The ADL E400 MMC B5LH

It is quite a bit of a mouthful to say, but I'm sure as we become more familiar with the vehicle itself, a fitting nickname will follow as with many types before them and the type is arguably one of the most highly anticipated fleet of new vehicles, for obvious reasons.

In April 2014 as part of Stagecoach's national order, 18 E400 bodied Volvo B5LHs were included with the very prominent distinction that they would feature a new body, however at the time with no official announcement from ADL, myself just as much as anybody was left as dumbfounded as anyone as to what these new style E400 could look like. By the Summer pictures had surfaced as to what the new style body would look like which was followed by an official announcement from ADL.

Nevertheless the first four arrived at Stagecoach's Strathay Depot on the 23rd of April, with many complete with heavy branding and imagery to designate their Hybrid credentials. The three in the shot from left show 13046 SJ15 PVF , 13044 SJ15 PVL and 13045  SJ15 PVN, whilst the fourth a training bus HY14 BUS was sat inside the shed for staff familiarisation. Their fleet details follow below. 

13041 SJ15PUY 

13042 SJ15PUX 

13043 HY14BUS

13044 SJ15PVL 

13045 SJ15PVN 

13046 SJ15PVF 

13047 SJ15PVK 

13048 SJ15PVE 

13049 SJ15PVO 

13050 SA15VML 

13051 SA15VTW 

13052 SA15VTU 

13053 SA15VTY 

13054 SA15VTV 

13055 SA15VUX 

13056 SA15VTX 

13057 SA15VTZ 

13058 SA15VUY 

Seen here from the nearside angle in all heir glory, they do look remarkably similar to the Scania/E400 combination, one which had become so popular with the Stagecoach group over the years. 

Stagecoach Scotland E400 Volvo B5LH Offside 

Stagecoach Scotland E400 Volvo B5LH Interior - Upper deck

Stagecoach Scotland E400 Volvo B5LH Interior - lower deck

Stagecoach Scotland E400 Volvo B5LH Interior - lower deck

Stagecoach Scotland E400 Volvo B5LH Interior - Upper deck

Stagecoach Scotland E400 Volvo B5LH from the rear

The interior shows quite an unorthodox use of grey for the interior panelling while similarities can be drawn between the engine bay on these vehicles and the more familiar Wright Gemini B5LH. The vehicles themselves for their length weigh a noble 11,255KGS and seat an impressive 79 persons with space for 20 standees. The Stagecoach Scotland orders is followed by a further 21 which are due for Plumstead Garage route 177 in Summer whilst Go Ahead London have ordered 16 for their newly won 135 which will operate from their Silvertown Garage. Credit to our dear friend Gordon who supplied us with the photos and we must stress these must not be used without prior permission.