The first Travego, which replaced the O404 model, appeared in the Mercedes-Benz range in 1999: a two-axle twelve-meter bus, depending on the version, can accommodate from 44 to 51 passengers and has good maneuverability. However, on long trips, the weight of luggage sometimes has to be limited - in Germany, the total mass of biaxial models should not exceed 18 tons. Later, a three-axle version of Travego L appeared with a length of 13.85 m and a capacity of 52 or 57 people - the mass limit for it is 24 tons, and limited maneuverability (turning radius 11.7 m) is not so important on intercity routes.
The current debutant of Travego M combines the advantages of both predecessors: with a length of 12.82 m it is as maneuverable as a biaxial shaft, and the third axis and a little more than 15 tons of curb weight leave another 9 tons for the load - about two centners per passenger and his luggage! Depending on the number of stars and, accordingly, the degree of comfort, passenger capacity changes: 48 people in four-star configuration and 53 in three-star. The bus is equipped with a small refrigerator, a kitchen compartment, you can install a toilet. On the left, the driver has his own door - you won’t have to go around if you can’t drive close to the road or parking payment counter.
Driving performance of the new “Travego M” can be described as follows: fast, comfortable, economical. Paired with the most powerful engine on the test bus, a twelve-speed gearbox worked. Switching is very light and almost imperceptible on the go. With moderate-intensive acceleration, the automation sometimes shifts gears through one, maintaining optimal engine speeds. We do not agree - manual control mode is at your service. The usual lever in place! Suspension brackets of the new “Travego” on air balloons, with automatic level control and the possibility of its forced change. With a 476-horsepower engine, the fuel consumption on the autobahn was about 26 liters per 100 km, and the average 31.7 liters - despite the fact that the bus was loaded with ballast up to 20 tons, and part of the run fell on the Hockenheimring training ground and race track.
