| Prevost X3-45 | |
|---|---|
 Prevost X3-45 (second generation), showing design updates from 2019 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Prevost |
| Model years | 2006–present |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Volvo D13, 12.8 L (780 cu in) |
| Transmission | Allison"World" |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 8,496 mm (334.5 in) |
| Length | 13,716 mm (45 ft) |
| Width | 2,578 mm (101.5 in) |
| Height | 3,400 mm (133.875 in) |
ThePrevost X-Series is a family ofmotorcoaches and conversion shells designed and manufactured byPrevost, a subsidiary ofVolvo Buses. The current model is theX3-45, which is a (nominal) 45-foot, 3-axle bus for the intercity bus and Class A conversionmotorhome markets.
The ancestors of the X-Series can be traced back to 1984, when Prevost released the widebodyXL Series of motorcoaches, including theLeMirage XL. A 45-foot model was added in 1992 as theXL-45, which was updated with a second generation in 2000 as theLeMirage XL-II. The third generation bus was released in 2006 as the X3-45, which competes with theMCID-Series.
The X3-45 has awheelbase of 334.5 in (8.50 m), with an overall length of 45 ft (13.72 m), width of 101.5 in (2.58 m), and height of 133.875 in (3.40 m).[1] The standard engine is aVolvo D13 diesel engine, coupled to anAllison "World Bus" 6-speedautomatic transmission.[1]
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.
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Three models are available:
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 79.5–80 in (2.02–2.03 m), and there is 380–406 cu ft (10.8–11.5 m3) of storage under the passenger floor.[1][2]
Vehicle Stat. | XL Series[5]: 5.1 | XLII Series[6]: 5.1 | X3-45 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL-40 | XL-45 | XLII-40 | XLII-45 | (2006)[7]: 117 | (2019)[8]: 9.5 | |
| Generation | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3a | ||
| Length (nom.) | 40 ft (12.2 m) | 45 ft (13.7 m) | 40 ft (12.2 m) | 45 ft (13.7 m) | 45 ft (13.7 m) | |
| Wheelbase[a] | 280 in (7.11 m) | 315 in (8.00 m) | 279 in (7.09 m) | 317 in (8.05 m) | 334.5 in (8.50 m)[9] | |
| Overhang F/R | 69 / 77.5 in (1,753 / 1,968 mm) | 69 / 102.5 in (1,753 / 2,604 mm) | 70+3⁄4 / 82+1⁄2 in (1,797 / 2,096 mm) | 70+3⁄4 / 107+1⁄2 in (1,797 / 2,730 mm) | 72 / 90.5 in (1,829 / 2,299 mm)[9] | 71.2 / 86.6 in (1,808 / 2,200 mm) |
| Dry weight | 29,350 lb (13,313 kg) | 30,850 lb (13,993 kg) | — | 37,090 lb (16,820 kg) | 38,590 lb (17,500 kg)[9] | 37,100 lb (16,800 kg) |
| GVWR | 42,690 lb (19,364 kg) | 46,800 lb (21,228 kg) | 48,900 lb (22,181 kg) | 48,900 lb (22,200 kg) | 53,000 lb (24,000 kg) | |
Overall fuel consumption, as observed over a standardized driving route incorporating typical transit service routes serving downtown, arterial, and commuter areas, was 3.77 mpg‑US (62.4 l/100 km).[9]: 114
Prevost introduced theLeMirage in 1976 to replace its earlierChampion andPrestige 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, theLeMirage XL, followed in 1984, increasing the nominal width from 96 to 102 in (2,400 to 2,600 mm).[10] Prevost also introduced two sister models in 1984, grouping all three motorcoaches as theXL Series:Marathon XL, a stripped-down variant designed to be more economical than the LeMirage XL, andAstral XL, a premium variant with glass roof panels above the passengers, aimed at sightseeing bus tour operators.[11] All three of the XL Series buses introduced in 1984 have a nominal length of 40 ft (12.2 m).[12]: 58
An extended version, designatedXL-45, was added in 1992, with a nominal length of 45 ft (13.7 m). The XL-45 was introduced in part to compete with theMCI D-Series.[10] The second generation XLII series buses introduced in 2000 included bothXLII-40 andXLII-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.[10]
The New YorkMetropolitan 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 inPlattsburgh, New York, which it shares withNova Bus.[13] Prevost production at Plattsburgh concluded by the end of 2022, returning to its home factory in Quebec.[14]
In 1995, a 45 ft model, the XL-45 was introduced to compete with MCI's popular 102DL3