The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is as youthful and dynamic as ever, but grown-up and comfortable like never before. It completely redefines modern luxury in the compact class, and revolutionizes interior design. Technologically the new A-Class not only takes first place thanks to MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience: it also offers a number of functions that were previously the preserve of the luxury class. In certain driving situations it is able to drive semi-autonomously for the first time, and MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are available on request. All models of the new A-Class are also powered by new, efficient diesel and petrol engines. And although Mercedes-Benz has retained the sporty appearance, the utility value has increased. The new A-Class has been available for ordering from March onwards, and the market launch commences in May.
With the fourth generation of the A-Class, Mercedes-Benz has redefined modern luxury in the compact class. To do this they have opted for a combination of uncompromisingly dynamic design and an intuitive operating concept. With MBUX – the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience – the brand has created a completely new customer experience.
The new A-Class embodies the next stage in Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy of Sensual Purity and has the potential to usher in a new design era with clear contours and sensual surfaces and high-tech that awakens emotions. Form and body are what remain when creases and lines are reduced to the extreme. The interior represents modern luxury at a level previously unattained in this class, and translates intelligent technology into an emotional overall experience.
The purist, surface-accentuating design of the new A-Class is the next step in the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of Sensual Purity. On the basis of a compact two-box design, optimized dimensions and proportions have led to a new interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s design.
The exterior of the new A-Class stands for sportiness, dynamism and emotion. The progressive front design with a low bonnet, flat LED headlamps (optional) with chrome elements and torch-like daytime driving lamps ensures an emotionally appealing and alluring appearance. The striking radiator grille with Mercedes star, whose silhouette opens out towards the base as a reinterpretation of its predecessor, features pins in a diamond look (optional) and a central silver louvre to underline the sportiness of this model.
The vehicle is visually extended by the longer wheelbase and character line along the side. The bonnet slopes down more heavily than in the preceding model series, emphasizing the dynamic, upright front. The larger wheel arches for wheels from 16 to 19 inches emphasize the sportiness of the new A-Class and make it sit more squarely on the road. The vehicle has a wider look at the rear end thanks to a more heavily waisted greenhouse which also emphasizes the shoulders, and to the wider-spaced rear reflectors in the modular, two-section rear bumper. The slim tail lamps are in two sections.
With a cd figure from 0.25 and a frontal area (A) of 2.19 m2, the new A-Class is the aerodynamic leader in its segment and better than the predecessor (cd figure: from 0.26/frontal area: 2.20 m2). For the first time in the compact class, Mercedes-Benz uses a two-section AIRPANEL (optionally available). This louvre system behind the radiator grille opens its adjustable louvres depending on the cooling requirement. There is an additional louvre system in the air inlet below the registration plate, which further improves system performance.
The new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the completely new multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which also ushers in a new era in Mercedes me connectivity. A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX is individualizable and adapts to suit the user. It thus creates an emotional connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. MBUX is a revolution of the user experience in the car. Emotively appealing showcasing features underline the comprehensibility of the control structure and thrill through brilliant 3D maximum-resolution graphics which are rendered, i.e. calculated and displayed, in real time.
Various engine options are available including A 200 (120 kW/163 hp, 250 Nm); with 7G‑DCT dual-clutch transmission (fuel consumption combined 5.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 120 g/km) or six-speed manual transmission (fuel consumption combined 5.8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 133 g/km). A 250 with 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (165 kW/224 hp), 350 Nm; fuel consumption combined 6.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 141 g/km); A 180 d with 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (85 kW/116 hp), 260 Nm; fuel consumption combined 4.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 108 g/km).
All the new A-Class models are powered by new, efficient engines: Two new four-cylinder petrol engines are available at market launch. Innovations in the M 282 with a displacement of 1.33 liters and up to 120 kW include cylinder shutoff (initially in conjunction with the 7G-DCT transmission) and the delta shape of the cylinder head. The second new petrol engine is the M 260 with a displacement of 2.0 liters, 165 kW and 350 Nm. New features include CAMTRONIC for the intake camshaft. Both petrol engine series have a particulate filter as standard.
Also new is the four-cylinder diesel (OM 608) with a displacement of 1.5 liters, up to 85 kW and up to 260 Nm. Its highlights are a near-engine mounted emission control system with AdBlue® technology, a turbocharger with optimized responsiveness and water intercooling. A new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission is also being introduced. Further new engines will follow. The fuel tank has a capacity of 43 liters as standard, with a 51-liter tank optionally available for the top models.
On request the new A-Class is available with the permanent all-wheel system 4MATIC with fully variable torque distribution. This sporty all-wheel drive system has been developed further, and now offers even more driving pleasure and efficiency. Using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch, the driver is able to influence the 4MATIC characteristics even more than before. 4MATIC components include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear axle differential with an integrated multi-plate clutch. This is no longer electro-hydraulically powered, but instead electro-mechanically.
