Motor Coach Industries J-Series

The Motor Coach Industries J-Series is a line of luxury motorcoaches sold in Canada and the United States.

History

The J-Series was developed to address the demand for a coach that was as attractive as the E-Series, but had less complex and expensive features. The first model, called the J4500, was 45-feet long and launched in 2001. The majority of the E-Series' exterior, designed by DesignworksUSA, was carried over to the J4500. Some of the minor differences included front marker lights, windshield, and rear end.

The rear of the J4500 was more contoured and had round tail lights. On early coaches, the tail light assemblies were behind a clear lens. This was deleted a few years into production as it was not uncommon for condensation to develop behind them. The tail lights were further revised in 2007.

In 2009, MCI made wide-ride suspension, electronic stability control, reverse sensing system, and Blaupunkt entertainment system standard features on the J4500. Amerex fire suppression system, Asset Tracking System (GPS) and DriveCam monitoring system also became options. MCI added a new interior lighting system which fades on and off in addition to optional LED cabin night lights.

MCI selected the Cummins ISX engine as standard for the EPA 2010-compliant J4500 with the Detroit Diesel DD13 as an option. The Allison automatic transmission remained the standard, with the ZF automatic-manual transmission becoming an option again later in 2011. The 2011-model year also saw the addition of a steerable tag axle and 15-inch television monitors.

MCI again worked with DesignworksUSA to redesign the J4500. The new J4500 was launched for the 2013-model year, with Peter Pan Bus Lines taking delivery of the first coach in the fall of 2012. The J4500 was given updated LED headlight clusters behind coated polycarbonate lenses. A trail of amber LEDs function as the turn signal. The more robust bumper has smooth recesses for fog lights. The rear was given sharper lines, and the centre brake lights were moved higher. Larger tail lights are set in a taller red bezel.

The driver's area was revised for greater visibility and accessibility. An optional driver's seat with three-point seat belt boasts an additional two inches of space. Drivers have optional "Yo" lights which are used to acknowledge passing vehicles.

The J4500 received a new parcel rack design in 2014 which affords passengers more headroom. They feature new multisets with improved layout and illuminated "fasten seatbelt" sign. The seating arrangement has been reconfigured to yield more legroom as well. An improved lavatory features more ventilation, better lighting, and a shatterproof mirror.

MCI added their Dynamic Suspension System which levels the coach based on loads and road surface. For the 2015-model year, independent front suspension replaced the solid beam front axle on the J4500. In addition, a new brake system from Bendix offers the option of adaptive cruise control.

At the end of June 2017, MCI introduced their 2018-model J4500. Beginning in 2015, MCI embarked on two projects: Interior Space Maximization and Interior Enhancement. The result was a host of new features as well as enhancements to the design of the coach.

At the rear, the air intake system, including the ducting, was relocated and reconfigured. The lavatory was also reconfigured. This allowed the rearmost row of seats to be moved back 20 inches, giving a 56-passenger seating configuration more leg room as well as allowing for a 60-passenger seating configuration. The relocation of the air intake system also allowed for a larger passenger window at the rear seats and option for a rear window.

In partnership with BMW Designworks USA, new interior features and enhancements were developed. New handrails and new parcel racks doors have finishes that resist scratches smudges and abrasions. The parcel racks now integrate with the front interior cap for a cleaner look. In addition, the windshield blinds now recess into the front cap. A new instrument panel makes use of a thin film transistor LCD screen. The left side console takes up less space and has improved switches, a flexible cup holder, and a place for a cell phone or personal items. The redesigned space offer more room for the driver and better visibility.

An option for variable RGB LED lighting is available that illuminates the J4500's characteristic entranceway. This can be expanded with mood lighting for the passenger cabin. A number of colours is available and custom combinations can be programmed. Dimming is also an option. A LED "puddle light", which projects a customized logo onto the ground, can be specified by the door.

At the start of 2017, MCI announced that they were developing a 35-foot J-Series model after customers expressed interest in a smaller coach similar in design to the J4500. In November, MCI previewed their J3500 at the opening of their Bay Area Sales and Service Center in Hayward, California. MCI expects to be ready to begin production of the J3500 by the end of 2018 with deliveries expected to begin in early 2019.

Model number breakdown

Model number	Years of manufacture	Image	Length (feet)	Width (inches)	Fuel	Notes
J4500	2001 to present		45'	102"	Diesel
J3500	2019 to present		35'	102"	Diesel
J4500 CHARGE formerly J4500e	2020 to present		45'	102"	Electric