Mercedes-Benz to Premiere Sprinter City 77 at the 2010 IAA

Five travel coaches and transit buses will be showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the upcoming 2010 IAA show in Hanover, with the zero-emission Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid included. However, the real highlight in the German manufacturer’s booth will be the world premiere of the Sprinter City 77 for urban use.

The minibus is based on a conventional Sprinter up to the B-pillar. However, the bus body with twin rear axle and continuous low-floor area is an exclusive in-house development for the Sprinter City 77.

With a capacity of 40 passengers, the minibus fills in the gap between the Sprinter City 65 and the Citaro K. The new Sprinter City 77 is around a metre longer than the previous City 65 flagship model and – depending on the equipment options – boasts ten extra passenger seats.

Other features of the urban bus include two outward-swinging double doors, which are operated using an innovative drive concept, and a kneeling function, as well as a bright interior with its large windows and large glass doors.

“The relatively short wheelbase and the sleek design make the minibus extremely manoeuvrable: the width of the separately mounted body is just 1.99 metres, making the largest member of the Mercedes-Benz minibus line-up likewise ideally suited to tight inner city areas. Moreover, it is also an ideal solution as a shuttle bus for airports or trade fairs, as well as for rural services,” a company statement reads.

The Sprinter City 77 is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 120 kW (163 hp) and maximum torque of 360 Nm, mated to a fully automatic 5-speed transmission as standard.