Striking contours, dynamically sweeping surfaces and coupƩ-like window lines characterise the exterior of the A-Class.
With a new, more arrow-shaped front bumper, new LED High Performance headlamps and modified tail lights, the new generation emphasises the sportiness and dynamism of the successful compact-class model series.
The equipment range has been expanded in many areas: new features include DYNAMIC SELECT, suspension with Adaptive Damping System and smartphone integration via AppleĀ® CarPlayĀ® and MirrorLinkĀ®[1].
The A-Class is available in a fresh new “on-trend” colour elbaite green metallic, and there is a special “Motorsport Edition” model, which will particularly appeal to motor racing aficionados. The new-generation A-Class is available to order now, priced from 23,746.45 euros[2].
Depending on the model, the moderate increase in price is somewhere between 184.45 and 892.50 euros (Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC). The first models will be in dealer showrooms at the end of September.
The new entry-level model in the expanded A-Class model range is the A 160 with 75 kW (102 hp). With the addition of this model, the A-Class price list now starts at 23,746.45 euros.
The new efficiency champion is the 80 kW (109 hp) A 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, which gets by on NEDC fuel consumption of just 3.5 l/100 km. CO2 emissions are 89 g/km. The A 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition is available from 27,851.95 euros.
With its dramatic design in the style of the successful MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team, the special “Motorsport Edition” model will particularly appeal to motor racing fans. Areas of the front and rear bumper trim are painted in petrol green.
The same colour adorns the rim flanges of the AMG light-alloy wheels. Eye-catching details in the interior include the petrol green surrounds of the air vents and the contrasting topstitching in petrol green.
The “Motorsport Edition” is available for all engine variants from A 200/A 200 d (with the exception of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC). Depending on the engine variant, it will cost an additional 4849.25 to 6307.00 euros.
The engine, transmission and steering characteristics of the A-Class can now be adjusted at the touch of a button with the optional extra DYNAMIC SELECT. The driver can select one of four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Eco and Individual.
The A 200 d 4MATIC, A 220 4MATIC, A 220 d, A 220 d 4MATIC, A 250 4MATIC, A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC models are equipped with DYNAMIC SELECT as standard.
The system is also included as standard on all models with 7G-DCT, AMG Line, lowered suspension or the new suspension with Adaptive Damping System. DYNAMIC SELECT is optionally available for all other engine variants, except the two BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models, for an additional 95.20 euros.
DYNAMIC SELECT allows a particularly broad range of setting options in combination with the new suspension with Adaptive Damping System (optional extra, from 892.50 euros). In this case the driver is able to modify the vehicle’s damping characteristics using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch.
There is a choice between Comfort mode with comfortable damping characteristics and Sport mode for a sporty and more taut damper setup.
The new-generation A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to be available with comprehensive smartphone integration. From the beginning of 2016 the AppleĀ® CarPlayĀ® (for iPhoneĀ® owners) and MirrorLinkĀ® infotainment systems will be available.
MirrorLinkĀ® allows compatible smartphones to be integrated into the vehicle and smartphone content to be shown on the A-Class display. MirrorLinkĀ® is a standard developed by a consortium of companies from the automotive and IT industries to promote a standardised interface for transmitting display content and control commands.
Devices and apps are certified accordingly by the Car Connectivity Consortium
Orders can already be placed for the infotainment systems. From the beginning of 2016, smartphone integration will be a standard feature in combination with COMAND Online and available on request in conjunction with Audio 20 (smartphone integration package including micro USB and iPhoneĀ® Lightning cables for Audio 20: 357 euros).
Apart from their distinctive look, the LED High Performance headlamps (1041.25 euros, standard for Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC) offer added safety at night thanks to their wide beam pattern, a light which has a colour similar to daylight and low energy consumption. On unlocking the vehicle, the driver is welcomed by the “coming home” function with its unusual light show. The daytime running lamps first light up in blue, followed by a soft transition to white.
Ambient lighting, available on request (142.80 euros), creates a unique and pleasant atmosphere inside the vehicle with twelve different colours which can be dimmed in five stages. On entering the vehicle the driver is also welcomed by a sophisticated lighting effect.
The A-Class is available in a fresh new “on-trend” colour elbaite green metallic (666.40 euros).
Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC: the world’s most powerful compact sports model
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC (51,051.00 euros) has also benefited from the facelift. Now with peak output of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 Nm, the entry-level model from Mercedes-AMG is the world’s most powerful compact sports model, delivering 15 kW or 21 hp more than its predecessor.
Standard features of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC include LED High Performance headlamps and the new AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “Individual”. The standard all-wheel drive and the optional front axle differential, available for the first time, ensure the best possible traction, even on tight bends (part of the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for 2618.00 euros).
Success story: two out of three customers new to Mercedes-Benz
The new A-Class was launched on the market in September 2012. Owing to the great success enjoyed by this model around the world, it is manufactured not only in Rastatt, but, since August 2013, also by the Finnish production specialist Valmet Automotive. Its popularity soared by over 46% in the United Kingdom last year, and by over 51% in the growth market China. However, most A-Class vehicles continue to be sold to customers in Germany.
Around one in two drivers of a Mercedes-Benz A-Class or B-Class, GLA or CLA in Germany and Western Europe previously drove a rival vehicle. In the case of the A–Class, no less than two out of three European customers come from competing brands.
