The all-new Mercedes A-Class has arrived with an arsenal of new technology and luxury features to battle the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.
After what seems like months of previews, teasers and spy-shots, the wraps have finally come off the all-new Mercedes A-Class. According to the company, it will bring new levels of luxury and technology to its class. The New A-Class goes on sale in March 2018 with prices expected to begin at around £24,000.
The new rival for the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series will be seen in the flesh for the first time at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. However, one look at these pictures will tell you that the new model is still very obviously an A-Class – indeed, Mercedes itself refers to the new A-Class as just a ‘new interpretation’ of the design.
"The new A-Class is aiming to ride the tech ticket to the top of the class." Our view on the new A-Class.
There are, however, several subtle changes over the previous generation Mercedes A-Class. The bonnet, for instance, slopes more sharply than in the previous version, the wheelarches are larger, and the rear end looks wider than before. It’s also a longer car, with the front and rear wheels further apart. In part, this is all designed to make the car look sportier, but it also helps to give it class-leading aerodynamics.
New Mercedes A-Class: interior design and technology
If you want revolution, rather than evolution, then look inside. The ground-breaking design (which was first seen last year) features a pair of free-standing instrument panels and turbine-style air vents, with ambient lighting used to highlight the separate sections of the dashboard.
It doesn’t just look different; it works in a very different way, too, using the Mercedes-Benz User Experience system that we first saw at CES in January. Not only can this learn through artificial intelligence, it can be personalized and adapted to each user.
That means the digital screens can be set up to display the driver’s preferred combination of information in the way they want. On top of that, the system learns if you phone the same people or tune to certain radio stations at particular times of day; and, if you do, the system then suggests these to the driver at the appropriate moment.
Similarly, if the driver sets out to what the system recognizes as a regular destination, navigation will automatically start in the background; and, once the driver confirms the destination, all the information about the route, such as congestion and any other problems, will already be available.
The system also gives access to the ever-expanding Mercedes ‘me connect’ services. These include everything from extra navigation features to an in-car office and the ability to book your car in for a service remotely.
We’ve already tried the system and were extremely impressed at how easy it was to work through the various menus and to control everything.
Drivers can control the new A-Class infotainment system in several ways – by voice control, the touchscreen, a touch-pad on the centre console or touch-sensitive panels on the steering wheel. The standard system has a pair of 7-inch screens, the one in centre of the car being a touchscreen. Buyers then have the option of upgrading, by having either a 10.25-inch touchscreen or two 10.25-inch screens. A head-up display can also be fitted as a further option.
One of the most interesting features is the ‘augmented reality’ navigation, which superimposes navigation information on top of a live video image taken by the front camera.
The voice control system, too, is said to be very sophisticated and is activated either by pressing a button on the steering wheel or by simply saying ‘Hey Mercedes’, much like the Siri system on an iPhone.
According to the company, the system can recognize everyday language, rather than just responding to set commands. For instance, Mercedes says that not only will it respond to indirect comments like ‘I am cold’ rather than ‘temperature to 24 degrees’, it can also learn new words, as it takes information from both the on board software and the cloud.
New Mercedes A-Class: passenger comfort, practicality and safety
Passengers, meanwhile, will appreciate the extra space inside, with more shoulder, elbow and headroom throughout, as well as easier access to the rear seats. The boot, too, is bigger, while the opening is wider, the rear seats backs can be set more upright to take bulky items in the boot, and there is more stowage space in the cabin.
Various features more readily associated with luxury cars are also available in the new A-Class. So, buyers can choose heating and ventilation, as well as a massaging system, for the front seats.
• New Mercedes A-Class prototype ride review
Similarly, some of the advanced driver-assistance and safety systems from the S-Class luxury car have been introduced on the A-Class. That means the new hatchback can drive semi-autonomously in certain situations, with the camera and radar systems able to see up to 500 m ahead.
The Active Distance Assist Distronic system will maintain a set distance behind the vehicle in front and give steering assistance, even in corners. And, beyond that, it also uses map data to adjust the car’s speed approaching bends or roundabouts.
Every model in the range will come with Active Brake Assist (which can help to mitigate the effects of a rear-end collision or possibly prevent it completely) and Attention Assist, which will warn the driver if they are showing signs of fatigue.
Among the options are Multibeam LED headlights. With 18 individually activated LEDs in each headlight, they can adjust automatically to the driving situation.
Mercedes A-Class: new engines, performance and economy
There will eventually be a full range of engines, but at launch the A-Class will come with just two engines. Both are brand new turbocharged units, and the A 200 has a four-cylinder 1.4-litre petrol engine that develops 161bhp. When paired with the dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, it has cylinder shut-off technology that helps to give claimed fuel economy of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 120g/km.
Meanwhile, to start with, the only diesel option is the A 180d. This turbocharged 1.5-litre unit develops 114bhp, has claimed fuel economy of 68.9mpg and emits 108g/km of CO2.
Four-wheel drive will also be available, along with three choices of suspension. As an alternative to the standard arrangement, buyers can opt for a 15mm lower set-up, designed to give sportier handling, or active damping control.
With this system, not only can drivers choose their preferred damping characteristics, the system also uses information from the transmission, brakes, steering and engine to adjust the suspension accordingly. For example, when the car is accelerating or braking, the damping is stiffened to reduce pitching or body roll.
Mercedes A-Class: prices and on release date
Prices and specifications for the new A-Class are yet to be confirmed, but it will go on sale on March 5th, with deliveries expected to begin in June. Of the first models to arrive, the A 180d is expected to cost from around £24,000. We know that cheaper versions will follow later in the year, but there is no indication yet of how much they will cost.
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