Alexander Dennis Ltd. (ADL) 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.

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.

The 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.

With up to 87 seats, the Plaxton Panorama double-deck coach is a versatile choice for intercity coach operation, commuter express services as well as high-capacity touring. Sixty-five of the seats are on the upper deck, accessed via staircases at the front and center of the coach.

Different lower saloon layouts are available to offer wheelchair access through the front or center door, depending on operator requirement. A sliding seat system enables rapid conversion to provide a wheelchair position complying with Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations.

Based on the three-axle Volvo B11RLE chassis, the Plaxton Panorama is powered by a 460hp Euro 6 engine matched to Volvo’s I-Shift automated manual transmission. It also has safety built in with forward collision warning, emergency braking, and lane keeping support systems provided. Plaxton’s standard stainless steel structure provides a strong, lightweight body frame with durability and peace of mind built in.