Mercedes-Benz updates A-Class

Plug-in hybrid A250e axed; entry price jumps $10K to $61,900 plus on-road costs

MERCEDES-BENZ has updated its A-Class small car for 2023 with updated looks, new technology, and an all-new price point. Additionally, the German importer has pulled the plug on its A250e PHEV variant, assumedly because of slow sales.

Getting behind the wheel of an entry-spec A200 hatch – which replaces the outgoing A180 – will cost $10,500 more than it did last month, the model now retailing from $61,900 plus on-road costs. The sedan counterpart jumps by $10,200 to start from $63,400 +ORC.

Sportier A250 4Matic (AWD) hatch and sedan variants increase by $5000 and $5500 respectively to now begin at $71,900 and $73,400 +ORC while the sizzling AMG A35 hatch and sedan step up $5900 and $6000 respectively to $87,900 and $89,400 +ORC.

Finally, the flagship AMG A45 S hatch takes a giant leap in terms of list price – up a whopping $13,000 to retail from $119,900 +ORC.

Stylistically, the updated A-Class range is characterised by a sportier, more muscular exterior with bonnet bulges and a steep “shark nose” defining the new-look front end. Flat headlights and a redesigned grille are complemented in profile by flush-set wheels of varying designs, and at the rear by a new diffuser and standard LED taillights.

Inside, the dashboard is dominated by twin 10.25-inch “floating” displays, new LED ambient lighting, a revised steering wheel in Nappa leather and a redesigned centre console. New comfort seats feature on even the entry grade, upholstered in Artico (artificial cow) upholstery.

But perhaps most importantly, the new A-Class is defined by a significant uptick in standard equipment. A panoramic sunroof is now standard alongside an AMG Line interior, metallic paint, electric adjustable front seats with memory function, keyless entry and push-button start, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera technology.

The in-car telematics system is revised to offer better performance and now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in addition to an extra USB-C port. Several spoken commands are now more intuitive, available without the ‘Hey Mercedes’ activation term.

Importantly, the new A-Class also received an update under the bonnet with the petrol engine range now including 48-volt mild hybrid technology as standard across the four-cylinder range.

The range now sees the A200 output 120kW/270Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 8.2 seconds (hatch) and 8.3 seconds (sedan), the A250 4Matic 165kW/350Nm and 6.3 seconds (hatch) or 6.4 seconds (sedan), the AMG A35 4Matic 225kW/400Nm and 4.7 seconds (hatch) or 4.8 seconds (sedan) and the fire-breathing AMG A45 S 4Matic 310kW/500Nm for a triple-digit dash of 3.9 seconds (hatch only).

Production of the facelifted A-Class range begins in July. Customer delivers are expected to commence towards the end of Q3 or early in Q4 of this year.

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.

Keyword: Mercedes-Benz updates A-Class