01 Jun 2018

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has unveiled two new coach models in its Plaxton line-up. The Panther LE is an innovative low entry vehicle that combines bus accessibility with coach comfort, while the versatile Panorama double decker is built for high capacity, luxury travel. With these new additions, Plaxton now offers a full range from midicoaches to double deckers – ensuring that more than ever, whatever operators’ requirements, the answer is Plaxton.

The Plaxton Panther LE is designed for stage carriage services that require both easy access and comfort, such as commuter express routes or longer-distance connections doubling up as local services in rural areas.

This single deck, low entry coach has a flat floor in the front saloon, where 16 coach seats and a permanent forward-facing wheelchair position are offered – all accessible through the front door without the need to navigate stairs. Three shallow steps take able-bodied passengers to the remaining seats the rear saloon. In total, the Panther LE provides 53 high-back coach seats with integrated bell pushes, USB charging points, dimmable lights and – in the rear saloon – individual rack mounted service units. Full coach quality air conditioning is provided throughout the entire vehicle.

A manual wheelchair ramp is stowed in underfloor hold space ahead of the rear axles, accessible externally from both body sides. With a volume of 2.1m3, this locker allows additional luggage loading.

The 14.6m Panther LE is based on Plaxton’s proven stainless steel coach body structure, ensuring a high degree of commonality across the range. It is built on the three-axle Volvo B8RLE chassis and powered by an efficient 350hp Euro 6 engine that is matched to either the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission or a ZF EcoLife fully automatic gearbox. Forward collision warning, emergency braking and lane keeping support systems are standard safety features.

ADL’s Plaxton coach range now comprises the Cheetah XL and Panther Cub midicoaches, the entry-level Leopard, the versatile Panther all-rounder, the easy access Panther LE, flagship Elite head-turner, interdeck Elitei and double deck Panorama. With the exception of the Cheetah XL, all are built on Volvo chassis.

https://www.alexander-dennis.com