An Unbelievable Luxury Seated Coach, for Business and Pleasure
Royal Coach Tours, of San Jose, California, runs a fleet of more than 60 vehicles. From SUVs to shuttles, Sprinters to 45-foot coaches, their vehicle offerings fulfill a wide array of needs. Their newest people transporter, a 2003 MCI E4500, was created as a range-topping motor coach that would ‘wow’ anyone. Their concept for sweeping-curved sofas, electronics galore, and a convertible interior (what we will call “day to night”) was realized over a 13 week span.
From the moment you step aboard, the atmosphere engulfs you in a modern-rustic mix of high-end features and comforting amenities. Just behind the completely redone driver's area is an impressive etched acrylic panel was beautifully mounted between two poles, proudly displaying Royal Coach’s name and their elegant stagecoach logo. This unique, translucent sign is edge light with color changing LEDs that create a glow in only the etched parts of the material. This dramatic gem sits atop a storage cabinet that has a hidden 32” LED TV. Press a button and this television rises out of the Corian countertop. The 32” TV serves as entertainment to the first of three lounge areas that make up the majority of the fabricated-from-scratch interior. Custom curved countertops, gloss laminates, and amazingly soft distressed UltralLeather seating make this coach a sight to behold.
The flow then leads around to a large and extremely comfortable 6-person dinette. This booth area consists of 2 curved, opposing sofas with a massive Corian table/work surface. Just behind the dinette, and acting as a separation between this area and the next, is another suspended, etched acrylic panel. This panel, like the front, is edge lit for an incredible effect. When the accent lights are glowing, this panel shows the stagecoach logo and script text that speaks for the rest of the vehicle, “Step up to luxury.” Equally as impressive as the floating Royal Coach insignia is the second TV hidden beneath the Corian just in front of the sign. Press a button and a 40” LED TV rises, seemingly, from nowhere.
The third and final lounge area is easily the most unique. Two sofas nearly make a complete circle, allowing for a unique and intimate setting for meetings or presentations. This area also acts as the multimedia hub thanks to its cabinet-mounted 32” LED TV, wall-mounted 55” LED TV, multimedia stereo head-unit (with iPod/Phone plug-in), and an A/V cabinet containing controls for the In-Motion satellite, DVD player, Playstation3, and data-ports for the integration of laptops and similar electronics. Impressively, each television is on its own input, meaning each TV can show different content at the same time. Sound is played through the outstanding sound system featuring two amplified 10” subwoofers and 10 speakers built into the valance treatment. The vehicle does allows its corporate patrons to work, have fun, and entertain; which is seen most clearly in the removable "display" pole. The smoke detector overhead is not real, it simply disguises a mounting point for this lively conversation piece.
Beyond the circular presentation and “display” area is a gorgeous custom bathroom. With subtly curved walls, the driver’s side bathroom area is lush and elegant. Curved cabinetry adds to the soft feel of this space, as does the two-tiered, curved Corian countertop. A hammered stainless steel vessel sink sits atop the counter and adds a nice sparkle to the small space. Behind the restroom area is the final space within this coach. This area acts as a stewardess’ quarters for food and drink preparation, similar to a private jet setting. The galley features an L-shaped design with a stainless steel sink and microwave, 3.6cu.ft refrigerator/freezer, trash drop, and a custom stainless steel ice chest. The unique stewardess sofa hides within the cabinetry, but slides out when a comfortable seat is needed.