The planning game quickly became reality: forthwith the O 340 supplemented the sophisticated O 404. But just two years after the first show appearance it became clear that the O 340 was merely a herald of things to come. At the 1994 Hanover show its successor, the O 350, already took the stage. This was a very different bus: out went the engineering of the O 303, in came the foundation of the classy O 404, including disk brakes on all wheels, the splendid independent wheel suspension of the front axle, and the instrument panel.

Mercedes-Benz O 350 - Tourismo

Tapered C-pillar and striking design

However, the bus made an almost exalted impression. The design was very emotional, much different from that of the plain predecessor or the elegant O 404. Particularly the tapered C-pillar made it unmistakable. A wide lateral swage line running the length of the sides structured the side walls; expensive pressed sheet metal parts were nowhere to be found; the air conditioning unit crowned the rear end. The interior appeared plain and functional, with no frills at all. But the bus was comprehensively equipped. The usual long lists of extras were not the thing of the O 350. And it was only available in one twelve meter long variant with a V8 engine developing 280 kW (381 hp).

The successor of the O 340, the O 350/Tourismo, proved extremely popular.