World’s First 4x4 Off-Road Bus Torsus Praetorian Redefines “Tough”

First introduced in 2018, the Praetorian platform is now being used on some 22 different configurations, all of them available commercially worldwide. They include anything from a firetruck, utility truck, mining bus, ambulance, military vehicle and, why yes, a cozy camper RV that is just as tough as its less leisure-oriented siblings.

Built in the Czech Republic, the Praetorian is basically a custom MAN truck: it uses a TGM truck chassis from MAN and MAN six-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 240 hp and a huge 682 lb-Ft (925 Nm) of torque to all four wheels via six-speed MAN/ZF semi-automatic transmission. The Praetorian is built to be tough and reliable, so as to be able to “make the tough feel tame.”

Earlier this year, this off-road bus was awarded with the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in the design category, so while its heart is all-MAN, the wrapping is an entirely different thing. Indeed, Torsus says they can build your dream bus whatever that dream might be. Whether you need it to transport personnel to far-off locations, render first-aid services in otherwise inaccessible areas and rescue missions, police work and even off-road camping.

The platform is the same on all these proposed vehicles and the maximum payload is of 35 passengers. For the Overlander version, aka the camper RV, the generous layout includes a sleeping area with a fixed bed behind a partition wall, a living room with open-plan kitchen, and a bathroom with shower toilet and cabinetry. Plenty of storage space and a pull-out side awning make the Overlander the perfect RV for the more adventurous camper – the kind that isn’t afraid to stray from the beaten path.

All Praetorian vehicles have 15.7-inch (400mm) ground clearance, which allows them to go through water as high as 27.5 inches (700mm) and over gravel, rocks and through mud. Front and rear parabolic leaf springs, power steering, Michelin off-road tires and a fiberglass body help it navigate very rough and treacherous terrain. The fuel tank has an 80-gallon (300-liter) capacity, and there’s electronic brake system.

Exterior surfaces are covered in Line-X ballistic-grade coating for maximum durability in all conditions. The Praetorian is literally able to go where no other bus has ever gone before, and come out like new, except for whatever dirt it picks up along the way.

Standard features include central air-conditioning, automatic doors and steps, three-point seat belts for the passengers, DVD entertainment system and overhead lights, reinforced floor and tinted windows. Meanwhile, the driver sits on a pneumatic seat and a rearview camera comes as standard.

Torsus proudly claims that its Praetorian is the first 4x4 off-road bus in the world, and that it can – and will – go over any rough terrain without an issue. This and the fact that it’s highly customizable make it a very functional and versatile vehicle: Torsus says they didn’t want their first foray into the automotive industry to help them blend in, but to carve their own segment.

While videos and the spec sheet of the Praetorian surely makes this monster of a bus sound impressive, it doesn’t look like Torsus has actually been able to deliver one of these vehicles to a customer – at least, not according to Jalopnik.

Pricing has not been disclosed, but reports in the media put the Praetorian at over $154,000 for the base model. For a camper RV, that’s a lot of money, but it’s probably a sound investment if you’re in the market for a utility vehicle.