Aerodynamically optimised from tip to tail

Curving away above the Tourismo's distinctive face is the mighty dome of the windscreen. This integrates the end-outline marker lamps, features flow-optimised radii that continue through into the roof and combines an aerodynamically perfected shape with ideal visibility for both driver and passengers. The frameless Aquablade windscreen wipers cling closely to the windscreen, which flows seamlessly round in broad radii into the flat side wall, allowing the airstream to flow almost unobstructed along the coachwork. Design elements are used to underline the self-contained form of the new Tourismo RHD: dark shading is used to make the A-pillars appear invisible. The driver's window and the doors are integrated flush with the vehicle body. The smooth and almost seamless lines, with their streamlined airflow, furthermore reduce irritating wind noise and make the coach easy to clean.

A full 80 of the 130 mm of the extended front end, compared with the predecessor model, go into the pronounced curve of the front overhang. Typical of the ingenious aerodynamic solutions are also hidden components such as the panelling of the area beneath the front overhang.

There's another clever idea that you can't see: at speeds of 95 km/h or over, the body of the new Tourismo RHD lowers automatically by an imperceptible 20 mm. Once the speed goes back down below 70 km/h, the body automatically rises again. The lowering reduces the frontal area and thus also fuel consumption and emissions. The shape of the exterior mirror arms, reminiscent of a leaf, is also the result of aerodynamic optimisation. They emerge from a characteristic three-dimensionally shaped, wing-like element. This is painted in the vehicle colour and appears to float out from the side windows and the panels above the front door and driver's window.

The exterior mirror covers are coloured grey as standard, or can optionally be painted in the same colour as the vehicle. In addition to the main and wide-angle mirrors, the mirror systems can also as an option include front area lighting. To make things easier when the vehicle is washed or for tight manoeuvring or parking, folding mirrors are available upon request, with an electric folding mechanism a further option.

Body structure more markedly curved, distinctive belt line trim strip

Compared with the previous model, there is a more pronounced narrowing of the upper part of the body. This curvature takes away something of the forceful impact of the high-decker's body, while at the same time improving passengers' view from the side windows. The double-glazed windows are available with different levels of tint and with a graduated transparency that ranges from the standard 56 percent down to ten percent - the latter a particularly striking visual effect.

One distinctive characteristic feature of the high-decker is the belt line, which drops towards the front end of the vehicle and is edged in black. At the level of the front door, or below the driver's window on the other side, this line takes a pronounced turn downwards, to then flow into the dark area beneath the windscreen. The line encircles the whole front section of the high-decker, creating a design feature that serves to reinforce the characteristic face of this model.

The rear corner pillar takes a clear turn upwards from the belt line, so adding a dynamic boost to the high-deck model's shape. This classic theme takes its cues from the great tradition of Mercedes-Benz touring coaches such as the legendary predecessor model, the O 303. Further momentum comes from the angled, upward curve of the radiator louvres. The panelling for the roof-mounted air-conditioning system can if so required be painted in the vehicle colour. Should an exclusive look for the high-decker be sought, elegant side trim, in the vehicle colour, can be fitted to conceal the roof-mounted unit.