Mercedes-Benz puts attention to detail and latest MBUX version on new A-Class

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new A-Class, which features precisely balanced overall proportions, a meticulous attention to detail in its design, the latest generation of MBUX, and a model range that is focused on customer demands.

The A-Class is still offered as a hatchback and a sedan.

The new A-Class exudes strength and dynamism even from the front. The flat headlamps, the new radiator grille with star pattern, the forward-sloping bonnet with two power bulges, and the steep “shark nose” define the front view. Externally flush wheels with four additional rim styles and sizes up to 19 inches, including optional high-gloss black-painted light alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design and a high-gloss rim flange for the AMG Line, emphasize the vehicle’s athletic appearance. A captivating and appealing look is provided by the redesigned rear diffuser and the standard LED rear lights, both during the day and at night. An alluring selection of exterior paintwork, including Manufaktur paint finishes and a range of non-metallic/metallic paint finishes, perfectly complements the A-Class' high-class appearance.

On the inside, the new A-Class is equipped with a freestanding dual-screen display with a  seven-inch display and a 10.25-inch display. Two 10.25-inch displays with wide-screen look are optional. The interior architecture, which is unique in its class, creates a highly unusual lighting ambiance that is similar to the illumination of a futuristic building at night. The three round air vents with a turbine-like appearance pay homage to the aviation industry. The new steering wheel is compact and complements the high-tech look of the revamped center console. It is wrapped in nappa leather.

Mercedes-Benz offers a premium comfort seat even in the base model of the new A-Class, and the new three-dimensionally embossed Artico upholstery further highlights the sporty nature of the car. The Progressive trim level comes in three interior color options: black, an opulent beige, and the modern sage gray. The instrument panel and doors in these models are further improved by a new, dark trim element with a carbon-fiber effect. The performance-oriented AMG Line has bright brushed aluminum trim with red topstitching on the Artico/Microcut seats.

Mercedes-Benz has set the objective in its Ambition 2039 to introduce a CO2-neutral fleet of new passenger cars and vans across the entire value chain and life cycle starting in 2039. It targets to cut CO2 emissions per passenger car in half across the entire life cycle of the new vehicle fleet compared to 2020 by the end of this decade. The use of recycled materials is one approach. The composition of the materials to be used was therefore assessed during the design of the new B-Class, and potential for more environmentally friendly alternatives were considered. The center portion of the comfort seats has fabrics that are entirely made from recycled materials. In the case of Artico/Microcut seats, this ratio is 65% in the seat surface and 85% in the material underneath.

The new A-Class comes with a lot of standard features, including a reversing camera and the USB package. From the Progressive trim level upwards, there are LED headlamps, a seat with lumbar support, the Parking Package, and the Mirror Package.

The offer logic for the equipment packages has been greatly simplified once again by Mercedes-Benz to cut down on the time-consuming selection of numerous individual options. Functional features that are usually ordered together are now grouped into equipment packages on the basis of actual customer behavior. There are also other functional options available. Customers can still customize their vehicles individually as before when it comes to design features like paint finish, upholstery, trim, and wheels.

Both hardware and software have significantly upgraded in the new A-Class. For instance, the latest MBUX generation is user-friendly and capable of learning. With the help of the newly designed display styles, three modes, and seven color worlds, the driver and center displays create a comprehensive, aesthetically pleasing experience that can be customized as desired. All previous functions, including navigation, media, and phone, are available on the central display, which may be managed directly and conveniently as a touchscreen.

The new telematics system features a new design and upgraded performance. A fingerprint sensor has also been integrated, which will be used to identify and authorize the driver starting in the first quarter of 2023. An additional USB-C port has been added, and the USB charging capacity has once again improved. The new A-Class also comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Wireless.

The Hey Mercedes voice assistant in the new A-Class is now even more conversant and savvy, thanks to the activation of online services in the Mercedes me app. Some actions can also be started with using the “Hey Mercedes” activation term. Additionally, the MBUX voice assistant can describe how the vehicle works and offers assistance when the driver needs to pair their smartphone with Bluetooth or look for the first-aid kit.

The new Tourguide audio travel guide, a feature of the MBUX Voice Assistant, is an exciting addition to the system’s existing travel information features. The MBUX infotainment system reacts to the approximately 3,400 brown tourist information signs along German motorways and reads out substantial information about points of interest along the route in response to the voice command “Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide.”

Safety assistance has also been upgraded on the new A-Class. The control of Lane Keeping Assist is much more convenient with the Driver Assistance Package upgrade. The next generation of the Parking Package offers 360-degree visualization for camera-assisted parking using 3D images and supports longitudinal parking.

The engines in the new A-Class have also received upgrades. The entire petrol engine lineup has been electrified, and the four-cylinder engines come standard with a seven- or eight-speed DCT automatic. With an additional 48-volt electrical system that supports agility when starting with 10kW more power, the new A-Class is considered as mild hybrid.

Customers of the new A-Class will also notice a significant improvement in comfort and experience, thanks to the new belt-driven starter generator (RSG). The RSG ensures a quieter and lower-vibration start than conventional starters. It also enables consistent cruising when “sailing” with the combustion engine off. The RSG recovers energy during braking and overrun and supplies both the 12-volt onboard network and the 48-volt battery. The energy produced can support the combustion engine during acceleration. The new Eco Score 3.0 allows the driver to drive more fuel-efficiently through the varied assessment of different driving phases.

The high-voltage battery has undergone yet another improvement, increasing the electric range due to the higher usable energy content. The electric motor now has a driveline power of 80kW after having it increased by 5kW. Aside from the 3.7kW standard, the upgraded battery can now be charged with alternating current and up to 11kW, rather than only 7.4kW as previously. The option to charge the battery with direct current and up to 22kW is also available with the new A-Class. A DC charge from 10% to 80% can be completed in around 25 minutes.

The new A-Class also makes its debut at Mercedes-AMG, establishing the sporty top end of the series. The top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ and the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic both benefit from the Affalterbach update. The A 45 S and A 35 are still offered as hatchback, but the A 35 has a new look that brings it even closer to the AMG family.

When viewing the new Mercedes-AMG A-Class, the new front headlamps, the AMG-specific radiator grille, and the new round badge with the AMG emblem immediately stand out. The A35 also gets a fresh, coherent AMG face, thanks to a redesigned front apron and the power bulges from the A 45. The new wheel design, the rear spoiler lip, the new rear headlamps, and the signature round exhaust pipes all emphasize the AMG appearance.

The new Mercedes-AMG A-Class comes standard with the AMG Performance steering wheel, which has controls for operating AMG-specific features like the three-stage ESP or AMG Dynamics without taking the hand off the wheel.  Furthermore, the classic AMG performance seat is now offered in the modern sage gray hue.

The Mercedes-AMG A-Class also features an upgraded engine. The A 35 is outfitted with an RSG and a 48-volt auxiliary power supply, and produces 306hp and 400Nm of torque. The new front radiator helps with temperature control, and an AMG Speedshift DCT eight-speed transmission has been added.

Driving in the new AMG A-Class is an interactive pleasure, thanks to the new signature AMG screen design.

A very special edition of Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ will also be available exclusively and for a short period of time: the AMG Street Style Edition that dazzles with expressive and exclusive equipment components. With the base paint in mountain gray magno and the edition-specific foiling with color gradient in black/anthracite matt and color highlights in fluorescent orange, it highlights the components of the Aerodynamics Package. The new 19-inch matt black wheels and the bright red brake calipers beautifully complete the look.

The AMG Street Style Edition’s interior is also distinguishable. The AMG Performance seat in black Microcut microfiber is embellished with orange seams and highlights. The orange label on the headrest makes it clear which Mercedes-AMG model the car is. Other interior features include the AMG Performance steering wheel in leather/Microcut with contrasting orange stitching and the AMG trim elements in aluminum with the same pattern as the exterior foiling.

The AMG Street Style Edition has a four-cylinder engine that generates 421hp and comes with the AMG Night Package I and II and the standalone AMG fuel filler cap.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

Also read: Enjoy a sporty, high-tech drive with the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class