As far as styling is concerned, the new A-Class represents a next step in Mercedes‘ design philosophy of Sensual Purity. Gone are the aggressive lines of the third-generation model, replaced by a more elegant and mature aesthetic, similar in design to the all-new CLS.
Helping the new A-Class stand out is its progressive front end design, characterized by the low bonnet, flat LED headlights with chrome elements and the torch-like DRLs. Compared to its predecessor, the bonnet of the new model slopes down more heavily, giving the front end a more dynamic appearance.
Meanwhile, larger wheel arches (for 16 to 19-inch alloys) help the new A-Class look more purposeful on the road.
The rear end design does its part too, giving off the impression that the car is more muscular and ready to pounce. As for the slim, two-section taillights, they seem far removed from the chunky aesthetic of the old ones.
What it’s like inside?
Moving on to the interior reveals just how many big strides Mercedes have made with regards to this model. The cabin features a more modern, “avant-garde look”, as the automaker puts it, while the wing-shaped main body of the dashboard extends from one door to the other. While the ambient lighting could easily take your breath away with the 64 available colors, what really stands out about the all-new A-Class’ interior is its free-standing widescreen display.
Future buyers can choose between the following three touchscreen display combos: either two 7-inch displays (17.78 cm), one 7-inch and one 10.25-inch (26 cm) display or two massive 10.25-inch displays.
Looks aside, uttering the phrase ‘Hey Mercedes’ will introduce you to the MBUX, as the new A-Class is the first ever Mercedes-Benz model to feature this completely new multimedia system. What sets MBUX apart is its ability to learn thanks to Artificial Intelligence technology, potentially creating an emotional connection between the vehicle and its driver/passengers. As for other impressive tech-related features, there is the head-up display, Car-to-X communication, the Vehicle Tracker and the Mercedes Me app collection.
Has it really grown up?
Since this model has grown up in more ways than one, we should mention that there is more shoulder, elbow and headroom than ever before, and it’s all thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track. There’s even more room for luggage with a total of 370 liters (13 cu.ft) available – 29 liters (1.02 cu.ft) more than in the previous model.
If that’s not impressive enough, consider that the all-new A-Class comes with not just heated seats but also seat climate control and a Multicontour Seat package with massage function (for the front seats).
On the road, the 2018 A-Class borrows heavily from the flagship S-Class model, boasting features such as Active Distance Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and Active Brake Assist (standard), while the PRE-SAFE Plus function can recognize an imminent rear-end collision and firmly apply the brakes, minimizing a potential forward jolt.
Tell me about the engine specs
Powering the car, at first, will be three engine variants – two petrol models (A 200 and A 250) and a diesel (A 180 d). The A 200 will utilize a 1.4-liter four-cylinder unit, good for 163 PS (160 HP) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, combined with either a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic or a six-speed manual. The A 250 on the other hand comes with a 2.0-liter four-banger, with 224 PS (221 HP) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. As for the four-cylinder diesel, it has a displacement of 1.5-liters, pushing out 116 PS (114 HP) and 260 Nm (191 lb-ft) of peak torque. The A 250 and A 180d will initially only come with the 7G-DCT gearbox.
As for performance, the A 200 can sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8 seconds flat (7G-DCT) or 8.2 seconds with the manual. Top speed is 225 km/h (139 mph) and the average fuel consumption stands at 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) for the automatic and 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) for the manual. The more powerful A 250 needs just 6.2 seconds to hit 100 km/h, maxing out at 250 km/h (155 mph) and averaging (when possible) 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg). As expected, the diesel will be the most fuel efficient, in need of just 4.1 l/100 km (57.3 US mpg). It will also do 0-100 in 10.5 seconds and max out at 202 km/h (125 mph).
Upon request, buyers can opt for the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as well as a choice of suspension systems, with available active damping control.
So, when can I buy it?
The 2018 all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go on sale in Europe next month, taking the fight to the likes of the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3, Infiniti Q30 and Volvo V40.
Article has been updated with live images from the presentation
