STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the facelifted A-Class along with its AMG variant.
The A-Class remains available as a hatchback and as a sedan.
It comes with the latest generation of MBUX
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, available as an option in an LED variant.
The sporty character is underlined by externally flush wheels with four additional rim designs in sizes up to 19 inches, including optional high-gloss black painted light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design and with a high-gloss rim flange for the AMG Line.
It comes with a new rear diffuser and standard LED rear lights.
The high-class exterior is complemented by a variety of non-metallic/metallic and MANUFAKTUR paint finishes.
The cabin highlight is the standard freestanding dual-screen display with a 7-inch and the larger 10.25-inch display taking centre stage.
Optional are two 10.25-inch displays that appear to float with their wide-screen look.
The internal architecture, which is unique in this class, gives rise to a special lighting ambience that is perhaps reminiscent of the illumination of a futuristic building at night.
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.
Even in the base variant, Mercedes-Benz offers a high-quality comfort seat whose new, three-dimensionally embossed ARTICO upholstery further emphasises the sportiness of the vehicle.
The Progressive trim level offers three different interior colours: black, a luxurious-looking beige and the new, zeitgeisty sage grey. A new, dark carbon-fibre look trim element further enhances both the instrument panel and the doors in these models.
The AMG Line is designed for performance and features bright brushed aluminium trim and red contrasting topstitching in the Artico/Microcut seats.
The comfort seats feature fabrics in the centre section that are made from 100 percent recycled material. In the case of Artico/Microcut seats, this proportion is 65 percent in the surface of the seat and 85 percent in the material underneath.
Even in its standard specification, the new A-Class offers many included features, for example a reversing camera, the USB Package or the steering wheel in nappa leather. From the Progressive trim level upwards, customers can also look forward to LED headlamps, a seat with lumbar support, the Parking Package and the Mirror Package as standard.
Overall, Mercedes has again significantly simplified the offer logic for the equipment packages in order to reduce the time-consuming selection of many individual options.
Functional features that are frequently ordered together are now bundled into equipment packages on the basis of actual buyer behaviour. Further functional options are available in addition. Where design options such as paint finish, upholstery, trim and wheels are concerned, customers can still configure their vehicles individually as before.
Mercedes-Benz said the latest generation of MBUX is intuitive to operate and capable of learning.
Display styles have been revised – 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 as a touchscreen.
The telematics system has been revised and comes with improved performance.
A new feature is the integration of a fingerprint sensor (expected to be available from the 1st quarter of 2023) for the identification and authorisation of the driver.
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.
Initially available exclusively in Germany, the new audio travel guide “Tourguide”, part of the “MBUX Voice Assistant” from Mercedes me, adds an exciting feature to the previous travel information functions.
In response to the voice command “Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide”, the MBUX infotainment system reads out extensive information about points of interest along the route and reacts to the 3,400 brown tourist information signs along the German highways, among other things.
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.
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 10 kW 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 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.
The new A-Class takes another big step with the plug-in hybrid drives A 250 e Hatchback and A 250 e Saloon.
The high-voltage battery has been improved once again, so that the higher usable energy content leads to an increase in the electric range. The power of the electric motor has been increased by 5 kW and now reaches a driveline power of 80 kW.
As far as charging is concerned, there are still three options available: in addition to the 3.7 kW standard, the improved battery can now also be charged with alternating current and up to 11 kW, instead of only 7.4 kW as before.
The new A-Class also continues to offer the option of charging the battery with direct current and up to 22 kW. A DC charge from 10% to 80% takes around 25 minutes.
The top model Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ benefit from a 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 saloon, while the A 45 S is available as a hatchback as before.
The AMG variants comes with revised front headlamps, AMG-specific radiator grille and the new, round badge with the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath.
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. In addition, the familiar AMG performance seat is now also available in the trendy sage grey colour.
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/306hp with a maximum torque of 400Nm.
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.
The new Mercedes-AMG A-Class also benefits from the latest MBUX generation: Increased performance, the integration of the fingerprint sensor (expected to be available from the 1st quarter of 2023) for profile authorisation in the central display, more USB charging power and the new hallmark AMG screen design.
For the market launch of the new Mercedes-AMG A-Class, a special version of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ will also be available exclusively and for a limited time.
The AMG Street Style Edition has extrovert and exclusive equipment elements. With the base paint in mountain grey magno and the edition-specific foiling with colour gradient in black/anthracite matt and colour accents in fluorescent orange, it emphasises the elements of the Aerodynamics Package.
The look is complemented by the newly designed 19-inch wheels in matt black and the bright red brake callipers.
Inside, the AMG Performance seat in black Microcut microfibre is adorned with seams and highlights in bright orange.
The AMG Performance steering wheel in leather/Microcut with contrasting orange stitching and the AMG trim elements in aluminium with the same pattern as the exterior foiling add further accents to the interior.
With its four cylinders, the AMG Street Style Edition produces 310 kW (421 hp) and comes with the AMG Aerodynamics Package, the AMG Night Package I and II and the stand-alone AMG fuel filler cap.
Keyword: Mercedes unveils refreshed A-Class