Daimler Buses has taken a monumental step forward in the electrification of passenger transport. At the Busworld Europe 2025 exhibition in Brussels, the company officially presented its first series-production battery-electric intercity bus, the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro. This debut signifies a crucial expansion of the company's electric mobility strategy, moving beyond urban transit routes into regional and long-distance travel. Til Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses, confirmed that the successful conclusion of extensive testing programs marks a new chapter in their electrification roadmap, preparing the organization for the unique challenges inherent to intercity routes.
The new eIntouro is engineered upon the proven foundation of the diesel-powered Intouro platform, retaining its familiar exterior design while integrating a cutting-edge electric powertrain. The model is offered in two distinct variants: the standard 12.18-meter version and the extended eIntouro M, measuring 13.09 meters in length. These configurations are capable of accommodating between 50 and 63 passengers. Powering the vehicle is a central electric drive system, which delivers a robust continuous output of 320 kW and can achieve a peak power output of 400 kW when maximum performance is required.
Central to the energy system are advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery cells. These cells are standardized across the Daimler ecosystem, sharing technology with those utilized in the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 long-haul truck. Customers have flexibility in configuration, with options including a single battery block providing 207 kWh or a dual-block setup totaling 414 kWh. A significant advantage of the LFP technology is its ability to utilize over 95 percent of the installed capacity, promising an impressive operational lifespan of up to 15 years. Under optimal operating conditions, this energy density allows the eIntouro to achieve a maximum range of 500 kilometers on a single charge.
Demonstrating its resilience, the eIntouro underwent rigorous validation testing across extreme climatic conditions. The bus proved its operational stability during arctic cold weather trials and endured severe summer heat in Spain, where temperatures climbed above 45 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the eIntouro holds the distinction of being the first European bus equipped with Over-the-Air (OTA) software update capability. This functionality, managed through the Omniplus On portal, significantly enhances operational readiness and minimizes downtime by allowing remote system updates.
The introduction of the eIntouro is a logical continuation of Daimler Buses' comprehensive electric roadmap, which initially began with the launch of the urban eCitaro in 2018. The company opened the order books for the eIntouro in the spring of 2025. While orders are being accepted now, the initial customer deliveries are scheduled to commence during the second half of 2026. Looking ahead, Daimler Buses has also announced ambitious plans to introduce fully electric touring coaches to the market before the close of the current decade.