X3-45

The Prevost X-Series is a family of motorcoaches and conversion shells designed and manufactured by Prevost, a subsidiary of Volvo Buses. The current model is the X3-45, which is a (nominal) 45-foot, 3-axle bus for the intercity bus and Class A conversion motorhome markets.

The ancestors of the X-Series can be traced back to 1984, when Prevost released the widebody XL Series of motorcoaches, including the LeMirage XL. A 45-foot model was added in 1992 as the XL-45, which was updated with a second generation in 2000 as the LeMirage XL-II. The third generation bus was released in 2006 as the X3-45, which competes with the MCI D-Series.

Design

The X3-45 has a wheelbase of , with an overall length of , width of , and height of . The standard engine is a Volvo D13 diesel engine, coupled to an Allison " World Bus" 6-speed automatic transmission.

The X3-45 was updated in 2011 to add a transit bus model, and the styling and chassis were updated in 2019. The most prominent visual changes can be seen around the headlights.

Three models are available:
* X3-45 (long-distance motorcoach)
* X3-45 Commuter (transit bus)
* X3-45 VIP Specialty / VIP Entertainer (conversion shells)

VIP models are conversion shells with minimal interiors which are sold to upfitters for completion. For the passenger models fitted with seats by Prevost, including the X3-45 and X3-45 Commuter, the passenger deck features an interior height of , and there is of storage under the passenger floor.

;Notes

Overall fuel consumption, as observed over a standardized driving route incorporating typical transit service routes serving downtown, arterial, and commuter areas, was .

History

Prevost introduced the ''LeMirage'' in 1976 to replace its earlier ''Champion'' and ''Prestige'' series of motorcoaches; although the Champion had been marketed in the United States since 1968, the LeMirage gave Prevost its first substantial American sales, as it eliminated the "stepped" front with a four-piece windshield and retained the tall, curved side windows from the Prestige, resulting in a brighter interior for passengers than its competitors. A wide-body version, the ''LeMirage XL'', followed in 1984, increasing the nominal width from . Prevost also introduced two sister models in 1984, grouping all three motorcoaches as the ''XL Series'': Marathon XL, a stripped-down variant designed to be more economical than the LeMirage XL, and Astral XL, a premium variant with glass roof panels above the passengers, aimed at sightseeing bus tour operators. All three of the XL Series buses introduced in 1984 have a nominal length of .

An extended version, designated ''XL-45'', was added in 1992, with a nominal length of . The XL-45 was introduced in part to compete with the MCI D-Series. The second generation XLII series buses introduced in 2000 included both ''XLII-40'' and ''XLII-45'' models, with nominal lengths of 40- and 45-feet, respectively. XLII models can be distinguished externally from their XL predecessors, as the XLII have removed the fluted stainless steel lower body cladding and the side windows are set with flush glazing.

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority awarded a contract to Prevost for up to 330 X3-45 Commuter buses in 2019, with the buses to be assembled at the Volvo Buses factory in Plattsburgh, New York, which it shares with Nova Bus. Prevost production at Plattsburgh concluded by the end of 2022, returning to its home factory in Quebec.

References

External links

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* {{cite report , url=https://www.altoonabustest.psu.edu/bus-details.aspx?BN=1907 , title=Bus Testing Report No. 1907: X3-45 Commuter from Prevost , date=January 2020 , publisher=Bus Testing and Research Center, Pennsylvania Transportation Institute , location=Altoona, Pennsylvania

Volvo buses
Coaches (bus)
Tri-axle buses
Vehicles introduced in 2006