle body and supports different vehicle widths, lengths and application scenarios. This enables customer-specific bus solutions to be implemented.

Modern assistance systems such as Active Brake Assist 6 Plus, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Frontguard Assist and Sideguard Assist 2 are available as standard and can support drivers in critical situations.

The Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF chassis is available with the Mercedes-Benz OM 936 and OM 470 engines. Both engines combine high efficiency, low fuel consumption, good performance and modern exhaust gas aftertreatment technologies.

Yes. A 48-volt hybrid system is available as an option. It assists the diesel engine when pulling away and generates energy when braking and coasting, which can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Assistance systems can only support drivers. Drivers are always fully responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle.