Mercedes has facelifted its entry-level family hatchback with a tweaked design and mild-hybrid powertrains
- Base, Progressive and AMG-Line trims
- Petrol models get 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance
- Due on sale in 2023
After four years on sale, Mercedes has facelifted the fourth-generation A-Class. Just like before, the new Mercedes A-Class is available in both hatchback and saloon bodystyles; however it now features a revised exterior design, 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, plus an update to the already impressive suite of on-board technology.
Pricing for the updated Mercedes A-Class is yet to be announced, but we expect it to start from slightly more than the outgoing car’s £32,250 base price when it goes on sale in 2023. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the premium family hatchback segment remains competitive, with the A-Class’ main rivals being the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and DS 4.
The average passerby may struggle to identify the facelifted A-Class from the outgoing model as the visual updates are subtle. The new baby Merc gets revised LED headlight and taillight designs, as well as a new bonnet with ‘power bulge’ creases. Top-spec AMG-Line models see even further changes with a deeper front bumper and rear diffuser, plus a new grille, studded with miniature three-pointed stars – as seen on the latest Mercedes C-Class.
Speaking of trim levels, buyers will be able to configure their A-Class in one of three distinct specifications: base, Progressive and AMG-Line. Mercedes claims standard equipment has increased across the range, with a Nappa leather steering wheel and reversing camera now coming as standard across the range. There are also four new alloy wheel designs to choose from, with the largest finished in gloss black and measuring 19 inches in diameter.
Like before, the Mercedes A-Class comes as standard with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen as well as a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, which can be upgraded to match the other display in size. These now run Mercedes’ latest iteration of its MBUX operating system and also come as standard with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Drivers can create individual profiles via the onboard fingerprint scanner, adjusting the seat position, climate controls and the overall look of the displays to their preferences.
The new A-Class also features Merc’s new multi-spoke steering wheel, which first debuted on the facelifted Mercedes E-Class. This has touch-sensitive controls to allow the driver to adjust settings on the infotainment screen without taking their hands off the wheel.
Under the bonnet, the facelifted A-Class gets what is perhaps its biggest overhaul over the outgoing car. The A 180, A 200 and A 250 petrol engines now receive assistance in the form of 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This works in tandem with the car’s four-cylinder motor to improve fuel economy, while also giving a temporary 14bhp extra boost under acceleration. Mercedes claims the A 180 should now be able to return around 50mpg on the combined WLTP cycle, with the more-powerful variants only slightly behind that.
Unlike the petrols, the three diesel models – the A 180 d, A 200 d and A 220 d – have not received any form of mild-hybrid tech. The base A 180 d is still said to return around 56mpg on the combined WLTP test cycle.
On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid A 250 e has been updated; the electric motor has been tweaked to bring the total power output to 215bhp – an increase of 7bhp. As before, Mercedes claims the plug-in A-Class will be able to travel around 44-50 miles on electric power alone, although in real-world driving it's likely to be towards the lower end of this estimate. Charging speeds are also up to 11kW AC from 7.5kW; topping up from 10-80% will now take as little as 25 minutes when connected to a public DC charger.
Those looking for even more power can opt for one of the two high-performance AMG variants. Like the standard petrols, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the A 35 has also received 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. This adds a temporary 14bhp boost to the car’s already impressive 302bhp output. Furthermore, the A 35 now comes fitted with the same eight-speed dual-clutch as the top-of-the-range 415bhp A 45 S – however, this does not get the mild-hybrid tech of its lesser siblings.
Keyword: New Mercedes A-Class gets mild-hybrid technology