Volvo 9600 Intercity Coach: All you need to know!
For the first time in over two decades, Volvo Buses India has launched an all-new coach platform – the Volvo 9600 – in sync with the brand’s international product line-up. The new coach will be available in two axle configurations of 4×2 (13.5-metre) and multi-axle 6×2 (15-metre) in both seater and sleeper versions.
This is perhaps the first time that the brand is introducing factory-built sleeper variants in its twenty-plus years of market presence in India. Further, as expected, the new 9600 platform is unlikely to be offered as chassis-only to customers, thereby promoting factory-built versions in the Indian market.
The company, now a division of Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV), will build the new 9600 platform coaches at its Hosakote plant in Karnataka for both domestic and export markets. The platform will be presented as the next-generation product in the premium coach segment in India, which is currently dominated by the brand’s quintessential 9400 coaches.
Design and Styling
Volvo 9600 follows the contemporary styling cues of the brand’s global line-up, featuring signature V-shaped headlamp DRLs and angled front fascia, tall-boy silhouette with suave edges, slender-looking taillamps and panaromic windows on both the sides. The seater coach features theatre-type flooring with sunken gangway, while the sleepers host a flat floor.
Also Read: Volvo 9900: “Beauty and no Beast” – Test Drive Report
The coach boasts a galvanised tubular structure body. The front structure is of the coach is further enhanced. In the event of a collision, the front framework can absorb more energy and covers a wider spectrum of impact angles and heights, according to the manufacturer.
Engine and Transmission
The 9600 platform is powered by Volvo’s D8K6350 6-cylinder, 8-litre diesel engine (BS-VI) generating a maximum power of 260kW (350hp) at 2200 rpm and a max torque of 1350 Nm @ 1200-1600 rpm. It is mated to Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission (AMT) with 14 forward and 4 reverse gears likely from ZF.
Volvo Buses claim that the 9600’s engine is specifically designed for higher fuel-efficiency and maximum uptime, with reduced TCO than its previous engines.
Features and Equipment
The 9600 intercity coaches comes loaded with a host of driver assist and safety features. This includes ergonomically-designed curved dashboard, air-suspended driver seat with headrest, and a comprehensive driver information system.
The new Volvo’s safety equipment list include ABS, Electronic Braking System (EBS), Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC), Hill start aid, rear view camera with a 7-inch screen, Fire detection and suppression system (FDSS), and an integrated hydrodynamic retarder. Other highlights of the 9400 are hydraulic power-assisted steering, panic buttons for passengers, fire extinguishers, and roof hatches for passenger safety.
The coach’s rigid tag axle in 6×2 variants is steerable, and all axles feature full air suspension with electronic control.
Seating and Sleeper berths
Volvo 9600, in 4×2 (13.5-m) configuration, can seat up to 47 passengers in seater version, while the sleeper variant can host 36 berths. In the longer 6×2 (15-m) multi-axle configuration, the bus in seater avatar has a passenger capacity of 55, and 40 berths (four additional berths) in the sleeper version.
Also Read: Volvo 9400 B8R, B11R: 10 Things You Should Know
While the 13.5m seater and sleeper coaches incorporate 13.6 cu.m and 8.1 cu.m of luggage space respectively, the 15m seater and sleeper variants boast an increased15.1 cu.m and 9.2 cu.m of luggage bay respectively.
The passengers get premium push-back seats and theatre-type saloon, individual AC vents, readings lights, and USB-charging ports.
Dimensions
| Length (mm) | 15,000 |
| Height (mm) | 3,800 (Seater) 4,000 (Sleeper) |
| Width (mm) | 2,600 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 8,260 |
| GVW (kgs) | 22,200 |
Photo Gallery
Photos Credit: Volvo Buses India
