THE MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS has revolutionised the small car market by bringing large luxury car attributes to smaller vehicles. Arriving in Australian showrooms later this month, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class receives various changes but also a significant lift in standard equipment (Which, in our experience, usually means “an increased price”).
The A-Class range now includes Panoramic Sunroof, AMG Line interior, exterior, Metallic Paint, Electric, Memory front seats, KEYLESS GO, DISTRONIC, and 360-degree camera across all engine types. The A‑Class remains available both as a Hatchback and as a Sedan.
With well-balanced overall proportions and attention to detail in its design, the latest generation of MBUX and a model range that is rigorously geared to customer wishes, the new Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class brings something special to the compact segment and offers customers class for every day.
Sporty, muscular exterior
Even from the front, the new A‑Class conveys power and dynamism. The front view is dominated by the forward-sloping bonnet with its two power bulges and steep ‘shark nose’, the redesigned radiator grille with star pattern and the flat headlamps. The sporty character is underlined by externally flush wheels with high-gloss black painted light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design and with a high-gloss rim flange for the now standard AMG Line. The new rear diffuser and the standard LED rear lights ensure a fascinating and emotionally appealing appearance by both day and night.
Individual interior with high-tech
Exclusiveness is also reflected in the interior of the new A‑Class. The absolute highlight is the standard freestanding dual-screen display with two 10.25‑inch displays that seem to float with their wide-screen look. The internal architecture, which is unique in this class, gives rise to a very special lighting ambience that is perhaps reminiscent of the illumination of a futuristic building at night. The three round turbine-look air vents, so typical of Mercedes‑Benz, are a homage to the world of aviation. The revised steering wheel of the current steering wheel generation, in Nappa leather as standard, is compact and matches the high-tech character of the redesigned centre console.
Inside, too, the model range covers all individualisation wishes: even in the base variant of the new A‑Class, Mercedes‑Benz offers a high-quality comfort seat with new, three-dimensionally embossed ARTICO upholstery. The AMG Line is designed for performance and features bright brushed aluminium trim and red contrasting topstitching in the ARTICO/MICROCUT seats.
More digital, smarter, safer
In the new A-Class, both hardware and software have taken a major leap forward: the latest generation of MBUX is intuitive to operate and capable of learning. The driver and central displays create a holistic, aesthetic experience and can be customised as desired with the help of the newly designed display styles (Classic with all relevant driver information, Sporty with the dynamic rev counter, Discreet with reduced content), three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service) and seven colour worlds. The central display offers all previous functions such as navigation, media, phone, vehicle, etc. and can be operated directly and conveniently as a touchscreen.
The telematics system has been revised and impresses with its new design and improved performance. Of course, connectivity with smartphones is possible via Apple Carplay or Android Auto Wireless, and for further connectivity an additional USB-C port has been added and the USB charging capacity increased once again.
With the activation of online services in the Mercedes me App the Hey Mercedes voice assistant in the new A-Class is now even more capable of dialogue and learning. For example, certain actions can also be triggered without the activation term “Hey Mercedes”. The MBUX voice assistant can also explain vehicle functions and provides support when you want to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or search for the first-aid kit.
The new A-Class has also been given an update in terms of safety assistance. With the upgrade of the Driver Assistance Package, for example, the control of the Lane Keeping Assist is much more comfortable by using the Active Steering Control. The next generation of the Parking Package supports longitudinal parking and offers, among other things, 360-degree visualisation for camera-assisted parking using 3D images.
Electrified and powerful drives
The new A-Class has also received an update with respect to its engines. The petrol engine range has been electrified throughout and includes four-cylinder units with a 7- or 8-speed DCT automatic as standard. As mild hybrids, these are equipped with an additional 48-volt electrical system that supports agility when starting off with 10kW more power.
The new belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) noticeably improves the comfort and experience for customers of the new A-Class. During starting operations, for example, the RSG ensures a lower-vibration and quieter start than conventional starters. In addition, it allows ‘sailing’ with the combustion engine switched off during steady cruising. During braking and overrun, the RSG recuperates and thus supplies the 12-volt on-board network and the 48-volt battery. The energy thus generated can be used during acceleration processes to support the combustion engine.
Mercedes-AMG A-Class
Power and style in a compact format – the new A-Class also makes its debut at Mercedes‑AMG and thus forms the sporty top end of the model series. The top model Mercedes‑AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ and especially the Mercedes‑AMG A 35 4MATIC benefit from the refresh from Affalterbach. With its revised look, the A 35 moves even closer to the AMG family and is still available as a Hatchback and as a Sedan, while the A 45 S is available as a Hatchback as before.
The revised front headlamps, the AMG-specific radiator grille and the new, round badge with the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath, immediately stand out when looking at the new Mercedes‑AMG A-Class. In addition, a new front apron and the power bulges familiar from the A 45 provide the A 35 with a new, coherent AMG face. The AMG look is underlined by the new wheel design, the rear spoiler lip, revised rear headlamps and the hallmark round exhaust pipes (twin-flow on the Mercedes‑AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+).
As standard, the new Mercedes-AMG A-Class offers the AMG Performance steering wheel including AMG steering wheel buttons, with which the driver can control AMG-specific features such as the three-stage ESP or AMG Dynamics – without taking their hand off the steering wheel.
There is also an engine update in the Mercedes-AMG A-Class. In line with the production models, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 is equipped with a 48-volt auxiliary power supply and belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) and achieves an output of 225 kW/306 hp with a maximum torque of 400 Nm. As a mild hybrid, the RSG supports agility with 10 kW more power at start-up. In addition, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed transmission is now on board and the new front radiator facilitates temperature management at the limit.
A 200 Hatch $61,900 (plus on road costs)
Engine Highlights
120 kW, 270 Nm, 0-100km/h: 8.2s
Mild Hybrid (only from July 2023 production)
Standard Equipment Highlights
AMG Line
Electric, memory and heated front seats
DISTRONIC with Active Lane Keeping
Panoramic Sliding Sunroof
360-degree Camera
KEYLESS-GO
A 250 4MATIC Hatch $71,900 (plus on road costs)
Engine Highlights
165 kW, 350 Nm, 0-100km/h: 6.3s
Mild Hybrid
Standard Equipment Highlights
AMG Line
Electric, memory and heated front seats
DISTRONIC with Active Lane Keeping
Panoramic Sliding Sunroof
360-degree Camera
KEYLESS-GO
Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Hatch $87,900 (plus on road costs)
Engine Highlights
225 kW, 400 Nm, 0-100km/h: 4.7s
Mild Hybrid
Standard Equipment Highlights
AMG Night Package II
Red Painted Brake Callipers
AMG Track Pace
AMG Real Performance Sound
AMG RIDE CONTROL Suspension
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Hatch $119,900 (plus on road costs)
Engine Highlights
310 kW, 500 Nm, 0-100km/h: 3.9s
Standard Equipment Highlights
AMG Night Package II
Red Painted Brake Callipers
AMG Track Pace
AMG Real Performance Sound
Driver Assistance Package
A 200 Sedan $63,400 (plus on road costs)
Engine Highlights
120 kW, 270 Nm, 0-100km/h: 8.3s
Mild Hybrid (from July 2023 production onwards)
Standard Equipment Highlights
AMG Line
Electric, memory and heated front seats
DISTRONIC with Active Lane Keeping
Panoramic Sliding Sunroof
360-degree Camera
KEYLESS-GO w/ HANDS-FREE ACCESS
A 250 4MATIC Sedan $73,400 (plus on road costs)
Engine Highlights
165 kW, 350 Nm, 0-100km/h: 6.4s
Mild Hybrid
Standard Equipment Highlights
AMG Line
Electric, memory and heated front seats
DISTRONIC with Active Lane Keeping
Panoramic Sliding Sunroof
360-degree Camera
KEYLESS-GO w/ HANDS-FREE ACCESS
Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan $89,400 (plus on road costs)
Engine Highlights
225 kW, 400 Nm, 0-100km/h: 4.8s
Mild Hybrid
Standard Equipment Highlights
AMG Night Package II
Red Painted Brake Callipers
AMG Track Pace
AMG Real Performance Sound
AMG RIDE CONTROL Suspension